Top 15 Actresses Perfect for the Role of Kitty Pryde in the MCU

Kitty Pryde, also known as Shadowcat, is a fan-favorite X-Men character with the power to phase through solid objects. Her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) requires an actress who can capture her youthful energy, sharp wit, and growth into a confident leader while embodying her nerdy yet heroic spirit.

The MCU’s X-Men projects are in development, and casting Kitty Pryde is a hot topic. She’s a versatile character with ties to the X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and even Star-Lord, so the actress needs to balance charm, emotional depth, and action-hero skills. Here are 15 actresses who could bring Kitty Pryde to life in the MCU.

Julia Butters

Julia Butters, at just 15, has shown her range in films like ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ and ‘The Gray Man.’ Her youthful energy and ability to handle emotional scenes make her a strong fit for a teenage Kitty Pryde discovering her mutant powers. Rumors suggest Marvel is eyeing her for the role, and her work with the Russo Brothers gives her an MCU connection.

She can portray Kitty’s innocence and growth into a confident mutant at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Her Jewish heritage aligns with Kitty’s comic background, adding authenticity. Butters’ rising star status and ability to convey vulnerability make her a top contender for a young Kitty navigating the X-Men’s world.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink excels at playing sarcastic yet heartfelt characters, as seen in her role as Max in ‘Stranger Things.’ Her sharp delivery and emotional range match Kitty’s witty, earnest personality. At 23, Sink is ideal for a slightly older Kitty who’s learning to master her phasing powers. Her experience with action and drama makes her a strong choice for a teenage Kitty growing into a leader.

Sink’s ability to balance toughness and vulnerability would shine in Kitty’s relationships, like her bond with Wolverine. She could carry the role across multiple MCU projects, bringing depth to Kitty’s journey.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown, known for ‘Stranger Things,’ brings star power and a knack for playing powerful yet relatable characters. Her role as Eleven shows she can handle a young hero with hidden strength, much like Kitty. At 21, Brown is the right age for a slightly older Kitty in her early X-Men days.

Her ability to balance vulnerability and toughness fits Kitty’s growth into a confident mutant. Brown’s massive fanbase could draw new viewers to the MCU’s X-Men. Her experience in action-heavy roles makes her a great fit for Kitty’s phasing stunts.

Dafne Keen

Dafne Keen, who played X-23 in ‘Logan,’ has proven she can handle action and emotional depth. Her experience as a young mutant makes her a natural fit for Kitty Pryde. At 20, Keen could portray a teenage Kitty growing into a leader within the X-Men. Her fierce yet vulnerable performance style suits Kitty’s journey from rookie to hero.

Keen’s ability to convey strength and sensitivity would make her a compelling choice. She could bring authenticity to Kitty’s action scenes and her mentorship under Wolverine.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin McKenzie, seen in ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Last Night in Soho,’ has a unique ability to play sensitive yet strong characters. Her Jewish heritage aligns with Kitty’s comic roots, adding cultural authenticity. McKenzie’s subtle acting style would capture Kitty’s nerdy charm and growth into a hero.

At 25, she’s suitable for a young Kitty navigating the X-Men’s world. Her ability to convey quiet strength would suit Kitty’s early days at Xavier’s School. McKenzie’s understated charisma makes her a great fit for Kitty’s relatable, everyman quality.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever’s knack for playing complex characters, as seen in ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Unbelievable,’ would bring depth to Kitty’s relationships, like her bond with Wolverine or Peter Quill. At 28, she could portray an older Kate Pryde leading a team.

Dever’s ability to convey raw emotion and resilience makes her a strong candidate for a more mature Kitty. Her experience in dramatic roles would highlight Kitty’s growth into a confident mutant. Dever’s versatility could make her a standout in action-heavy X-Men scenes. She’s a fan-favorite choice for Kitty’s leadership arc.

Odeya Rush

Odeya Rush, known for ‘The Giver’ and ‘Goosebumps,’ is a rising star of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, matching Kitty’s comic heritage. Her ability to portray relatable, grounded characters makes her a solid pick for a young Kitty. At 28, Rush could play a teenage Kitty just joining the X-Men.

Her charm and screen presence would capture Kitty’s nerdy, lovable side. Rush’s experience in young adult adaptations shows she can handle Kitty’s coming-of-age story. She’s a compelling choice for a fresh take on the character.

