After the success of ‘Wicked’, Cynthia Erivo dreams of playing Storm in the X-Men. But is she the right choice for a character shaped by Halle Berry’s legacy?
After the success of Wicked, Cynthia Erivo is already looking ahead to her next major challenge. The actress and singer has openly admitted that one of her dream roles would be Storm (Ororo Munroe), one of the most iconic characters in the X-Men universe, whose arrival in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains shrouded in secrecy.
Erivo made these comments during her appearance at the National Board of Review Awards, where Wicked was named Best Film. Rather than dodging questions about future projects, she was direct: “I really want to play Storm. I don’t think we’ve explored how great she is yet, or all the internal conflict she carries.” According to Erivo, there is room to delve deeper into the character’s emotional complexity and offer a richer, more nuanced portrayal.
Created in 1975, Storm has had two major cinematic incarnations. Halle Berry portrayed the character for fourteen years, from X-Men through to X-Men: Days of Future Past, establishing a powerful screen presence that defined the character for an entire generation. Later, Alexandra Shipp played a younger version in X-Men: Apocalypse. In animation, Alison Sealy-Smith has been the character’s most recognisable voice, both in the classic series and in X-Men ’97.
For now, Marvel Studios has confirmed no casting related to the X-Men, beyond occasional nods such as Deadpool & Wolverine. This has left ample room for speculation, wishful thinking and debate, much of it already playing out across social media.
And this is where personal reflection comes in.
From my point of view, while Cynthia Erivo is an outstanding actress and her talent is undeniable, I don’t believe she is the most suitable choice for Storm. The character carries an immense legacy and, whether we like it or not, Halle Berry set the bar extremely high in terms of presence, authority and magnetism. Storm is not just about power and inner conflict; she embodies elegance, mysticism and an almost divine force that demands a very specific kind of energy.
If Marvel is looking for a commercially powerful option aligned with the present moment, Zendaya would be a logical candidate: global charisma, proven acting credibility and a direct connection with younger audiences. Lovie Simone, meanwhile, bears a physical and energetic resemblance to a young Halle Berry, which could allow for a more organic transition of the character.
And if the studio wanted to take a truly bold step, Indya Moore—known for POSE—would be a choice capable of elevating Storm to a new symbolic level. Their presence, voice and identity could turn the character into an even more powerful icon of diversity and transformation within the Marvel universe.
For now, Cynthia Erivo has sent her wish out into the universe. The question remains whether Marvel is willing to listen… or whether Storm will ultimately take shape in the hands of another actress destined to redefine her.
