Something about Sadie Sink’s Jean Grey performance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has clearly caught the attention of the MCU, with praise for the actress coming from multiple corners of the franchise. The positive reactions have only added to the conversation surrounding Sink’s work in the film. Sink first gained widespread recognition for her role as Max Mayfield in Netflix’s Stranger Things, where her performance earned widespread praise and established her as a rising young star.

Now, a recent viral claim about fellow MCU cast-mate and veteran, Robert Downey Jr.’s reaction to Sink’s Jean Grey performance has fans talking, but is there any truth to it? 

A viral claim on X, uploaded by Culture Cave, claimed that MCU star Robert Downey Jr. was reportedly "shocked" by Sadie Sink’s performance as Jean Grey and cannot wait to work with her. However, there is no credible interview, official statement from Marvel, or reliable entertainment news report that verifies Downey Jr. comment. It seems to have originated on social media and has since been spread without a reliable source. 

Even though the X claim is a false one, the excitement around Sink’s performance seems to have been echoed by others in the MCU. Obsession star Inde Navarrette has praised Sink’s work. Her comments came during an Entertainment Tonight interview in which she shared her thoughts on Spider-Man: Brand New Day and singled out Sink for praise.  She said that Sink did a phenomenal job and completely stole the movie. 

Additionally, Tom Holland has also gushed over Sadie Sink’s work in Spider-Man: Brand New Day in an interview with Perri Nemiroff of Collider. Holland, who was promoting the Marvel film, highlighted two sequences that he thought might surprise audiences, including one featuring Sink. 

"She handled the pressure of the character that she’s playing with such grace, and the third act, she steals the movie. It is so good," Holland said in the interview. 

Sadie Sink Praises Tom Holland’s "Welcoming" Vibe on 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Set

Holland’s praise for Sink has only added to the excitement surrounding her MCU debut as Jean Grey. 

Sadie Sink played the role of Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, bringing the powerful telepath and telekinetic mutant to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the film, Jean’s powers brings her into conflict with Peter Parker and the Department of Damage Control as she searches for her missing sister. The character plays a vital role connecting the film to Marvel's developing X-Men story. Sink is also expected to return as the character in future MCU projects, including the upcoming X-Men movie. 

Ultimately, Sadie Sink has gotten some real praise for her portrayal of Jean Grey from those connected to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but the viral claim attributed to Robert Downey Jr. does not seem to be legit. There is no credible source for the alleged comments, so it is important to separate fact from social media speculation. Fans can expect to see Sink as Jean Grey, but Downey Jr.’s alleged response should not be considered an official statement. 

Kevin Feige Confirms Sadie Sink Had a MCU Privilege That Even Tom Holland Didn’t Get

What do you think of Sadie Sink’s casting as Jean Grey? Let us know in the comments.