Patrick Stewart’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has generated considerable excitement, yet there’s a bittersweet element to his reappearance. The legendary actor, who famously portrayed Professor X in the X-Men films, will sadly miss the chance to engage with a central villain from the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine movie. As Marvel continues to unveil its casting for the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday film, spotlighting both expected and unexpected actors, fans are eagerly speculating about what’s to come.
In a recent livestream held in late March, Marvel unveiled the initial lineup of 27 actors cast for Avengers: Doomsday. Among the notable names returning to the screen are several beloved characters from the X-Men universe, including Ian McKellen as Magneto, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Rebecca Romijn reprising her role as Mystique. Kelsey Grammer’s Beast will also be making a comeback following his cameo in 2023’s The Marvels. Notably absent from the Deadpool & Wolverine narrative, Professor X’s return alongside Magneto elevates expectations for the film.
Patrick Stewart’s Return as Professor X Marks a Significant MCU Event
Stewart’s legacy as Professor X, established through his performances in the X-Men series produced by Fox, has made him an enduring icon in the superhero genre. Following the transition of the X-Men into the MCU, many anticipated a recasting of characters. However, the inclusion of original actors in Avengers: Doomsday signals a departure from that trend, hinting that these iconic characters will appear as universal variants, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience for viewers.
Previously, Stewart made a brief but impactful appearance as Professor X in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, portraying a variant who was part of the Illuminati. Unfortunately, his onscreen presence was cut short when Scarlet Witch eliminated the Illuminati members shortly after their introduction. Stewart’s return in Avengers: Doomsday is a promising opportunity for his character to enjoy redemption, allowing him to share the screen with familiar faces from his past in a meaningful way.
The Timing of Stewart’s Return: A Missed Opportunity for Deadpool & Wolverine
Despite the excitement surrounding Stewart’s return, the timing has its drawbacks. The newly introduced villain Cassandra Nova in Deadpool & Wolverine has her sights set on destroying timelines and dominating the Void—a mission deeply intertwined with her backstory as Charles Xavier’s sister. This connection amplifies the missed opportunity for a brother-sister confrontation on screen, which could have added an enriching layer to Cassandra’s motivations.
While Deadpool & Wolverine features a plethora of other engaging narratives, Professor X’s absence is felt. His presence could have brought a unique dimension to the film’s dynamic. Although there may be future opportunities for engagement between Professor X and Cassandra in Doomsday or beyond, any potential interaction would lack the emotional depth stemming from their shared history and the recent absence established in Deadpool & Wolverine. Fans can only hope that the storyline involving Stewart’s character in Avengers: Doomsday will deliver the same impactful emotions he could have offered in this earlier plot.