Photo Credit: Neon
X-Men fans have mixed reactions to a new Mister Sinister redesign, with some fearing it could influence the character’s look in Marvel’s upcoming reboot. Next week, Insomniac Games will release Marvel’s Wolverine, which features actor Troy Baker portraying Nathaniel Essex. The iconic X-Men villain will also feature in the MCU’s new X-Men film, which has cast Adam Driver in the role.
New look at Troy Baker as Nathanial Essex/Mr. Sinister in Insomniac’s ‘WOLVERINE’. pic.twitter.com/a0TZTErvL1— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 10, 2026
Following the game’s reviews, many fans have voiced their opinions on Mister Sinister’s new look. Footage from the game shows Baker’s Essex sporting a very civilian look, which is radically different from the villain’s appearance in the comic books.
While some fans love that two celebrated actors are portraying the character across consecutive installments, others criticize the design. Users @notkindshukk and @McLoox appreciated the casting of the two actors, celebrating the character’s resurgence in modern media.
“We getting Troy Baker AND Adam Driver as Mister Sinister in the same week,” exclaimed the former on an X post.
We getting troy baker AND adam driver as mister sinister in the same week ? pic.twitter.com/6q4n0EknuO— lingshake (@notkingshukk) August 15, 2026
We are getting Troy Baker and Adam Driver as Nathaniel Essex, back to back!. HOLY!!!??? https://t.co/RfEj0YaQur pic.twitter.com/PfAG6V9C53— .___. (@McLoox) August 15, 2026
Fan concerns extend beyond Mister Sinister’s new look
Elsewhere, some fans do not like how the game’s character model is essentially a replica of Baker’s face. “For me, Sinister should look like a cross between a vampire and an elf, and Adam loses so much when Troy Baker plays the same role right next to him in Wolverine’s game,” said user @by_quibbler on X.
Meh, for me Sinister should look like a cross between a vampire and an elf, and Adam loses so much when Troy Baker plays the same role right next to him in Wolverine’s game. I think the Driver would have played Azazel or Sebastian Shaw well ? pic.twitter.com/NWfI4EQCup— Quibbler (@by_quibbler) August 15, 2026
Some other fans also expressed confusion upon learning that Baker is playing the X-Men villain in the game. “Really? He’s supposed to be Mr sinister? God what a lame design,” said user @adamric16455323 on X.
Really? He’s supposed to be Mr sinister? God what a lame design— glorb (@adamric16455323) September 10, 2026
Despite 20th Century Fox making over a dozen X-Men films, none of them featured Mister Sinister. The film franchise primarily focused on the rivalry between Professor X and Magneto as the core pillar of its narrative. Other villains featured in the franchise include Ajax, Cable, Viper, Silver Samurai, Dr. Bolivar Trask, and more.
Mister Sinister is about to enter the public consciousness once again. Marvel Studios will utilize a version of the character, called Nathaniel Milbury, in its X-Men reboot in 2028. Plot details for the X-Men film remain under wraps.
