Two decades after their last significant appearance, the beloved ensemble from the original X-Men franchise is making a triumphant return in the new film Avengers: Doomsday. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which embarked on its journey in 2008, has seen the release of nearly 40 feature films, but the revival of these classic X-Men characters is set to capture the hearts of long-time fans once more. The franchise’s final showdown, in X-Men: The Last Stand, featured iconic figures like Magneto and Professor X, seemingly concluding their story arc, yet fate has a different plan.
20 Years Post X-Men: The Last Stand – The OG X-Men Are Back!
X-Men Return to the MCU After Two Decades
The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film will serve as part one of an epic conclusion to the Multiverse Saga. Mirroring the Infinity Saga’s epic climax in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, this film and its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, aim to resolve the frenetic multiversal conflicts that have unraveled in Marvel’s latest narratives. Anticipation for Doonsday has reached a fever pitch, especially with its promise of pulling characters from various timelines.
Despite expectations of a sprawling cast, the early reveal of several iconic X-Men actors has been a thrilling surprise. As fans rejoice, the original X-Men are on the verge of reuniting with popular heroes in a monumental battle.
The X-Men Team We’ve Always Desired is Finally Here
An X-Men Ensemble Like Never Before
The lineup for this new X-Men team is as exhilarating as it is unexpected. While the original 2000 film featured fan-favorites like Storm, Wolverine, and Jean Grey, the cast of Doomsday also introduces intriguing new additions. Notably, Patrick Stewart is set to reprise his iconic role as Professor X, having previously appeared in the MCU with his cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Alongside him, James Marsden returns as Cyclops, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, and Channing Tatum will finally portray Gambit, a role he was cast for years ago but never had the chance to explore due to production delays.
| Actor | Character | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Stewart | Charles Xavier/Professor X | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) |
| Ian McKellen | Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto | X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) |
| Alan Cumming | Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler | X2 (2003) |
| Rebecca Romijn | Raven Darkhölme/Mystique | X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) |
| James Marsden | Scott Summers/Cyclops | X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) |
| Channing Tatum | Remy LeBeau/Gambit | Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) |
It’s important to note that Nightcrawler has not graced our screens since 2003, and despite being cast as Gambit over a decade ago, Tatum’s opportunity to shine in that role was thwarted by prolonged production issues. Additionally, Ian McKellen and Rebecca Romijn will revisit their roles as Magneto and Mystique, enriching the narrative potential. With Marvel Studios at the helm, viewers are excited for a grand return that taps into the extensive potential of these cherished characters.
Anticipating Surprises in Avengers: Doomsday
The First Wave of Announcements for Avengers: Doomsday
This current announcement showcases only a fraction of the returning heroes, with Marvel indicating there is considerable “room for more.”Speculation persists regarding additional characters joining the fray, whether they be classic mutants or other beloved characters from Marvel’s history. Enthusiastically, fans are anticipating further surprises as Marvel gears up for a captivating film experience.
Marvel has continually demonstrated its prowess in engaging audiences, evidenced by the millions who tuned in during a recent live stream event. As we count down to the release of Avengers: Doomsday, it is likely Marvel will unveil even more casting announcements, enriching the film’s landscape and paving the way for the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars. Even in its current state, Doomsday is shaping up to be a monumental entry in the superhero genre, boasting multiple returning stars from across Marvel’s storied cinematic history.