Peter Claffey reportedly cast as Beast in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men reboot

Irish actor Peter Claffey, known for his role in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has reportedly been selected to play Beast in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot.

Irish actor Peter Claffey known for his role in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has reportedly been selected to play Beast in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot. However, Marvel has not officially confirmed the reported casting.

According to entertainment outlet Knight Edge Media Claffey will portray Hank McCoy the brilliant scientist and mutant superhero better known as Beast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). ScreenRant has also reportedly contacted Disney for a response regarding the casting news.

Claffey has attracted attention for playing Ser Duncan the Tall in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a Game of Thrones spin-off based on the fantasy stories of author George R. R. Martin. The reported Marvel role follows earlier speculation about the actor joining the franchise with Charles Melton also mentioned in rumours surrounding the character.

Beast whose full name is Dr Henry Philip McCoy is one of the best-known members of the X-Men. The character combines exceptional scientific knowledge and strategic abilities with a distinctive blue, furry appearance resulting from his mutation.

The role has previously been portrayed by several actors in live-action films. Kelsey Grammer played an older version of Beast in X-Men: The Last Stand and later appeared as the character in The Marvels. Nicholas Hoult portrayed a younger Hank McCoy in X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse.

Marvel Studios is developing a new version of the X-Men franchise as the mutant superheroes prepare to become part of the wider MCU. The original X-Men comic series created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby debuted in 1963 and introduced a group of mutants led by Professor Charles Xavier.

The upcoming reboot is expected to introduce a new chapter for the iconic superhero team although Marvel has yet to disclose the complete cast storyline or further production details.

If confirmed Claffey’s reported casting would mark another major step in his career following his growing recognition through the Game of Thrones universe. For now fans will have to wait for an official announcement from Marvel or Disney to establish whether he will take on the role of Beast.