5 Shocking Revelations About Elliot Page’s Kitty Pryde Role And The MCU Reboot Casting

The conversation around Elliot Page’s portrayal of Kitty Pryde, the beloved mutant Shadowcat, has been reignited in late 2025 as Marvel Studios moves closer to its much-anticipated X-Men reboot for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Page, who brought the phasing hero to life in two major Fox-era films, stands as an iconic piece of X-Men cinematic history, but the question of his return—or a complete recasting—is now at the center of fan speculation. This deep dive explores Page's history with the character, the significance of his performance, and the most current, up-to-date rumors about Kitty Pryde's future in the MCU. The transition from the Fox X-Men universe to the MCU is proving to be a complex process, with Marvel seemingly opting for a fresh start rather than utilizing the multiverse to bring back every previous actor. While Page has expressed a strong desire to reprise the role in the past, new casting rumors for the MCU’s *X-Men* film are circulating, creating a fascinating tension between legacy and a new vision.

Elliot Page: A Brief Biography and X-Men Legacy

Elliot Page, born February 21, 1987, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, first rose to international prominence with his critically acclaimed performance in the 2007 film *Juno*, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.

• Full Name: Elliot Philpotts-Page (Born Ellen Grace Philpotts-Page)
• Date of Birth: February 21, 1987
• Place of Birth: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Notable Films: *Juno* (2007), *Inception* (2010), *Hard Candy* (2005)
• Television Roles: Vanya/Viktor Hargreeves in *The Umbrella Academy* (2019–Present)
• X-Men Appearances as Kitty Pryde:
  • *X-Men: The Last Stand* (2006)
  • *X-Men: Days of Future Past* (2014)
• Transgender Transition: Page publicly came out as a transgender man in December 2020.
• Memoir: Author of the 2023 memoir, *Pageboy*.

Page first took on the role of Kitty Pryde, also known as Shadowcat, in 2006's *X-Men: The Last Stand*, directed by Brett Ratner. His role was expanded significantly in the 2014 sequel, *X-Men: Days of Future Past*, directed by Bryan Singer, where Kitty Pryde’s phasing abilities became central to the plot, allowing her to send Wolverine’s consciousness back in time. This performance cemented his version of the character as a fan favorite, praised for her emotional depth and pivotal action sequences.

The Pivotal Role of Kitty Pryde in X-Men Lore

Kitty Pryde is one of the most enduring and beloved characters in the X-Men comic book universe. Her mutant power is phasing (or intangibility), allowing her to pass through solid matter and disrupt electrical systems. * Shadowcat's Power Evolution: In the comics, Kitty is often depicted as a young, relatable entry point into the X-Men world, often serving as a student and protégé to Professor Charles Xavier and Wolverine. Her powers evolved from simply walking through walls to carrying others with her and even phasing objects. * The *Days of Future Past* Paradox: The character's most significant cinematic moment came in *X-Men: Days of Future Past*. In a major departure from the comic book source material, the film gave Kitty the ability to project consciousness through time, a power traditionally held by Rachel Summers. This creative choice elevated her from a supporting hero to the lynchpin of the entire timeline-saving mission. * Critical Reception of Page's Performance: Despite some mixed reviews for the films themselves, Page's portrayal of Kitty Pryde was generally well-received. Critics and fans appreciated the earnestness and quiet strength he brought to the character, especially under the immense pressure of the dystopian future setting.

The MCU Reboot: Casting Rumors and the Recasting Reality

The most current and pressing question for fans is whether Elliot Page will return as Kitty Pryde in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As of late 2025, the evidence strongly suggests Marvel Studios is moving forward with a full reboot, which includes recasting the core X-Men team.

1. Elliot Page’s Past Desire vs. Current Reality

Years ago, Page (then Ellen Page) publicly stated he "would love" to return for a potential Kitty Pryde solo movie, a project that was rumored to be in development with *Deadpool* director Tim Miller. This showed a genuine interest in exploring the character further. However, the landscape has completely shifted with the Disney acquisition of Fox and the subsequent MCU reboot plans.

2. The Surprise MCU Casting Contender

The most significant recent update is the persistent rumor concerning the new casting for Shadowcat. Multiple reports and industry insiders, including Daniel RPK, suggest that Marvel Studios is eyeing young actress Julia Butters for the role of Kitty Pryde in the upcoming X-Men film. Butters is known for her standout performances in films like *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* and *The Fabelmans*. This rumor, if true, indicates Marvel's intention to introduce a younger version of the character, fully separate from the Fox continuity.

3. Elliot Page's Candid Reaction to Recasting

In a surprising display of grace and support, Elliot Page and his former co-star James McAvoy (who played Professor Charles Xavier) have both commented on the rumors of a new X-Men cast. Page expressed approval, suggesting that a fresh take is a natural part of the franchise's evolution. This positive reaction, while disappointing for fans hoping for a return, confirms that Page is supportive of the MCU’s new direction and is not actively campaigning to reprise the role.

The Lasting Cultural Significance of Page's Kitty Pryde

Beyond the box office and comic book accuracy, Elliot Page's connection to Kitty Pryde has taken on a new and profound cultural significance following his public transition. * A Trans Actor’s Legacy Role: Elliot Page is one of the most prominent trans men in Hollywood. The fact that his most high-profile superhero role was a major character in a franchise centered on themes of otherness, acceptance, and identity is powerful. His performance as Kitty Pryde, a mutant who feels different and struggles to fit in, resonates deeply with the themes of the X-Men and the LGBTQ+ community. * The Symbolism of Phasing: Kitty Pryde’s power of phasing—the ability to pass through barriers and exist in a state between worlds—can be seen as a potent metaphor for the experience of gender identity and transition, where one must navigate societal structures and expectations. * A Bridge Between Eras: Regardless of who is ultimately cast in the MCU, Page’s portrayal serves as a crucial bridge between the original Fox era and the new Marvel era. His involvement in *Days of Future Past* helped provide a satisfying conclusion to the original timeline, ensuring his legacy as the defining live-action Shadowcat for a generation of fans. The likelihood of Elliot Page returning as Kitty Pryde in the MCU is low, given the strong recasting rumors. However, the impact of his original performance, the importance of the character he played, and the subsequent significance of his identity in relation to the X-Men’s core message of acceptance ensures that his legacy as Shadowcat will continue to be a vital part of the mutant cinematic history.