Fans Onto The Next Obsession
Karen Martinez Aguilar | PHOTOGRAPHER
September 03, 2026
When Marvel fans think of the perfect casting, they immediately have in mind the actor they think is perfect for their favorite characters, and casting directors tend to make such great choices that the fans adore it and can’t envision anyone else for the role. Other times, however, fans see the casting and think, “Who approved this?”
Up-and-coming horror actor Inde Navarrete starred in Curry Barker’s box office, low-budget indie film, Obsession and has now been announced as the new Rogue in the coming X-Men film. One would think fans would be happy to see such a talented young actor as herself in such a big role to be a great opportunity, but instead fans are sharing their surprise, disapproval, and criticism of Navarrete for the role of Rogue.
Many Marvel fans are confused or upset with the director’s choice in casting Navarrete as Rogue because her physical appearance is nowhere near that of the Marvel character. With her being a shorter, skinnier, nonmuscular woman, the opposite of the character, Rogue fans don’t see her as the ideal cast for the character.
On top of that, there are genuine concerns about the original voice actors’ heavy accent that was used in the original X-Men that raise the question of whether Navarrete can truly pull off the role of Rogue. This, however, isn’t reason enough to completely toss her aside and recast the actor. People have to be open-minded and willing to give the new actress a shot at proving herself as the Rogue.
True to the fans’ opinions, Navarrete isn’t an exact match to Rogue, but no one can say she isn’t a talented actress. Naverrete showed her skills in the amazing way she played Nikki and had so many people creeped out trying to mimic her disturbing and unique facial expressions. Yes, it’s true her career skyrocketed with the success of the film, but it is also thanks to her putting a spotlight on the film that made this low-budget film a huge success. Her work on the film with her character showed not only her dedication in her roles but also, that she has what it takes to be cast in a Marvel project such as X-Men.
There has been speculation that the director made a choice based on her popularity and sudden rise of fame. This has caused concern as the fans want someone who embodies the character of Rogue, someone who wasn’t simply handed the role in order to get a big cashout and sell out at the box office. However, Navarrete has proven with her skills and abilities that she can take anything anyone throws at her. Only having shot Obsession in 20 days, Navarrete had displayed her ability and talent in having what it takes to bring the character of Rogue to life.
It is also true that long-standing Marvel fans won’t ever truly be at ease or happy about all Marvel castings of their favorite characters. Navarrete isn’t the first to receive criticism and disapproval, and she certainly won’t be the last. Other Marvel actors such as Hugh Jackman or Robert Downey Jr. weren’t exactly as the character was imagined originally either, but they became beloved Marvel fan favorites.
People should not discredit the effort and talent the upcoming Naverrete, simply because she doesn’t precisely meet fans expectations or specific ideals, and they should instead wait and see how she plays the role and judge her based on that.
At the end of the day, we know Inde Navarrete will put her all and work hard to bring the character of Rogue justice and truly embody the Marvel Cinematic universe.