Is Cooper Hoffman playing Cyclops in the new X-Men movie? Actor addresses viral speculation

The IMDb Portrait Studio At Acura House Of Energy 2026 - Source: Getty
The IMDb Portrait Studio At Acura House Of Energy 2026 - Source: Getty

The Poetic License star Cooper Hoffman has found himself at the center of a new rumor that is doing the rounds on social media.

Cooper Hoffman, 23, who made his acting debut in Paul Thomas Anderson's comedy-drama Licorice Pizza, for which he also received critical acclaim, had to recently address a viral speculation that is circulating on Reddit and other social media platforms about him taking up the role of Cyclops in the new X-Men movie.

During the red carpet event for the premiere of Greg Araki's upcoming movie I Want Your Sex, which stars Hoffman alongside Cowboys and Aliens actress-turned-filmmaker Olivia Wilde, on July 28, 2026, Entertainment Tonight got hold of Hoffman and asked about the rumor surrounding him starring in the new X-Men movie as Cyclops, to which he responded with surprise and stated that it is not true.

While speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Cooper Hoffman made it clear that he is not starring as Cyclops in the upcoming X-Men movie, despite the viral speculation. Hoffman said:

"Not going to be me, but like, I love the X-Men. I don't know where this came from."

When Cooper was asked whether he would be interested in playing Cyclops, he quickly said:

"Yes. I love X-Men. I've been watching since I was a kid. It would be such an honor."

Check out below Entertainment Tonight's X (formerly Twitter) post in which Cooper Hoffman addresses the viral speculation:

According to reports, while Marvel is currently occupied with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to release in December 2026, the president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, has suggested that Jake Schreier's X-Men will most likely be released some time in 2028, after the Avengers: Secret Wars hit the big screen in December 2027.

Internet reacts to viral speculation that Cooper Hoffman is playing Cyclops in the upcoming X-Men movie

Los Angeles Premiere Of Magnolia Pictures' "I Want Your Sex" - Arrivals - Source: Getty
Los Angeles Premiere Of Magnolia Pictures' "I Want Your Sex" - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Let's take a look below at what X-Men fans have to say regarding the recent rumor about Cooper Hoffman playing the role of Cyclops in the new X-Men film:

"Denying a role that was never officially offered is such a weird Hollywood moment, someone started a rumor and now he has to publicly kill it before it becomes his identity." wrote an X user
"Cyclops is tough hope they cast someone who can nail that stoic rage." commented a social media user
"Damn, he actually would have been a really interesting choice for Scott Summers." noted an internet user
"Love Cooper Hoffman, but definitely not as Cyclops. Here's hoping that Nicholas Alexander Chavez rumor is true." written by an X user

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Edited by Koustav Mandal