Film

Madelaine Petsch Weighs In On Poison Ivy & Jean Grey Fancasting

30 January 2026

Madelaine Petsch has repeatedly been envisioned as two of the most iconic women in comics, DC Comics’ Poison Ivy and Marvel’s Jean Grey.

Fans of Batman and the X-Men have been wondering for years if the actor would ever take on the role of either character on screen. In an interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan for The Strangers — Chapter 3, Petsch revealed how she really feels about these fancastings and whether comic book fans would be seeing her suit up as Dr. Pamela Isley or Phoenix somewhere down the line.

Unfortunately, Petsch said that there are currently no plans for her to step into the superhero world as either character in the works, at least not that she is aware of. However, she said that she would be more than happy to take on either part and that it would be an honor to portray the iconic women. The actor even added that she would be trying to manifest it this year.

Both of those roles would be worth it creatively no matter what. That would honestly be an honor. There’s been no movement so far that I can speak to.

The fancasting for the Riverdale actor did not come out of nowhere. Petsch has actually voiced her desire to play Poison Ivy and Jean Grey. In interviews as recently as San Diego Comic-Con 2025, the actor told The Direct that she would love to play one of the most powerful X-Men of all time.

She also revealed that she has been trying to land the role of Poison Ivy for quite some time. In a video posted on Instagram, Petsch said that she dressed up as the antihero for Halloween a few years ago and tagged Matt Reeves in the photo to see if she could get him to cast her. She explained in the video, “Poison Ivy, it’s my dream. We’re working on it. I dressed up as Poison Ivy, I don’t remember how many Halloweens ago. Just to get their attention. It’s like, ‘Hey, Matt Reeves, are we paying attention?’ They haven’t made the movie yet, so who knows?”

Petsch will be returning as Maya in The Strangers — Chapter 3. Her character was the only survivor of The Strangers reboot trilogy. The logline of the film describes the final chapter of the series as a “full-circle reckoning of survival and revenge,” as she battles the three masked killers for the very last time.

The Strangers — Chapter 3 will be released in theaters on February 6, 2026.