Ben Wang could be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as one of the original members of the X-Men. The Karate Kid: Legends actor has entered negotiations to play Bobby Drake, better known as Iceman, in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot.
Wang, who is also set to appear in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is being considered for the role ahead of the film’s planned 2028 release. The development was first reported by Deadline and subsequently covered by Variety. However, an agreement has not yet been finalised, and Marvel Studios has not officially announced Wang’s casting.
Iceman is one of the founding members of the X-Men, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. The character made his debut in The X-Men #1 in September 1963. Also known as Bobby Drake, he is a mutant with the ability to generate and control ice and cold, a power commonly referred to as cryokinesis. His abilities allow him to manipulate ice in different forms, making him one of the distinctive members of the original mutant team.
As one of the five original mutants introduced in the comics, Iceman has remained a recognisable member of the team across its many stories and adaptations. If the negotiations are completed, Wang will take on a role previously played in live-action films by Shawn Ashmore, who portrayed the character in the X-Men movies released during the 2000s. Ashmore’s interpretation established Iceman as an important part of the franchise’s earlier cinematic adaptations.
According to Deadline’s report, Wang was not the only actor considered for the part. Gabriel LaBelle, Jackson Kelly and Rhenzy Feliz were also among those who tested for the role, although their involvement has not been officially confirmed. If Wang closes the deal, he will join an ensemble that already includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Maya Boyd as Storm, Asa Germann as Angel, Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier and Adam Driver as Mr. Sinister.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed several members of the new cast at the D23 convention in August. The upcoming film will reboot the mutant team for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking the franchise’s first standalone X-Men feature under Marvel Studios following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. The last mainline X-Men film released under the Fox banner was Dark Phoenix in 2019. The new film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on May 5, 2028.
Jake Schreier, who directed Marvel’s Thunderbolts, is attached to direct the reboot. The screenplay is being written by Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo. While details about the story remain under wraps, the casting announcements indicate that a new group of mutants will take centre stage as Marvel begins building its version of the team within the wider MCU. No official plot details or further casting announcements have been disclosed.
Wang’s potential addition comes as the actor continues to build his presence across film and television. He recently played Li Fong, the central character in Karate Kid: Legends, and appeared in Lionsgate’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Long Walk. His credits also include the 2024 Mean Girls reboot and the Disney+ projects American Born Chinese and Chang Can Dunk. He has additionally appeared in the coming-of-age comedy Brian and David Wain’s comedy Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, adding to an expanding range of film and television work.
Wang is next set to appear in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, in which he plays Wyatt Callow, a tribute from District 12. The project adds another major franchise to his growing list of screen credits, following his role in Karate Kid: Legends. His potential casting as Iceman would further extend his involvement in established entertainment franchises while placing him within one of Marvel’s most recognisable superhero teams.
If confirmed, the role would mark another significant franchise opportunity for Wang. Iceman’s position among the original X-Men also gives the casting added significance as Marvel continues assembling its new team for the cinematic universe. However, with negotiations still ongoing, his involvement remains unconfirmed. Marvel Studios has yet to make an official announcement, and further details about the film’s story, production schedule and remaining cast members have not been disclosed.