The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to casting rumors, but the latest buzz surrounding The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey has sent fans into a frenzy. In early June 2025, a wild rumor surfaced, claiming the 21-year-old British actor is being eyed for a “big Marvel role.” Known for their powerful performances as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones and Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, Ramsey has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most versatile young talents. With the MCU’s Phase 6 in full swing and projects like the X-Men reboot on the horizon, speculation is rife about which character Ramsey might play. Could they take on an iconic X-Men mutant like Morph, or perhaps a Marvel Variant in the multiverse saga? This article explores the rumor, potential roles, Ramsey’s fit for the MCU, and the fan reactions fueling the excitement.

The Rumor That Sparked a Firestorm

The rumor originated from industry scooper @MyTimeToShineH, who posted on X on June 6, 2025, stating, “Bella Ramsey is being eyed for a big Marvel role. Who would you like to see them play in the MCU?” This cryptic tease, echoed by sources like ComicBookMovie and Dark Horizons, offered no specifics about the role or project, but it was enough to ignite speculation across X, Reddit, and entertainment blogs. The timing is significant: Marvel Studios is deep in development for major films like Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and the X-Men reboot, with the latter penned by Michael Lesslie and potentially directed by Jake Schreier or Tim Miller.

Ramsey’s rising star makes them a prime candidate for the MCU’s expanding roster. At just 21, they’ve already tackled emotionally complex roles, earning critical acclaim for their portrayal of Ellie, a tough yet vulnerable survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. Their ability to convey resilience, depth, and authenticity aligns with Marvel’s trend of casting young, dynamic actors—like Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez and Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang—for its next generation of heroes. The rumor, while unconfirmed, has fueled discussions about whether Ramsey could join the X-Men or play a multiverse Variant, with fans proposing everything from Kitty Pryde to Morph to entirely new characters.

Could Bella Ramsey Play an X-Men Character?

The X-Men reboot is a natural fit for Ramsey, given the franchise’s focus on diverse, complex characters and Marvel’s push to refresh the mutant saga. Fans and insiders have zeroed in on several iconic mutants, with Kitty Pryde (aka Shadowcat) emerging as a top contender. Kitty, previously portrayed by Elliot Page in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), is a young mutant with the ability to phase through solid objects, often serving as the heart of the X-Men team. Her intelligence, bravery, and relatability make her a perfect match for Ramsey’s acting strengths. As QuintaFuerza noted, Ramsey’s “versatility and charisma” could bring a fresh take to this beloved character, especially in a rebooted MCU context.

Another intriguing possibility is Morph, a shape-shifting mutant from the X-Men animated series and X-Men ’97 on Disney+. Morph, who uses they/them pronouns in X-Men ’97 and identifies as non-binary, aligns with Ramsey’s own identity—they use they/them pronouns and have described themselves as “not 100 per cent straight” in a 2023 interview. The character’s fluid identity and tragic backstory, involving betrayal and resurrection, would allow Ramsey to showcase their emotional range. Fans on X have championed this casting, with @MarvelBRNews posting, “Bella Ramsey as Morph would be a game-changer for the X-Men reboot!” However, Morph’s lesser-known status compared to characters like Rogue or Kitty Pryde has led some to question whether they’d be the “big role” described in the rumor.

Other X-Men characters floated include Rogue, a fan-favorite mutant with the power to absorb others’ abilities and memories. Fan art circulating on X depicts Ramsey as Rogue, citing their ability to portray complex, emotionally driven characters like Ellie, who shares Rogue’s intensity. Less common suggestions include Pixie, a magical mutant with a vibrant aesthetic, or Hope Summers, a key figure in the X-Men’s future. While these roles are speculative, Ramsey’s youth and action-star potential make them a strong fit for the MCU’s mutant renaissance, especially as Marvel aims to diversify its casting with fresh faces.

A Marvel Variant in the Multiverse Saga?

Beyond the X-Men, Ramsey could play a Marvel Variant, a character from an alternate universe in the MCU’s multiverse saga. With Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars set to explore multiversal conflicts, Variants—alternate versions of established heroes—are becoming central to Marvel’s storytelling. Ramsey’s ability to portray nuanced, layered characters makes them ideal for a Variant role, potentially tied to a Young Avengers project or a multiverse-centric film.

One possibility is a Variant of Gwenpool, a quirky teenager who enters the Marvel Universe with meta knowledge of its comics. Gwenpool’s blend of humor, action, and self-awareness suits Ramsey’s ability to balance intensity with charm, as seen in their The Last of Us performance. Alternatively, Ramsey could play a Variant of Squirrel Girl, a mutant with squirrel-like abilities and an upbeat personality. Their knack for portraying resilient, free-spirited characters could bring Doreen Gray’s underdog heroism to life, offering a lighter role compared to their dramatic work.

