Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry has expressed her enthusiasm for the casting of Maya Boyd as the latest incarnation of the iconic character Storm in Marvel’s much-anticipated X-Men reboot. Speaking to PEOPLE at the Create & Cultivate Festival in Los Angeles, Berry, who famously portrayed the weather-manipulating mutant for over two decades, shared her excitement for Boyd, stating confidently, “I believe she’s going to kill it.”
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The announcement of Boyd’s casting made headlines last month during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige unveiled the star-studded ensemble for the film. Boyd, at just 23 years old, will join an impressive cast that includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, and Adam Driver as the villain Mister Sinister, among others.
Reflecting on her own legacy, Berry recalled the first time she brought Storm, also known as Ororo Munroe, to the silver screen in 2000. The original X-Men film featured a talented cast, including Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as Professor X. Berry reprised her role multiple times in subsequent films, contributing significantly to the character’s iconic status in popular culture.
The transition to a new actress assuming the role of Storm marks a fresh chapter in the history of the character. When asked about whether she viewed Boyd’s casting as a passing of the torch, Berry was quick to assert her unique bond with the character. “Yeah, there are people playing Storm. No, my Storm was my Storm, and I wish her so well,” Berry remarked, emphasising the individual interpretation Boyd will bring to the role.
Berry expressed her keen interest in how the new actress will shape her version of Storm. “I very much look forward to seeing what her version will be,” she noted. This sentiment highlights the transformative nature of iconic characters, which can be reimagined with each new portrayal. Berry drew parallels with her experience playing Catwoman in a 2004 film, where she acknowledged that every actor brings their own interpretation to such beloved figures, shaping them according to their own perspectives and insights.
Beyond her role in the superhero genre, Berry has a busy schedule ahead, thanks to her production company, HalleHolly. She recently announced a slate of nine upcoming film and television projects. Among them are ‘The President Is Missing,’ where she will take on the role of President Joanna Duncan, and several other projects spanning various genres, including a comedy and a horror drama.
The new X-Men film, directed by Jake Schreier, is set for release on May 5, 2028. As the franchise prepares to enter this new era, fans are filled with anticipation, eager to see how the story unfolds with its new cast.
With Berry’s legacy firmly established, it is clear that her mark as Storm will forever be remembered, even as new talent emerges to take the reins. The excitement surrounding Maya Boyd’s debut reinforces the ever-evolving nature of the superhero genre, promising audiences a fresh take on familiar heroes while honouring the characters’ rich histories.
As we await the release of the film, Berry’s support for Boyd acts as a testament to the bond shared among actresses who portray such significant characters and the hope that the legacy of Storm will continue to inspire future generations.