Broadway star and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon is calling on Marvel Studios to cast a trans woman as Mystique in its anticipated X-Men reboot. The performer, who is currently earning critical acclaim for her role as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, shared her thoughts during a recent appearance on the Good One podcast.
Monsoon explained that the iconic mutant shapeshifter has long resonated with her, and with many transgender people, because of the character’s themes of transformation and acceptance. “She’s my favorite Marvel character of all time, and I relate to her so much. I think a lot of trans people do,” Monsoon said. “We also relate to the fact that she’s not accepted in her original form. So she has to transition to even walk around people.”
The actor highlighted how Mystique’s ability to change her appearance reflects an experience familiar to many trans people, the struggle to be seen, respected, and safe in public. “Think about how nice it would be to be able to just blend in and not have everyone pay attention to us if we don’t want,” she added.
Following the interview, Monsoon said she reached out to her representatives to signal her interest directly: “I don’t know what’s going on there, but please start dropping my name.”
A Role at the Center of Representation
Mystique has been portrayed on screen by Rebecca Romijn in the original X-Men trilogy and by Jennifer Lawrence in later films. Romijn is set to reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday, expected in 2026, but industry speculation points to Marvel preparing a broader reboot of the franchise. That opens the door to re-casting several characters, including Mystique, for a new generation.
For many fans, the opportunity goes beyond nostalgia. Casting a trans woman as Mystique would mark a historic moment for on-screen representation in a franchise that has long served as an allegory for marginalized identities. Mystique’s narrative, a character forced to hide her true self in order to survive, is one that resonates deeply with transgender audiences.
Broader Calls for Inclusion
Monsoon is not the first performer linked to the role. Actor Hunter Schafer has also been a frequent subject of fan speculation. Asked about the possibility earlier this year, Schafer noted that she was aware of the interest, calling it “very sweet,” though she did not confirm any official talks.
While Marvel has not announced casting decisions for a future X-Men project, the push from prominent trans voices such as Monsoon underscores the growing demand for authentic representation in blockbuster films.
Why It Matters
The MCU has built its reputation on stories of heroes who are different, feared, and often misunderstood, themes that closely mirror the real-world experiences of LGBTQ+ communities. For transgender audiences, the chance to see one of Marvel’s most iconic characters portrayed by a trans actor could signal a powerful step forward in visibility and acceptance.
Monsoon’s comments may not guarantee a casting decision, but they highlight the continuing importance of authentic voices in shaping how stories of transformation and identity are told on screen.
