The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for its highly anticipated X-Men reboot, and fans are buzzing with excitement over potential casting choices. One name that has sparked a passionate campaign across social media is Bella Ramsey, best known for their breakout role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us. A recent fan art shared in the Marvel Studios Fans Facebook group has ignited discussions, depicting Ramsey as Rogue, the iconic mutant with the power to absorb others’ abilities and memories through touch. With Ramsey’s rising star power and the MCU’s push for diverse talent, could this fan-favorite casting become a reality?

The Fan Campaign for Bella Ramsey

The push for Bella Ramsey as Rogue gained traction after a stunning piece of fan art surfaced in the Marvel Studios Fans Facebook group on April 29, 2025. The artwork, credited to an anonymous artist, shows Ramsey in Rogue’s classic green-and-yellow X-Men suit, complete with the character’s signature white-streaked hair and a confident pose against a cityscape backdrop. The post, which has garnered thousands of likes and comments, captures Ramsey’s intense yet vulnerable energy, traits that fans argue make them a perfect fit for Rogue.

Comments on the post reflect the enthusiasm. One user wrote, “Bella Ramsey as Rogue would be a game-changer! They’ve got the emotional depth to pull off her complex backstory.” Another added, “After seeing Bella in The Last of Us, I can totally see them nailing Rogue’s toughness and heart.” The campaign has since spread to platforms like X, where hashtags like #BellaRamseyAsRogue and #MCUXMen are trending among Marvel fans.

Why Bella Ramsey?

Bella Ramsey, a 21-year-old non-binary actor, has quickly become a household name. Their role as Ellie in The Last of Us showcased their ability to portray a character who is both fierce and deeply emotional, earning them critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Ramsey’s earlier work as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones further demonstrated their commanding screen presence, despite their young age. Fans argue that these qualities align perfectly with Rogue, a character known for her resilience, inner conflict, and Southern charm.

Rogue, first introduced in Avengers Annual #10 in 1981, is one of the X-Men’s most beloved members. Her mutant ability to absorb powers and memories through skin contact often leaves her isolated, a struggle that has defined her arc in comics, animated series, and Fox’s X-Men films, where she was played by Anna Paquin. Ramsey’s knack for portraying layered characters makes them a compelling choice, especially for an MCU that has prioritized fresh, inclusive casting—seen in decisions like Simu Liu as Shang-Chi and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel.

The fan art’s depiction of Ramsey in Rogue’s classic costume, with its green jacket, yellow bodysuit, and black “X” insignia, has fueled excitement about how the character might look in the MCU. The artwork’s city backdrop hints at a modern, urban setting, possibly aligning with rumors that the X-Men reboot will explore a contemporary take on the mutant team.

Rogue’s Legacy and the MCU’s Opportunity

Rogue’s history in Marvel lore offers rich storytelling potential for the MCU. In the comics, she starts as a villain under Mystique’s influence before joining the X-Men, grappling with her powers’ emotional toll and her inability to touch others without causing harm. Her relationships—particularly with Gambit and her adoptive mother, Mystique—add depth, while her Southern accent and fiery spirit make her a fan favorite. The 1990s X-Men: The Animated Series cemented her popularity, and Paquin’s portrayal in Fox’s films, starting with 2000’s X-Men, introduced her to a wider audience, though some fans felt the movies underutilized her powers.

The MCU’s X-Men reboot, still in early development as of April 2025, is expected to take a new approach following Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019. With Kevin Feige at the helm, the franchise is likely to integrate mutants into the MCU’s broader narrative, possibly tying their emergence to events like the multiverse saga or Eternals’ celestial disruptions. Rogue’s powers and backstory could serve as a grounded entry point for exploring mutant struggles, especially in a post-Avengers: Endgame world.

Challenges and Considerations

While fans are enthusiastic, casting Ramsey as Rogue comes with challenges. Rogue’s Southern accent and flirtatious dynamic with Gambit are integral to her character, and Ramsey, a British actor, would need to master the dialect and chemistry required. However, Ramsey’s proven versatility—switching seamlessly between accents and emotional registers in The Last of Us—suggests they could handle the role’s demands.

Another consideration is Rogue’s age. In the comics, she’s often depicted as a young adult, which aligns with Ramsey’s age of 21. However, Paquin was 18 when she first played Rogue, and some fans may expect a slightly older actress to reflect Rogue’s maturity in later storylines. The MCU’s tendency to cast younger actors for long-term roles, like Tom Holland as Spider-Man, works in Ramsey’s favor.

Representation is also a factor. Ramsey’s non-binary identity could bring a fresh perspective to Rogue, aligning with the MCU’s commitment to diversity. However, some fans on X have debated whether Rogue’s traditionally feminine portrayal in comics and films should be preserved, sparking discussions about balancing legacy with innovation.

The Bigger Picture: Casting the X-Men

The X-Men reboot is one of the MCU’s most anticipated projects, with no official casting announcements as of April 2025. Rumors suggest the film may focus on a core team, including Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, and Wolverine, with Rogue as a key member. Other fan-favorite casting ideas circulating online include Taron Egerton as Wolverine and Anya Taylor-Joy returning as Magik. Ramsey’s potential casting as Rogue could set the tone for a younger, more diverse X-Men lineup, reflecting the team’s evolution in the comics.

The fan art of Ramsey as Rogue has also sparked discussions about the character’s costume. The green-and-yellow suit pays homage to Rogue’s 1990s animated look, but some fans hope the MCU will incorporate her iconic bomber jacket and gloves, emphasizing her untouchable nature. The artwork’s modern aesthetic suggests the MCU could blend classic elements with a contemporary flair, much like the updated suits in Captain Marvel and Black Panther.

Will Marvel Listen to the Fans?

Marvel has a history of paying attention to fan campaigns—think of the grassroots push for a Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer or the clamor for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. While no official word has come from Marvel Studios, the buzz around Ramsey could catch Feige’s eye, especially given their proven talent and the MCU’s need for a new generation of heroes.

Ramsey’s schedule may also play a role. With The Last of Us Season 2 expected to premiere in 2025 and other projects like Girl Next Door in development, their availability for a major MCU role remains uncertain. However, Marvel’s long-term planning—often filming years in advance—could accommodate Ramsey’s rising career.

A Mutant Future Awaits

The fan campaign for Bella Ramsey as Rogue underscores the excitement surrounding the MCU’s X-Men reboot. Ramsey’s emotional depth, proven acting chops, and the fresh perspective they could bring make them a compelling choice for the iconic mutant. While the “Grok” watermark on the fan art hints at AI assistance, the image’s impact is undeniable, capturing the imagination of Marvel fans worldwide.

As the MCU prepares to introduce mutants, Rogue’s story of isolation, strength, and redemption could resonate deeply with audiences. Whether Ramsey dons the green-and-yellow suit remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: fans are ready for a new era of X-Men, and they’re rooting for Bella Ramsey to lead the charge.