With "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" now in cinemas, Sadie Sink’s closely guarded role has finally been revealed as Jean Grey, marking an exciting new chapter for both the actress and the MCU’s growing X-Men storyline. Her vulnerable yet deeply troubled portrayal of the powerful mutant has already caught fans’ attention. Yet long before entering the superhero universe, the 24-year-old had built an impressive career across theatre, television and film. Here are five things to know about Sadie Sink

She was a Broadway performer long before becoming a television star

Photo: Instagram @sadiesink_

Sink’s acting journey began in Texas, where she and her brother Mitchell regularly recreated scenes from High School Musical at home. Recognising their enthusiasm, their mother enrolled them in performing arts classes in Houston, which soon led Sink to community theatre. At just 10, she made her Broadway debut in the title role of Annie. She later portrayed a young Queen Elizabeth II opposite Helen Mirren in The Audience, building a strong theatrical foundation well before television fame arrived.

She almost missed out on the role of Max in Stranger Things

Photo: Instagram @sadiesink_

When talking about Sadie Sink, her best-known role is undoubtedly Max Mayfield in Stranger Things. Yet Sink nearly missed out on the part after casting directors worried that the then-14-year-old was slightly too old for the character. Determined to prove herself, she pushed for another audition and even claimed she could roller-skate despite having little experience. After winning the role, she trained intensively, and her gamble paid off as Max quickly became one of the series’ biggest fan favourites.

Taylor Swift personally chose her to star in her short film

In 2021, Sink reached an even wider audience when she starred opposite Dylan O’Brien in Taylor Swift’s All Too Well: The Short Film. Impressed by Sink’s work in Stranger Things, Swift saw her as the ideal choice for the role. Despite having little personal experience with heartbreak, Sink delivered a raw portrayal of a relationship shaped by vulnerability and emotional imbalance. Its explosive argument scene was largely improvised, further demonstrating her dramatic range beyond teenage television roles.

The Whale marked a more mature chapter in her acting career

Photo: A24

Sink continued that transition with Darren Aronofsky’s 2022 psychological drama The Whale. She played Ellie, the bitter and estranged 17-year-old daughter of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher portrayed by Brendan Fraser. As Charlie desperately tries to reconnect with her during the final days of his life, Sink captures the anger, vulnerability and lingering hurt beneath Ellie’s hostility. The emotionally volatile performance earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination and helped establish her dramatic range beyond franchise television.

She has become one of fashion’s favourite young stars

Photo: Instagram @sadiesink_

Away from acting, Sink has built an equally impressive presence in fashion. At 15, she opened Undercover’s Fall/Winter 2018 show in Paris before walking for Miu Miu alongside established Hollywood stars. She has since worked with Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Armani Beauty, and is now closely associated with Prada. She frequently wears custom looks by the house for major appearances, including the Met Gala and the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere, making her one of Hollywood’s most closely watched young style stars.

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