Following her breakout performance in the independent film Obsession, actress Inde Navarrette has reportedly turned down multiple significant projects, including a role in Heat 2, to join Marvel Studios' upcoming X-Men film. Navarrette is slated to portray the mutant Rogue in the as-yet-untitled movie.
Sources indicated to PageSix that Navarrette was considered for the role of Sharlene in Heat 2, a character originally played by Ashley Judd. This potential role would have placed her alongside actors such as Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Adam Driver, who is also confirmed to play Mister Sinister, the villain in the X-Men film. Navarrette also reportedly declined an offer for an unnamed horror film directed by Mattias Hoehne, which would have paid $2.5 million.
Navarrette previously expressed interest in joining the Marvel universe, particularly with a role in the X-Men franchise, after her name was frequently linked to fancasts for Marvel's Black Cat. "Every time that I see something like this I'll giggle because, like, obviously I know the truth, but I would love to be a part of Marvel," Navarrette told Variety in July. "I think it's fun, especially since I grew up watching X-Men – the 2000s X-Men. That would be fun."
She further elaborated on her admiration for the franchise, noting characters like Mystique and the visual effects involved in creating mutants. "Mystique has always been super cool," she said. "Growing up, I remember watching the behind-the-scenes process of all the prosthetics. That was super cool for me."
Navarrette's casting has been met with widespread positive reception, including a welcome message from Anna Paquin, who voiced Rogue in the X-Men animated series.
Obsession became the highest-grossing independent film with a budget under $1 million, significantly boosting Navarrette's profile. Her reported $20,000 salary for the film contrasts sharply with the potential earnings and career trajectory offered by a major Marvel Studios production.