Lenore Zann, the iconic voice of Rogue in animated Marvel projects since the ’90s, has published a heartfelt video message congratulating Inde Navarrette on her casting as the live-action version of Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men reboot.

The announcement was made at D23 2026, a major milestone for comic book movie fans. The weekend marked a significant moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the reveal of the new X-Men cast. Among the newcomers was Navarrette, who, after weeks of rumors, was officially picked to play Rogue.

The new X-Men film, set to launch a post-Avengers: Secret Wars world, is scheduled for a May 5, 2028, release date. This marks the first time the character has appeared in a live-action Marvel movie in over a decade. Anna Paquin last portrayed the character, so it was only natural for Zann to welcome Navarrette to the X-Men family.

Zann debuted as an animated Rogue in the original animated X-Men series and returned to play her in the Disney+ continuation series, X-Men ’97. She has also lent her voice acting chops to spinoff projects like Marvel Rivals. Throughout her tenure, she has stood the test of time as one of the more recognizable performances in Marvel’s long history of animated projects.

In her special video message, Zann, channeling Rogue’s instantly recognizable Southern accent, said, ‘Well, hey there, y’all. This here is Lenore Zann a.k.a. Rogue of the X-Men, coming to you today from beautiful Dublin, Ireland. I just want to give a shoutout to Inde Navarrette, the actress who was just named to play Rogue in the upcoming Marvel movie of the X-Men.’

Zann expressed her excitement and eagerness to meet Navarrette, saying, ‘I can’t wait to meetcha, sugar! I will be coming back to North America in the next month, so I look forward to that day.’

The video message also included a description that read, ‘Congrats from Dublin @indenavarrette on nabbinвҖҚ the role of Rogue in @marvel’s upcominвҖҚ X-Men movie!! CanвҖҚt wait to see what you bring to the role! Look forward to meetinвҖҚ ya, Sugah! Best of luck. Hugs and High Fives (gloves on of course!).’

Navarrette seemed to appreciate the gesture, replying with two heart emojis and saying, ‘Hello! What a honor! Thank you for this kind message!’

Zann got back to Navarrette, extending an offer to grab coffee once she’s back in town, saying, ‘Yer so welcome Sugah. I see a coffee in our future when I’m back in LA.’

The internet is still buzzing after Navarrette took the stage at D23 alongside her new X-Men castmates. The full lineup for the MCU reboot included Navarrette as Rogue, Adam Driver as Mister Sinister, Maya Boyd as Storm, Christopher Abbott as Professor X, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, and Sadie Sink as Jean Grey.

The new X-Men cast is set to bring a fresh take to the iconic Marvel mutants, with Navarrette’s Rogue being a highly anticipated addition. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the film, which promises to be a significant moment in the MCU.