Hailee Steinfeld has once again hinted at her future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, telling fans she’s ready and waiting to return as Kate Bishop. Speaking on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Steinfeld opened up about her recent projects and the possibility of rejoining the Marvel family.

The actress, who earned her first Oscar nomination 15 years ago for True Grit, currently stars in Sinners and continues to make waves across both live-action and animation.

Hailee Steinfeld Addresses Kate Bishop Rumors

Fans have been buzzing about a mysterious IMDb listing for a project titled Champions, which many believe could mark Kate Bishop’s next MCU appearance. When asked about it, Steinfeld laughed off the rumors, saying IMDb “can be updated by anyone,” and that it’s hard to know what’s real.

Still, her comments made it clear she’s open to returning:

“I’m always waiting by the phone. I love that family. I’m so grateful to be a part of it. Anytime they need me, they know where to find me.”

Her words have reignited excitement among fans eager to see Kate Bishop continue her arc following her debut in Hawkeye on Disney+.

Updates on Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse

Steinfeld also provided insights into her voice role as Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. She described the creative process as fluid and ever-evolving, with multiple versions of dialogue recorded to capture the right tone and emotion.

“The script evolves constantly,” she explained. “That keeps things exciting and dynamic.”

Her continued involvement in both the MCU and Sony’s Spider-Verse highlights her versatility as an actress capable of crossing franchises with ease.

Why Fans Want Hailee Steinfeld Back as Kate Bishop

Since Hawkeye, Kate Bishop has become a fan-favorite character thanks to her charisma, humor, and chemistry with Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). Steinfeld’s performance brought new life to the young-hero archetype, setting the stage for future team-ups like Young Avengers or Champions.

With Marvel entering a new phase after Secret Wars, Bishop’s return could bridge the gap between street-level heroes and larger cosmic events, giving fans a grounded yet exciting storyline.

What’s Next for Hailee Steinfeld

Between Sinners, Beyond the Spider-Verse, and potential Marvel projects, Steinfeld’s schedule continues to impress. Whether or not Champions turns out to be real, her enthusiasm for the MCU makes one thing clear — she’s ready to suit up as Kate Bishop again whenever Marvel calls.

Christopher Nolan knew instantly that Cillian Murphy was special. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nolan described how a simple photo from 28 Days Later first caught his attention.

“I saw a picture of you with your shaved head and your crazy eyes, no offense. I remember being struck by your presence, literally from that one photograph,” Nolan said. “I started to look into who you were, and what you’d done, and got very excited about the idea of meeting you.”

The Batman Audition That Changed Everything

Their first meeting came in the context of auditions for Batman Begins. Murphy quickly realized he wasn’t right for Bruce Wayne.

“It was clear to me from the beginning that I wasn’t Batman material,” Murphy admitted. “It felt to me that it was correct and right that it should be Christian Bale for that part.”

But Nolan saw another opportunity. Using Murphy’s audition as a screen test, he pushed the studio to cast him as Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow.

“All the previous Batman villains had been played by huge movie stars like Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Carrey. That was a big leap for them and it really was purely on the basis of that test. So that’s how you got to play Scarecrow,” Nolan explained.

From Gotham to Oppenheimer

Murphy’s chilling performance as Scarecrow became the start of a long and fruitful partnership. He reprised the role in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, leaving a lasting impression despite sharing the screen with massive ensemble casts.

The collaboration didn’t end in Gotham. Murphy went on to appear in Nolan’s Inception, Dunkirk, and most recently Oppenheimer, showcasing his incredible range. Nolan often highlights Murphy’s unique ability to blend intensity with subtlety, making him one of the director’s most trusted collaborators.

One of Cinema’s Great Creative Partnerships

Over the years, Nolan and Murphy’s partnership has become one of the most respected in modern cinema. Murphy’s dedication to his craft pairs seamlessly with Nolan’s ambitious storytelling, creating films and characters that continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

What about you? Which Murphy performance in a Nolan film stands out the most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Fans of Mortal Kombat will have to wait longer to see the next bloody chapter unfold. New Line Cinema has officially delayed Mortal Kombat 2, moving its theatrical release from October 24, 2024 to May 15, 2026.

According to Deadline, Warner Bros. and New Line believe the film has stronger box office potential as a summer blockbuster, especially after the overwhelmingly positive reception to its trailer.

What We Know About the Sequel

The film continues the story from 2021’s Mortal Kombat reboot. Directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater, the sequel is based on the legendary fighting game series by Ed Boon and John Tobias. This entry is also considered the fourth Mortal Kombat film overall.

The official synopsis teases brutal new confrontations. Earthrealm’s defenders must once again fight for survival, this time against the dark reign of Shao Kahn. Fan-favorite Johnny Cage finally enters the fray, setting the stage for an even bigger and bloodier showdown.

Cast: Returning Warriors and New Blood

The sequel features a mix of familiar and fresh faces. Returning cast members include:

• Jessica McNamee (Sonya Blade)

• Josh Lawson (Kano)

• Ludi Lin (Liu Kang)

• Mehcad Brooks (Jax)

• Lewis Tan (Cole Young)

• Chin Han (Shang Tsung)

• Tadanobu Asano (Raiden)

• Joe Taslim (Bi-Han / Sub-Zero)

• Hiroyuki Sanada (Scorpion)

New cast members joining the fight include:

• Karl Urban as Johnny Cage

• Adeline Rudolph

• Tati Gabrielle

Producer Todd Garner and writer Greg Russo had long discussed standalone spin-offs for Cage and Sub-Zero before deciding to move forward with a direct sequel. Warner Bros. officially green-lit the project in 2022, reuniting McQuoid with the creative team behind the first film.

Production Timeline

Filming began in June 2023 in Australia, paused in July due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, resumed in November, and officially wrapped in January 2024. With production complete, the delay is not due to unfinished work but rather a strategic release move by the studio.

Final Thoughts

The delay may frustrate fans, but it also signals Warner Bros.’ confidence in Mortal Kombat II as a potential summer tentpole release. With Karl Urban bringing Johnny Cage to life, the return of beloved fighters, and the looming threat of Shao Kahn, the sequel could deliver one of the franchise’s most explosive installments yet.

Mortal Kombat II now hits theaters worldwide on May 15, 2026.