Marvel's 7-Year 'No' Streak With Adam Driver Ends
The actor cites director Jake Schreier and the specific script as the reasons he finally joined the X-Men reboot.
By Tessa Cooper ·
Adam Driver played Mister Sinister in the upcoming X-Men reboot after spending years turning down Marvel offers. The actor explained his change of heart during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He said the project felt like the right time for him to join the franchise.
Driver credited the specific combination of creative elements for his decision. He pointed to the source material, the director, and the studio leadership as the key factors. Jake Schreier directed the film. Kevin Feige served as the head of Marvel Studios. Driver described the script as really cool.
The actor had previously been cautious about entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He noted the massive audience size that comes with the brand. Driver explained that a large viewership means many people will see if the performance is weak. He added that he did not want to mess it up.
Marvel executives had a long history of pitching roles to Driver. Kevin Feige discussed this dynamic on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Feige described their interactions as a running ritual. The two would meet on Zoom when new projects emerged. Driver would typically decline the part. Feige said the pair had a long-lived tradition of these calls.
Feige noted that Driver was always cordial during these meetings. The studio chief said Driver was usually upfront about his feelings regarding the offers. Feige stated it was no secret that Marvel wanted to work with the actor. The rejections were consistent over a long period.
In the new film, Driver portrays Dr. Nathaniel Essex. The character is also known as Mister Sinister. He is a superintelligent and shape-shifting telepath. He serves as the main antagonist. The film features a large ensemble of mutant heroes opposing him.
The cast includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Christopher Abbott as Charles Xavier, Maya Boyd as Storm, and Asa Germann as Angel. Driver's role places him against this group of characters in the story.
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