As the Marvel Cinematic Universe gears up to incorporate mutants into its superhero lineup, actor Henry Zaga, known for his portrayal of Roberto da Costa, aka Sunspot, in The New Mutants, has voiced his interest in delving deeper into his character’s story. Marvel Studios is gradually introducing the X-Men into the MCU, with anticipated films like Deadpool & Wolverine, and potential future projects.
While details surrounding the same remain uncertain, many actors from the original X-Men franchise are expected to return. And Zaga has also shared that he would love to reprise his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Henry Zaga Would Love to Reprise His X-Men Role in the MCU
Starring alongside an ensemble cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlie Heaton, Henry Zaga took on the role of Bobby, aka Sunspot, a mutant with the ability to manipulate solar energy in The New Mutants. The film, however, did not perform greatly, receiving mixed to negative reviews and failing at the box office.
When asked if he would be open to reprising his role potentially in the MCU, the actor shared, “Of course, I would love to return to the MCU!” He also expressed his enthusiasm to further explore the character and his story.
Zaga told CoveredGeekly,
“I feel like Sunspot is such a beloved character and I absolutely love him. I think there’s still so much to explore still with that storyline—It was one of the highlights that I had in my 20s just playing this Brazilian superhero. Definitely yeah!”
Zaga also expressed joy at the prospect of reuniting with fellow actors from The New Mutants. The 30-year-old Brazilian actor is currently starring alongside Henry Cavill in the upcoming spy action comedy film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
Fans Share Divisive Reaction to Henry Zaga Potentially Returning to the MCU
Following his appearance in the 2020 superhero film, Roberto da Costa recently returned to the animated series X-Men ’97, voiced by Gui Agustini. However, some fans have reservations about Henry Zaga reprising the role, who expressed concerns that he may not adequately represent the character’s racial background.
We don’t want the whitewashed version
— Lo’ai ☆ 🇨🇦🍉 (@CrossoverNexus) April 16, 2024
No, stay where you at bro. We need an actual Afro Brazilian to play him. 😭😭
— Drickkcird (@ASAPKnerdy) April 16, 2024
No whites.
— 🇵🇸 Circular God Theory 🇵🇸 (@DNA56165728) April 16, 2024
the actor should be a brazilian actor, and he was.
— Lucyfar (@yolulucyfar) April 17, 2024
He ain’t white bro he’s literally Hispanic but he is Afro Latino. They just represent the Latino part but not the Afro part.
— WHITE_WOLF (@BRANDOLOMUNTS) April 17, 2024
wtf are you talking about they’re both Brazilian
— danny (@dannyxxxdanny) April 17, 2024
Initially introduced in Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants, Sunspot has been depicted as Afro-Brazilian, born to a Afro-Brazilian father and a White American mother. “We don’t want the whitewashed version,” a fan argued against Zaga’s return as Sunspot with others saying that the character should be portrayed by a “darker-skinned actor.”
Yet, some supporters of Zaga’s casting highlight his Brazilian heritage, arguing that it should outweigh concerns about skin tone. “Wtf are you talking about they’re both Brazilian,” one fan stated. This debate echoes the criticism surrounding Zaga’s initial casting in The New Mutants, which even drew disappointment from Bob McLeod, the co-creator of The New Mutants comics.
The New Mutants is available to stream on Disney+.