A more ambitious idea is a Variant of an existing MCU hero, such as a younger Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) or a multiversal Kate Bishop (Hawkeye). Ramsey’s action chops, honed through The Last of Us’s intense fight scenes, would lend credibility to a combat-ready Variant. While less likely, a completely original Variant character—perhaps tied to the X-Men or Young Avengers—could capitalize on Ramsey’s star power, introducing a new hero to the MCU’s sprawling multiverse.

Why Bella Ramsey Fits the MCU

Ramsey’s potential casting comes at a pivotal moment for the MCU, as Marvel seeks to blend established stars with rising talents. Their co-star Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (set for release on July 25, 2025), has already joined the MCU, making Ramsey’s rumored involvement feel like a natural progression. Ramsey’s credentials are impeccable: their Game of Thrones role as Lyanna Mormont showcased their ability to command scenes at a young age, while The Last of Us Season 2, despite mixed fan reactions, highlighted their emotional depth in portraying a grief-stricken Ellie.

However, Ramsey’s casting hasn’t been without controversy. Their non-traditional appearance and non-binary identity have drawn criticism from some fans, particularly those who argued for Cailee Spaeny as Ellie in The Last of Us. Posts on X and Reddit, like one from r/LeaksAndRumors, reveal polarized sentiments, with some dismissing Ramsey’s potential casting based on looks, while others praise their acting prowess. This backlash mirrors broader trends of toxicity toward diverse casting, as seen with actresses like Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey. Yet, Ramsey’s supporters, including Game of Thrones co-star Liam Cunningham, have lauded their professionalism, calling them “absolutely amazing” to work with.

Marvel’s commitment to diversity, as evidenced by X-Men ’97’s inclusive storytelling and rumored castings like Hunter Schafer and Black actors for Professor X and Magneto, suggests Ramsey’s identity could be an asset. Their public statements about gender and sexuality align with the MCU’s evolving representation, making characters like Morph or Kitty Pryde fitting choices. Moreover, Ramsey’s reduced role in The Last of Us Season 3, expected to focus on Abby, could free up their schedule for a Marvel project.

Fan Reactions and Industry Context

The rumor has sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism online. X posts from @MCUFilmNews and @JuanitoSay highlight fan enthusiasm, with many endorsing Ramsey for Kitty Pryde or Morph. However, some Reddit users on r/LeaksAndRumors expressed doubt, citing Marvel’s frequent meetings with actors without firm commitments. Others criticized the rumor as engagement bait, given Ramsey’s polarizing online presence.

The MCU’s current trajectory supports the rumor’s plausibility. Avengers: Doomsday will feature returning X-Men actors like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, signaling a bridge between Fox’s X-Men and the MCU’s reboot. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps kicking off Phase 6 in July 2025, Marvel is actively casting for its next wave of films, including Spider-Man 4 and Young Avengers. Ramsey’s potential involvement could align with these projects, though no official confirmation has emerged.

What’s Next for Bella Ramsey?

Whether Ramsey joins the X-Men as Morph, Kitty Pryde, or another mutant, or takes on a multiverse Variant, their rumored MCU role underscores their growing influence. Beyond The Last of Us, Ramsey is set to star in Sunny Dancer, a comedy with Neil Patrick Harris, and Harmonia, a drama with Carrie Coon. Their ability to juggle diverse projects while navigating online scrutiny positions them as a strong contender for Marvel’s future.

For now, the rumor remains unconfirmed, but the excitement it’s generated speaks to Ramsey’s star power. As Cinemablend noted in 2023, Ramsey’s “remarkable resilience” and “charming personality” make them a natural fit for the MCU, whether as a mutant or a multiversal hero. Fans will have to wait for official casting news, likely closer to Avengers: Doomsday’s 2026 release, to see if Ramsey will don a superhero mantle. Until then, the speculation—from Morph to Variants—keeps the MCU rumor mill spinning, with Bella Ramsey at its center.

In conclusion, Bella Ramsey’s rumored Marvel role has ignited a wave of excitement and debate, with fans envisioning them as an X-Men star or a multiverse Variant. Their talent, authenticity, and alignment with Marvel’s inclusive vision make them a compelling choice, despite online controversies. Whether they phase through walls as Kitty Pryde, shape-shift as Morph, or surprise us as a new character, Ramsey’s potential MCU debut promises to be a game-changer, cementing their place in Hollywood’s superhero saga.