Peter Claffey could be trading Westeros for Xavier’s School. The actor, known for playing Ser Duncan the Tall, or Dunk, in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has reportedly landed the role of Beast in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot.
The casting claim comes from Knight Edge Media, which reports that Claffey will play Hank McCoy. Marvel has yet to confirm his involvement, and the outlet says the studio could not be reached for comment.
In brief:
- Peter Claffey reportedly joins Marvel’s X-Men reboot as Hank McCoy, also known as Beast.
- The Dunk actor is said to have landed the role after Charles Melton left contention over scheduling.
- Jake Schreier is directing the film, which is scheduled for May 5, 2028.
- Claffey’s casting remains unconfirmed by Marvel Studios.
Peter Claffey Reportedly Lands Beast Role After Charles Melton Steps Away
According to Knight Edge Media, Charles Melton had been in the running for Beast before choosing another major franchise project. The report claims he stepped away to play Kakashi Hatake in the live-action Naruto movie after attempts to accommodate both productions fell through.
And that reportedly opened the door for Claffey to take on one of the X-Men’s most recognizable members. For viewers who discovered him through A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the move would put him at the center of another huge fantasy universe.
The Dunk Actor Could Be a Strong Fit for Beast
Claffey’s physical presence makes the casting easy to picture. Before acting, the Irish performer played rugby for Connacht, giving him an athletic background that could suit Hank McCoy’s powerful build.
Beast also gives an actor plenty to work with beyond action scenes. Hank’s scientific brilliance, warmth, and articulate personality are central to his appeal. A convincing performance needs to bring those qualities together with the character’s imposing appearance.
Early reactions to the report reflect that balance. Some commenters have praised Claffey’s size and facial features as a match for Beast, while others are curious about how he would handle Hank’s intellectual side. Fans are also debating whether the reboot should introduce his human-looking form or move straight to the familiar blue-furred appearance.
Marvel has yet to reveal how this version of Beast will look, leaving his makeup, effects, and costume open to speculation.
X-Men Reboot Cast and Release Date
Jake Schreier’s X-Men is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 5, 2028. Its ensemble includes several major characters from the comics:
- Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier.
- Sadie Sink as Jean Grey.
- Kit Connor as Cyclops.
- Inde Navarrette as Rogue.
- Maya Boyd as Storm.
- Adam Driver as Mister Sinister.
Claffey would add another familiar face to that lineup if the report is confirmed. As of writing, his involvement should be treated as reported casting, with an official Marvel announcement still pending.
