‘13 Reasons Why’ Star Henry Zaga Joins The Cast Of ‘X-Men’ Spinoff ‘New Mutants’

“13 Reasons Why” actor Henry Zaga has been cast in FOX’s long-awaited “X-Men” spinoff “New Mutants.”

“New Mutants” director Josh Boone announced Zaga’s casting in an Instagram post, revealing that the actor, who hails from Rio, will play the role of Brazilian mutant Sunspot.

Shortly after his casting was announced, Zaga took Instagram to thank Boone for giving him the opportunity to be part of the film. Zaga also wrote that he’s humbled to play the role of Sunspot.

READ: “New Mutants” to star “Stranger Things” actor Charlie Heaton?

In the comics, Sunspot, a.k.a. Roberto “Bobby” da Costa, is the son of Brazilian millionaire Emmanuel da Costa and American archaeologist Nina. Sunspot can absorb solar energy and can utilize it for physical strength. He also possesses the ability to re-channel the solar energy, which his body absorbs and uses it for a variety of purposes, including flight, thermokinesis and energy blasts, among many others.

Bobby discovered that he’s a mutant when he’s 14. His superhuman powers first manifested while he was playing in a championship soccer match for his school team in Rio de Janeiro. During the game, Bobby became a victim of a racially motivated attack when two members of the opposing team knocked him to the ground. Bobby sought revenge by tackling one of his attackers, but ended up being brutally beaten. It was then that Bobby first manifested his superhuman strength, inadvertently hurling his attackers away from him. After the incident, Bobby met Professor Charles Xavier, founder of the X-Men, and agreed to stay with him. While in Prof. Xavier’s custody, Bobby received training on the use of his powers and later became a member of the New Mutants.

According to Deadline, Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Witch and Split”), Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”) and Rosario Dawson (“Sin City”) have already signed on to star in “New Mutants.” The young adult superhero movie will tell the adventures of a diverse group of teens that also include Native American Danielle Moonstar, Scots girl Wolfsbane, Kentuckian code-named Cannonball, Russian teen Magik and alien named Warlock.

Zaga played the role of Brad on Netflix’s teen drama “13 Reasons Why.” His other acting credits include MTV’s “Teen Wolf” and Netflix’s film “XoXo.”