Alan Cumming’s Exciting Return to the X-Men Universe
Alan Cumming is making headlines with his anticipated comeback to the X-Men franchise and his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The host of The Traitors will reprise his beloved role as Kurt Wagner, also known as Nightcrawler, in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled to hit theaters in May 2026.
Advancements in Makeup Technology
In a recent appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, Cumming shared insights about his makeup tests for the film. He noted a significant reduction in the time required for application—from over four hours to just 90 minutes. This impressive transformation highlights the significant advancements in special effects makeup over the past twenty years since he last portrayed the character.
Evolution of Nightcrawler’s Look
Reflecting on his experience in X2: X-Men United (2003), Cumming described how all of Nightcrawler’s tattoos were applied manually because designs had not been finalized prior to filming. This time, however, the process has been streamlined. “Now they’re on these little things that stick on [my face],” he explained, calling the updated method “a game changer.”
A Return to Superhero Status
At age 60, Cumming expressed his amazement at returning to the superhero genre, remarking that it has been “23 years since I was a superhero.” Currently, the film is in pre-production, and Cumming remarked positively on the “lovely” people he has met involved in the project. He enthusiastically added, “[Avengers: Doomsday] starts shooting quite soon. It’s going to be nuts.”
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Avengers: Doomsday is set to feature a diverse cast of actors from both the MCU’s past and present. Marvel recently confirmed a stellar lineup that includes Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Letitia Wright (Black Panther), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Danny Ramirez (The Falcon), and Winston Duke (M’Baku). Notably, Robert Downey Jr. will be taking on the role of Doctor Doom for the first time.
The First Major X-Men Integration
Significantly, Doomsday marks the first Avengers film to incorporate the X-Men in such a substantial way. The film will see the return of iconic characters such as Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), alongside Cumming’s Nightcrawler and Kelsey Grammer’s Beast from X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).
With the exciting blend of legacy characters from X-Men and a dynamic roster from the MCU, Avengers: Doomsday is poised to be a landmark installment in the superhero franchise.