Charles Melton Reveals How Closely He’s Tracking His Own X-Men Casting Buzz Ahead of D23

Charles Melton has spent the past three years quietly transforming from a former ‘Riverdale’ cast member into one of the industry’s most closely watched dramatic talents, first through Todd Haynes’ ‘May December’ and now through his acclaimed turn in the second season of ‘Beef.’ That performance recently earned him two Emmy nominations, including a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actor and recognition as an executive producer on a season that pulled in 16 total nominations.

That momentum has made Melton one of the most persistent names attached to Marvel’s rebooted ‘X-Men‘ franchise, currently being developed under ‘Thunderbolts*’ director Jake Schreier. Melton’s connection to the project traces directly back to his working relationship with Schreier and ‘Beef’ creator Lee Sung Jin, both of whom are now steering the new mutant film, alongside writer-producer Joanna Calo.

Speaking to The Playlist ahead of the D23 Convention in Anaheim, where fans widely expect a significant ‘X-Men’ cast reveal, Melton addressed the rumors surrounding a potential Beast casting head-on. He explained that his openness about the project depends on the day, adding, “I think I believe in Jake and Sunny so much, and I would love to work with them again, and many more times.” He noted that both men are already well aware of that enthusiasm.

Melton also offered a candid, self-deprecating look at just how closely he’s been monitoring the online chatter surrounding his own potential involvement. He admitted to actively trying to stay away from the speculation as much as possible, joking that he’s limited himself to Googling himself only about 20 times a day instead of 50, before jokingly walking that number back even further mid-interview.

That enthusiasm for reuniting with Schreier and Lee Sung Jin tracks with comments Melton made in an earlier interview with the same outlet while promoting Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Her Private Hell.’ When first asked about the Beast rumors, he responded with a playful redirect, asking “Wow. Who’s directing?” a question made especially ironic given that Schreier, his own ‘Beef’ collaborator, is the one steering the project. He went on to describe the possibility as something extraordinary, calling it a dream not once but twice.

Melton’s ‘Her Private Hell’ co-star Sophie Thatcher, who has also circulated in ‘X-Men’ casting speculation, offered a similarly open but less specific response when asked about her own potential involvement, admitting she hadn’t heard the rumors at all but remains open to studio work provided the material carries genuine substance.

For Melton, the timing of this renewed attention arrives during an especially high-profile stretch of his career, with Schreier’s ‘X-Men’ currently only confirmed to include Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, and Kit Connor as Cyclops. Reports have suggested Melton was previously considered the frontrunner for Beast before conflicting industry chatter cast some uncertainty over exactly where negotiations currently stand.

With Marvel’s D23 presentation widely expected to deliver major casting reveals for the project, Melton’s candid comments suggest he’s just as invested in watching the speculation play out as the fans following along online. Whether he’s officially unveiled as Hank McCoy at the convention or the rumors shift elsewhere, his enthusiasm for reuniting with Schreier and Lee Sung Jin remains clear regardless of the outcome.

For a franchise this anticipated, having a rising Emmy-nominated actor this openly excited about joining only adds to the mounting buzz heading into what could be one of Marvel’s most consequential casting announcements in years.