Key Highlights
- Original stars from the X-Men franchise, like Kelsey Grammer, are set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday.
- Grammer likens his character, Beast, to Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing qualities of leadership and dignity.
- He notes that Beast advocates justice and unity while promoting nonviolent ideals in the face of adversity.
Excitement is building as several veteran cast members from the original X-Men films join the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, with Kelsey Grammer drawing an intriguing parallel between his character and historical figure Martin Luther King Jr.
Both the X-Men and Avengers represent iconic superhero teams created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, making their debut in September 1963. While the X-Men have garnered a loyal fanbase among comic enthusiasts, the Avengers have achieved broad mainstream appeal, particularly through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This upcoming film will showcase both teams, and Grammer shared his insights about the character he has portrayed since Fox’s X-Men films.
While appearing on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Grammer discussed his role as Hank McCoy, better known as Beast. He expressed pride in embodying a character he describes as a “stalwart, upright, serious-minded, decent man.”Grammer believes that Beast’s qualities echo those of Martin Luther King Jr., whom he described as having both dignity and a vision worth fighting for, albeit with caution when it comes to violence.
I think of him as being the Martin Luther King of the mutants. He’s got a dignity and a dream, and is willing to fight for it — but slow to action in terms of fighting.
Grammer highlighted that while Beast is adept in combat, he would prefer to avoid fighting, only resorting to aggression if absolutely necessary. He referenced Beast’s philosophy of not giving or expecting mercy, further reflecting the complexity of his character. Since his debut in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Beast has become a beloved figure in the franchise, with Grammer reprising his role in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and a cameo in The Marvels (2023).
Beast: An Unlikely yet Fitting Comparison to Martin Luther King Jr.
The comparison of Beast to Martin Luther King Jr. is particularly compelling, especially since fans often associate Professor X and Magneto with civil rights leaders MLK and Malcolm X. Beast, like King, embodies intelligence and a strong moral foundation while advocating for equality and justice. Despite facing prejudice due to his unique appearance, Beast tirelessly promotes peaceful coexistence with humanity. This commitment to nonviolence resonates with King’s philosophy during the civil rights movement, emphasizing the power of dignity and peaceful advocacy in the pursuit of change.
Grammer’s portrayal of Beast has been well received, generating enthusiasm among fans for his role in Avengers: Doomsday. His brief appearance in The Marvels has reignited interest, making his return for this upcoming MCU installment a highly anticipated event. With other original cast members like Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto) also returning, fans can expect a delightful dose of nostalgia when they reunite on screen.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to premiere on May 1, 2026.
Source: The Jamie Kern Lima Show