In a whirlwind of speculation that’s captivating Marvel fans worldwide, rumors have surfaced claiming that Caleb McLaughlin, the talented star from Stranger Things, is set to portray a live-action version of Miles Morales in the upcoming animated film Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest his co-star Sadie Sink could step into the role of Spider-Gwen (Gwen Stacy) in live-action sequences. These whispers, circulating heavily on social media and fan forums in early 2026, promise a groundbreaking blend of animation and live-action that could bridge the beloved Spider-Verse trilogy with the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe, thrilling audiences eager for multiversal crossovers.
The Spider-Verse series, produced by Sony Pictures Animation in collaboration with Marvel, has redefined superhero storytelling since Into the Spider-Verse exploded onto screens in 2018. Winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it introduced Shameik Moore as the voice of Miles Morales, a Brooklyn teenager bitten by a radioactive spider and thrust into heroism. The 2023 sequel, Across the Spider-Verse, expanded the multiverse with Hailee Steinfeld voicing Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen, alongside a sprawling cast including Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099. Delayed by industry strikes and creative refinements, Beyond the Spider-Verse—originally planned as the second part of a duology—remains one of the most anticipated films, with teases of epic conclusions to Miles’ arc against threats like The Spot.
The rumor of live-action elements marks a bold evolution. While the core trilogy stays animated, incorporating live-action segments could mirror hybrid successes like Space Jam or Who Framed Roger Rabbit, allowing real actors to interact with animated counterparts. Caleb McLaughlin, now 24, has long been a fan-favorite fancast for Miles Morales in the MCU’s live-action projects. His athletic build, charismatic presence, and proven dramatic range as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things make him a natural fit for the young, relatable hero juggling teenage life, family expectations, and web-slinging duties. McLaughlin has publicly expressed enthusiasm for superhero roles, showcasing gymnastic flips in viral videos that echo Miles’ acrobatic style. If true, his casting would bring authenticity to Miles’ Afro-Latino heritage and urban roots, resonating with the character’s Brooklyn vibe.
Sadie Sink, 23, rumored for Spider-Gwen, complements this perfectly. Known for her fiery portrayal of Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, Sink has the emotional depth and edge to embody Gwen—a drummer, ballerina, and spider-hero haunted by loss in her universe. Fan art and petitions have long paired her with McLaughlin, imagining a Stranger Things reunion as Miles and Gwen, whose animated romance in Across the Spider-Verse captivated viewers with heartfelt band sessions and portal-hopping adventures. Sink’s red hair, expressive eyes, and action-ready performances (from skateboarding in Stranger Things to upcoming roles) align seamlessly with Gwen’s punk-rock aesthetic and tragic backstory.
These rumors gain traction amid Marvel’s multiverse expansion. With Tom Holland’s Peter Parker navigating street-level threats in the MCU and Sony’s villain-focused films like Venom and Kraven, the Spider-Verse stands as the animated hub. Live-action cameos could tease crossovers, perhaps with Miles and Gwen entering a live-action dimension or encountering variants. The idea of McLaughlin’s Miles swinging alongside animated counterparts—or Sink’s Gwen drumming in a hybrid scene—evokes chills, blending styles for groundbreaking visuals.
Fan excitement stems from years of buildup. McLaughlin’s name surfaced in fancasts post-Into the Spider-Verse, amplified by his interviews calling superhero roles “dreams.” Sink, meanwhile, has been linked to Gwen due to her resemblance to the character’s design and vocal similarity to Steinfeld’s portrayal. Social media erupted with edits: McLaughlin in the black-and-red suit venom-blasting foes, Sink hooded in white-and-pink, portal-jumping with ballet grace. Hashtags like #CalebAsMiles and #SadieAsGwen trend, with petitions and deepfakes visualizing the duo.
Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, masters of meta-humor and innovation, are known for surprises—Across ended on a cliffhanger with Miles trapped in Earth-42. Live-action integration could resolve threads innovatively, perhaps showing “real-world” impacts or actor cameos as variants. If confirmed, this would diversify representation further, with McLaughlin and Sink bringing youthful energy to iconic roles.
Challenges exist: Beyond the Spider-Verse remains animated at its core, with Moore and Steinfeld locked as voices. Live-action might appear in post-credits or prologue, teasing future projects like a live-action Miles debut. Timing aligns with MCU Phase Six, including Avengers: Doomsday and potential Spider-Man 4.
Whether rumor or reality, this buzz underscores the Spider-Verse‘s cultural dominance. Miles Morales, created by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli in 2011, symbolizes inclusive heroism— a kid from Brooklyn proving anyone can wear the mask. Gwen’s arc adds layers of grief and empowerment. McLaughlin and Sink, rising stars with proven chemistry from shared scenes in Stranger Things, could elevate these characters to new heights.
As anticipation builds for Beyond the Spider-Verse, these rumors fuel dreams of a bolder, hybrid Marvel future. A live-action Miles and Gwen? It would be revolutionary—swinging from animation to reality, heart intact. Fans hold their breath: great power, great responsibility… and perhaps great casting.
