X-Men: Ben Wang in talks to play the new Iceman in Marvel's reboot

The cast of Marvel's upcoming X-Men reboot is taking shape rapidly. As the upcoming science-fiction film shapes up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the coming years, a fresh face is reportedly closing in on one of the franchise's most iconic roles.

A rising star for the ice mutant

According to reports from the US media outlet Deadline, actor Ben Wang, seen in Karate Kid: Legends and soon starring in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is currently in negotiations with Marvel to play Bobby Drake, better known as Iceman. He would step into the role previously portrayed by Shawn Ashmore in the original franchise films.

Competition for the role was fierce. Deadline notes that actors Gabriel LaBelle, Jackson Kelly, and Rhenzy Feliz also auditioned for the iconic mutant before discussions advanced with Wang. Official confirmation from Marvel is still pending.

An all-star ensemble under Jake Schreier

This major reboot is directed by Jake Schreier, who previously directed Thunderbolts∗, with a script penned by Lee Sung-Jin and Joanna Calo. If negotiations successfully conclude, Ben Wang will join a stellar ensemble cast breathing new life into the famous mutants created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby back in September 1963.

The packed lineup features Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Christopher Abbott as Professor X, and Adam Driver as Nathaniel Milbury, also known as Mister Sinister. The much-anticipated X-Men reboot is currently slated for release on May 3, 2028. Until then, moviegoers can catch Ben Wang on the big screen in upcoming blockbuster projects.