Recent rumors suggested that Adam Driver had finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has now revealed that the actor has repeatedly rejected opportunities to enter the superhero franchise.
During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, host Josh Horowitz noted that Marvel had approached Driver about several characters. Feige responded, “Many. Many, many, many.”
Kevin Feige – Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
“It’s no secret we’d like to,” Feige continued. “But it’s a tradition to Zoom with him, and then he passes. That’s a long-lived tradition.”
Adam Driver Has Repeatedly Rejected Marvel
Although Feige did not identify the roles offered to Driver, he said the actor has always been cordial and honest during their conversations. Marvel has apparently continued approaching him despite receiving the same answer numerous times.
“Does he pass in the moment or does he wait to pass afterwards?” Horowitz asked.
“He’s usually upfront about how he’s feeling,” Feige answered.
While it is unclear when Feige sat down for the interview, his comments arrive shortly after rumors began circulating that Driver had been cast as a villain in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men reboot.
Adam Driver Rumored for Marvel’s X-Men Reboot
On July 13, scooper MyTimeToShineHello claimed that Driver had joined the MCU in an unidentified villainous role. Another insider, Apocalyptic Horseman, initially reported that the Star Wars actor would portray Magneto.
Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97 – Marvel Animation
Three days later, the scooper walked back that claim and said Driver was actually being eyed to play Mister Sinister. More recent reports have connected him to William Stryker, creating additional uncertainty about Marvel’s plans.
So sorry guys. Big mistake from my end but hearing Adam Driver is Sinister.
Bill Skarsgard is indeed one of the actors among a handful in the mix for Xavier. They’re aiming young.
Cooper Hoffman also is in the mix for Cyclops. He’s not the only choice though.
More soon. https://t.co/rYEydby6LA
— Apocalyptic Horseman (@ApocHorseman) July 16, 2026
Feige’s comments do not necessarily prove that every rumor is false. Driver could always change his mind if Marvel presented him with the right director, script, or character. However, the studio president’s description of their repeated conversations suggests that no deal had been finalized when the interview was recorded.
According to Variety, the Marvel Studios boss also confirmed that no casting decisions have been finalized for the X-Men reboot. Until Marvel or Driver makes an official announcement, claims that the actor has already joined the film should be treated with considerable skepticism.
Did Disney Sour Adam Driver on Major Franchises?
Many users online suggested that Driver may not have an issue with Feige or Marvel specifically. However, some have speculated that his relationship with Disney may have cooled.
Last October, the actor revealed that the studio had rejected a spin-off film centered on his Star Wars character, Ben Solo. Driver and director Steven Soderbergh had reportedly spent two years independently developing the project before presenting it to Lucasfilm.
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens – Lucasfilm
“It was called The Hunt for Ben Solo and it was really cool,” Driver said. “But it is no more, so I can finally talk about it.”
Lucasfilm reportedly responded positively to the idea. However, Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman ultimately rejected the project because they did not understand how Ben Solo could still be alive.
Marvel Has Not Given Up on Adam Driver
While a return to the Star Wars universe appears to be off the table, Feige seems ready to offer Driver a place in the MCU.
Marvel clearly remains interested in working with him. Nevertheless, after so many polite rejections, the latest X-Men casting rumors may simply represent another proposed role that never makes it beyond a Zoom call.
Why do you think Adam Driver keeps turning down Marvel? Sound off and let us know!
