Rebecca Romijn says Marvel fandom is scarier than Star Trek fandom

Even Mystique can’t handle the intensity of the Marvel fandom.

Rebecca Romijn called the Marvel fandom “scarier” than Star Trek fans, a.k.a. Trekkies. The X-Men and Star Trek: Strange New World star stopped by Entertainment Weekly‘s 2024 Comic-Con studio on Saturday alongside Strange New World costar Ethan Peck, where she discussed her involvement in major franchises.

“It’s kind of intimidating,” Romijn said of the Marvel fandom, calling it “really intense.” “You don’t want to get it wrong, you want to please everybody.”

“How are they different, the fandoms?” Peck asked.

“It was scarier with the Marvel fandom than with the Trekkies,” she said. “The Trek fandom feels — they call it Trek family — very supportive and a loving environment as opposed to scary.”

But it’s “been amazing to be part of both of those franchises,” Romijn said, also noting that she and husband Jerry O’Connell are also part of the DC Universe, having voiced Lois Lane and Superman, respectively, in a number of animated series, including Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. “So I get to play some iconic roles.” she said. 

“You’ve had an amazing career,” Peck told his costar.

“Thank you,” she said, quipping, “I’ve been around for a while.”

Romijn made her debut as Mystique in 2000’s X-Men, reprising the role in 2003’s X2: X-Men United, 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand, and 2011’s X-Men: First Class. She also played Una Chin-Riley on Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

As for the fandoms and/or pop culture obsessions Romijn and costar Peck find themselves in, Peck cited pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter. “I’ve been marveling at the immense success of Sabrina Carpenter and this pop icon she’s becoming,” Peck said. “I love her music and I’m excited for her. Otherwise, I kind of live under a rock.”

Romijn said she’s a “life-long” Prince fan. “I got to see him perform at least 25 times.”

Watch more from Romijn and Peck above.