This ‘Wicked’ star’s dream: Playing Storm at the X-Men academy

Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo has her sights set on the Marvel Universe, and she’s made her dream role clear: Storm.

While attending the National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York City in January, the Wicked star opened up about her superhero aspirations. “I really want to play Storm,” Erivo said. “I know it sounds frivolous, but I think we haven’t uncovered how grand she is, and all of that inner turmoil she has. So I think there’s a world in which we could do something with that.”

Who is Storm?

Storm, also known as Ororo Munroe, is one of Marvel’s most powerful and beloved mutants. First introduced in 1975, she’s a key member of the X-Men with the ability to manipulate weather and atmosphere. Storm also made history as one of the first Black superheroes in mainstream American comics and later became the first Black woman to lead the X-Men in the comics.

The character has previously been brought to life on the big screen by Halle Berry in the original X-Men film trilogy (2000–2006), and more recently by Alexandra Shipp in the prequel series starting with X-Men: Apocalypse (2016).

However, with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and the X-Men now under the Marvel Studios umbrella, a full reboot is expected, meaning the role of Storm is wide open.

As of now, no casting announcements have been made for the new X-Men lineup in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

For now, Erivo lives in Oz

Storm aside, Erivo is currently starring as Elphaba in Wicked, the two-part film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. Wicked: For Good will hit theaters on November 21, 2025. The film also stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and is directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights).

Known for her powerhouse vocals and commanding screen presence, Erivo has received an Academy Award nomination for her role in Harriet and continues to establish herself as a force across genres.

While Marvel Studios has not confirmed Erivo for the role of Storm, her passion for the character and her proven talent make her a compelling contender. As fans eagerly await updates on the future of the X-Men in the MCU, one thing is clear: Cynthia Erivo is ready to bring the thunder.