Alison Brie

Alison Brie’s comedic timing in ‘Community’ and action experience in voice roles, like Black Widow in a Marvel game, make her a unique pick. At 42, she could play an older Kate Pryde, perhaps as a space-faring leader in a Guardians crossover. Brie’s charm and ability to handle complex roles would make her a great foil for Star-Lord.

Her versatility in comedy and drama suits Kitty’s witty yet heroic personality. Brie’s MCU connections through voice work give her an edge. She could bring a fresh, mature perspective to Kate Pryde’s leadership.

Victoria Pedretti

Victoria Pedretti, known for ‘You’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House,’ excels in dramatic roles that require emotional depth. At 30, she’d fit an older Kate Pryde leading a team, with her ability to handle complex relationships like Kitty’s mentorship under Wolverine.

Pedretti’s intense yet nuanced performances would capture Kitty’s growth into a confident mutant. Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength makes her a strong contender. Pedretti could bring emotional weight to Kitty’s connections with the X-Men. Her dramatic chops would elevate Kitty’s leadership arc.

Maisie Richardson-Sellers

Maisie Richardson-Sellers, seen in ‘The Originals’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow,’ brings charisma and strength to her roles. At 33, she could portray an older Kate Pryde, perhaps as a seasoned X-Men member. Her experience in action-driven shows makes her a good fit for Kitty’s phasing stunts.

Richardson-Sellers’ ability to convey confidence and warmth suits Kitty’s heroic spirit. She could shine in team dynamics, like Kitty’s bonds with Storm or Wolverine. Her rising star status makes her a fresh choice for the MCU.

Alisha Boe

Alisha Boe, known for ‘13 Reasons Why,’ has shown dramatic prowess that could translate to a lighter, sarcastic Kitty Pryde. At 28, she’s suitable for a young adult Kitty learning to use her powers. Boe’s knack for sarcastic line delivery aligns with Kitty’s witty personality.

Her ability to portray earnest, relatable characters fits Kitty’s early X-Men days. Boe could bring a fresh perspective to Kitty’s naive yet heroic journey. Her experience in teen dramas makes her a strong contender for a younger Kitty.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick, known for ‘Pitch Perfect,’ has expressed interest in comic book roles and brings a versatile skill set. At 40, she could play an older Kate Pryde, perhaps leading a team or crossing over with the Guardians. Kendrick’s comedic timing and ability to carry lead roles make her a great fit for Kitty’s nerdy charm.

Her experience in musicals and dramas shows she can handle Kitty’s emotional range. Kendrick’s star power could elevate Kitty’s role in the MCU. She’d bring a playful yet strong vibe to the character.

Emily Kinney

Emily Kinney, known for ‘The Walking Dead,’ has shown she can handle tough roles, from caring for others to wielding weapons. At 40, she could portray an older Kate Pryde, perhaps in a leadership role. Kinney’s ability to convey resilience and warmth suits Kitty’s heroic journey.

Her experience in action-heavy roles makes her a good fit for Kitty’s phasing stunts. Kinney could bring a grounded, relatable quality to Kate Pryde. Her comic book TV experience gives her an edge for the MCU.

Rowan Blanchard

Rowan Blanchard, known for ‘Girl Meets World,’ is a young actress with the potential to carry a major role. At 23, she’s ideal for a teenage Kitty Pryde just joining the X-Men. Blanchard’s ability to portray relatable, youthful characters fits Kitty’s early days at Xavier’s School.

Her charm and emotional depth would capture Kitty’s nerdy yet heroic spirit. Blanchard’s rising star status makes her a fresh choice for the MCU. She could grow with the role over multiple projects.

Alexis Bledel

Alexis Bledel, known for ‘Gilmore Girls,’ has shown she can handle diverse roles, from brainy teens to action-heavy parts in ‘Sin City.’ At 43, she could play an older Kate Pryde, perhaps as a seasoned leader. Bledel’s ability to convey intelligence and warmth suits Kitty’s nerdy, heroic personality.

Her experience in dramatic and action roles makes her a versatile pick. Bledel could bring a mature, grounded take to Kate Pryde’s leadership arc. Her star power would add appeal to the MCU’s X-Men.

Who would you cast as Kitty Pryde in the MCU? Share your picks in the comments!