Ben Wang Is Reportedly Marvel’s Next Iceman, as a ‘Hunger Games’ Star Eyes a Chilly Role in the ‘X-Men’ Reboot

Every superhero team has a character who fans were waiting to see. For the new generation of mutants, that missing piece has been the cool-headed joker who turns himself into living ice.

Marvel’s reboot has been quietly assembling its roster for months, with cast announcements arriving in waves. Now one of the last open slots on the original team may have a name attached.

Ben Wang has entered talks to play Iceman in Marvel Studios’ new ‘X-Men’ movie, according to an exclusive from Deadline. The news arrives just ahead of the release of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ in which he plays District 12 tribute Wyatt Callow.

Wang was not the only actor in the running. Gabriel LaBelle of ‘The Fabelmans’ and ‘Saturday Night,’ Jackson Kelly of ‘The Pitt’ and Rhenzy Feliz of ‘The Penguin’ reportedly tested for the part as well.

The deal is still in the talks stage, so nothing is final. But the report suggests Marvel has settled on its choice after a long search.

Social media had been speculating for a while about an Asian actor being cast as Bobby Drake. Wang arrives with a long list of credits that makes him a natural fit for that conversation.

The 29-year-old actor is best known for roles in ‘American Born Chinese,’ ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ and ‘The Long Walk.’ His recent run has put him on the radar of major franchises.

He now has 2 big movies on the horizon. ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters later this month, and ‘X-Men‘ follows in 2028 if the deal closes.

That is a notable year for a performer who has been steadily building momentum. Landing a founding member of Marvel’s mutant team would put him in some of the biggest films of the decade.

If the deal goes through, Wang would join a cast announced largely at D23. That group includes Christopher Abbott as Professor X, Adam Driver as Mr. Sinister, Kit Connor as Cyclops and Samara Weaving as Emma Frost.

It also features Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Maya Boyd as Storm, Asa Germann as Angel and Sadie Sink as Jean Grey. Sink’s casting was revealed in the summer box office hit ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’

The casting also means Marvel has now cast 4 of the Original Five X-Men, with Iceman joining Cyclops, Jean Grey and Angel. Beast is the remaining member who has not been announced, and Wolverine and Magneto casting has also not been revealed.

Iceman, whose real name is Bobby Drake, is one of the original founding members of the X-Men. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he debuted in September 1963 in ‘The X-Men’ #1. He can manipulate ice, freeze objects, lower temperatures and transform his body into ice.

Shawn Ashmore previously played the character in 20th Century Fox’s ‘X-Men’ films. A new version gives Marvel the chance to bring the character’s playful energy back to the screen.

Earlier reports said Marvel would make sure the 5 original X-Men characters all appear in the film. It would be the first time all of them were part of the team in one movie.

Jake Schreier, who directed ‘Thunderbolts*,’ is helming the reboot, with Kevin Feige producing. The script is co-written by Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo.

The film is scheduled to open in theaters on May 5, 2028. Production is expected to begin in early 2027 in the UK, according to reports.

At D23, Feige described the cast announcement as covering some of the main cast, leaving room for more names. Wang’s potential casting suggests that process is moving forward quickly.

If the deal is completed, 2026 and 2028 could mark a major stretch for the actor. He would go from a District 12 tribute to a founding mutant, two very different roles in blockbuster franchises.

Whether he can bring the humor and heart that fans want from Iceman remains to be seen. For now, the casting adds a significant piece to a roster that is starting to look complete.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!