Lenore Zann Endorses Inde Navarrette as MCU's New Rogue
The definitive voice of the character welcomes the 'Obsession' star following the D23 2026 casting reveal.
Lenore Zann, the iconic voice of Rogue, has publicly endorsed Inde Navarrette as the actress taking over the role in the MCU's X-Men reboot. The gesture serves as a symbolic passing of the torch from the animated legacy to the new live-action era.
Following the official casting announcement at the D23 2026 showcase, Zann posted a video message from Dublin, Ireland, congratulating Navarrette. In the clip, Zann welcomed the actress to the "X-Men family" and extended an invitation to meet for coffee in Los Angeles. "I can't wait to meetcha, sugar!" Zann said, noting she would return to North America within the month. Navarrette responded to the outreach, calling the message an "honor."
A Legacy of Voice
Zann has been the definitive voice of Rogue since 1992, originating the role in the original X-Men animated series. She recently reprised the character in X-Men '97 and the game Marvel Rivals. Her history with the character includes a critical perspective on previous live-action attempts; Zann previously argued that the portrayal of Rogue in the Fox X-Men films was made too young to appeal to teenagers, which she believed weakened the character's impact.
Navarrette enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a rising star in the industry. She recently gained significant attention for her role in the horror film 'Obsession,' a commercial success that grossed approximately $488 million.
Industry Implications
Zann's public blessing is a strategic win for Marvel Studios. Because Zann is widely regarded as the definitive interpretation of Rogue, her endorsement helps bridge the gap between the beloved animated version and the upcoming reboot. By aligning the new casting with the character's most recognized voice, Marvel may ease fan anxieties regarding the direction of the reboot and the authenticity of the character's portrayal.
The Road to 2028
Navarrette joins a high-profile ensemble for the reboot. The confirmed cast includes Adam Driver as Mister Sinister, Maya Boyd as Storm, Christopher Abbott as Professor X, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, and Sadie Sink as Jean Grey.
Fans will have to wait several years to see the chemistry of this new team on screen. The MCU X-Men film is currently scheduled for theatrical release on May 5, 2028.