It’s been nearly two decades since the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite nearly 50 (!) theatrical and streaming projects, there are still plenty of characters that have yet to be adapted from the comic books. That’s not counting characters who were adapted before the franchised became serialized, who just haven’t had their MCU variants introduced.

This Summer, we finally got a taste of what that kind of reintroduction would look like with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. After four very different adaptations, Marvel’s first family finally got a proper welcome. And just as soon as they have arrived, they are set to be major players in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday.

As much as fans love Marvel’s first family and the ever-evolving roster of the Avengers though, there is one superhero group fans are dying to see return too. That is the X-Men. Granted, some X-Men are set to appear in next year’s blockbuster. However, they will all be played by the same actors who have carried the franchise since it was housed at the late 20th Century Fox.

READ: Where The MCU’s Fantastic Four Could Go Next…

Now, earlier this year, it was announced that a brand new X-Men project was in the works at Marvel Studios. That means fans will most certainly see classic characters redefined by fresh faces. Over the last few months, quite a few rumors have surfaced about Marvel Studios approaching certain actors for specific roles.

One rumor from the anonymous (yet almost always accurate) social media scooper MainMiddleMan claimed that actresses Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen and Slim) and Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman) had been approached to play the MCU’s Storm! Neither actress has even acknowledged the rumor…until now.

Currently, Howell-Baptiste has a fantastic indie satire in theaters titled We Strangers. Earlier this week, our very own Editor-in-Chief, Dempsey Pillot, got the chance to chat with her about the film. Towards the end of the interview, he asked her about the rumor…and her response was “intriguing”.

When asked if she was aware of the rumor, if she was even interested in taking up the role – or if she had any reaction to the news at all, Howell-Baptiste paused and played coy.

READ: ‘X-Men: ’97’ Star Lenore Zann Talks The Series’ Long-Awaited Return, Season 2 And More! (EXCLUSIVE)

“ Send that article.” she said. “I’d love to read it. How intriguing?”

She didn’t say “Yes.” She didn’t say “No.” But she did also give this big grin insinuating that she might know something we don’t. Perhaps maybe even if it isn’t a “rumor” anymore. Then again, she’s a phenomenal actress, so she may have just been pulling our leg.

Now, it is important to remind readers that the question was rooted in pure speculation. Nothing is confirmed, And even if Howell-Baptiste was approached for the role, it doesn’t mean she took it.

With the untitled X-Men project apparently in the fast lane at Marvel Studios, we’re certain there will be more definitive casting news to report on in the near future. Until then, we’ll just have to relish in any other rumors making the rounds on the internet.

Interested in seeing Howell-Baptiste answer the question for yourself?

You can check out the full interview here or below!

SOURCE: Cinefied