The new X-Men movie continues to add names to its cast, and the latest one comes with a direct nod to the Game of Thrones universe. According to recent reports, Marvel Studios is considering Peter Claffey to play Beast, one of the founding members of the mutants in the comics.
The rumor gains relevance just as the studio continues to finalize key pieces of a project that has been generating buzz for months, and at a time when the original cast considered for the character has reportedly undergone unexpected changes.
From Westeros to Xavier’s Institute: who is Peter Claffey
Claffey, of Irish origin, has an unusual background for an actor. Before turning to acting, he played professional rugby for Connacht, a stage that explains his notable physical build. His leap into acting began in the theater, specifically at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, with the play A Whistle in the Dark, by Tom Murphy.
Later came roles in series such as Bad Sisters and Wreck, but his most visible project to date is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the Game of Thrones prequel centered on Dunk and Egg. In it, he plays Ser Duncan the Tall, a large knight whose nobility and protective nature contrast with his imposing appearance.
That same duality between physical appearance and personality is, precisely, one of the most characteristic traits of Beast. Hank McCoy is not just brute force: he is also intelligence, sensitivity, and an identity marked by the contrast between his appearance and his inner self. If the casting is confirmed, Claffey would have the necessary physical base to embody him, although it remains to be seen how Marvel would approach his characteristic blue appearance.
A change of actor behind the potential casting
Claffey's arrival in the conversation would also be related to a previous move in the cast. According to Knight Edge Media, Charles Melton, previously linked to the role, would have had to step away from the project due to scheduling conflicts.
The actor would have ultimately opted to participate in the film adaptation of Naruto, where he would be linked to the character of Kakashi Hatake. After unsuccessfully trying to reconcile both commitments, Marvel would have started to evaluate alternatives, including Claffey, whose visibility has grown thanks to Game of Thrones.
An increasingly broad X-Men cast
The new film is directed by Jake Schreier, while Lee Sung Jin, creator of Beef, and Joanna Calo, linked to The Bear, are working on a revision of Michael Lesslie's original script.
Among the names linked to the project are Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier, Maya Boyd as Storm, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, and Asa Germann as Angel. Adam Driver, for his part, would be linked to the role of Mister Sinister.
It should be remembered that none of these castings, including Claffey's, have official confirmation from Marvel Studios yet. These are reports coming from specialized industry media.
Characters still pending confirmation
Among the mutants who do not yet have an associated actor is Iceman, another historic member of the original X-Men lineup. There are also speculations about supporting roles linked to characters such as Forge, Warpath, Jubilee, or Psylocke, although none of these identities have been confirmed.
Marvel's approach aims to build a mutant franchise that does not depend solely on Wolverine. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has noted in previous statements that the X-Men represent a universe with the capacity to sustain several films and their own stories.
Release date and filming of the new X-Men movie
According to the latest information, filming would begin in early 2027, after adjusting the initial pre-production deadlines, which were considered too ambitious. The theatrical release is scheduled for May 2028.
If his casting is confirmed, Claffey would face a very different role from that of Ser Duncan, requiring him to convey both physical strength and the emotional complexity of a character who combines science, humanity, and a constant struggle against prejudice due to his appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peter Claffey?
He is an Irish actor, former professional rugby player, known for playing Ser Duncan the Tall in the series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel to Game of Thrones.
Is it confirmed that Peter Claffey will play Beast?
No. This is unofficial information that has emerged in specialized media; Marvel Studios has not confirmed the casting.
Why would Charles Melton no longer play Beast?
According to reports from Knight Edge Media, Melton would have had scheduling incompatibilities after committing to the Naruto adaptation, where he would play Kakashi Hatake.
Who is directing the new X-Men movie?
The film is directed by Jake Schreier, with a script by Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo, based on the original script by Michael Lesslie.
When will the new X-Men movie be released?
The release is scheduled for May 2028, with filming planned to begin in early 2027.
Which actors are rumored for the X-Men besides Beast?
Among the names linked to the project are Sadie Sink, Kit Connor, Inde Navarrette, Christopher Abbott, Maya Boyd, Samara Weaving, Asa Germann, and Adam Driver, although none are officially confirmed.
