Marvel Studios is set to revive Patrick Stewart’s iconic portrayal of Professor X in the much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. While this news is exciting, it also raises concerns that a troubling trend regarding the character’s fate might continue within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Since making his live-action debut in the 2000 film X-Men, Stewart has become synonymous with Charles Xavier, appearing in eight films over a remarkable 22-year span. His forthcoming role in Avengers: Doomsday will, intriguingly, make him one of the longest-reigning actors in the Marvel franchise, but worries linger about the potential outcomes for his character.
Stewart’s return elevates the anticipation and credibility of this Phase 6 installment. He joins a celebrated cast that includes Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, and Kelsey Grammer, all reprising roles from 20th Century Fox’s X-Men series. The thought of Marvel Studios revisiting the classic X-Men team is thrilling, especially with an eventual MCU X-Men reboot on the horizon. However, there’s a nagging fear that this revival may also perpetuate a grim pattern concerning Professor X’s storyline.
Professor X: A Character with a Troubled Destiny
A Streak of Unfortunate Deaths
Over the span of 25 years, Stewart’s Professor X has met his demise on-screen not once, but thrice. The first instance occurred in 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand, where Jean Grey, corrupted by her powers, resulted in his brutal end. However, in a twist, he later regained his body and continued his journey in The Wolverine in 2013.
The character faced further darkness in the 2017 film Logan. Here, Professor X is depicted as an aging, ailing man ultimately killed by X-24, a clone of Wolverine, which marked a somber conclusion to his narrative within the Fox franchise. Stewart made a brief return as a variant in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, only to meet his end once again at the hands of Scarlet Witch.
|
Movie Title |
Release Year |
Role |
|---|---|---|
|
X-Men |
2000 |
Main Cast |
|
X2: X-Men United |
2003 |
Main Cast |
|
X-Men: The Last Stand |
2006 |
Main Cast |
|
X-Men Origins: Wolverine |
2009 |
Cameo |
|
The Wolverine |
2013 |
Cameo |
|
X-Men: Days of Future Past |
2014 |
Main Cast |
|
Logan |
2017 |
Main Cast |
|
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness |
2022 |
Supporting Cast |
|
Avengers: Doomsday |
2026 |
TBD |
Concerns About Professor X’s Fate in Avengers: Doomsday
Could Professor X Face His Fourth On-Screen Death?
Marvel has confirmed Patrick Stewart’s return during the exciting casting announcement for Avengers: Doomsday. The 2026 crossover event led by the Russo brothers promises to revisit familiar elements, potentially exploring the multiverse concept involving Earth-10005 alongside the existing Earth-616. While the nostalgia is palpable, I harbor significant concerns that this film might not escape the trajectory leading to yet another tragic demise for Charles Xavier.
It seems all but inevitable that Professor X will experience yet another death in Avengers: Doomsday. This could unfold during his heroic attempts to protect his world from catastrophic incursions or in a climactic battle against Doctor Doom. Although we await fresh insights into his character, I’m left contemplating whether his story arc will simply retrace its unfortunate steps from the Fox series and previous Marvel outings.
The Silver Lining: Why Professor X’s Death Could Be Beneficial
Clearing the Path for New Heroes
While witnessing Patrick Stewart’s beloved portrayal of Professor X potentially culminate in another tragedy is heart-wrenching, it may also offer an opportunity for the MCU’s future. Despite Stewart’s iconic status, the franchise is inevitably steering toward new narratives that will not involve the original cast. By eliminating Professor X, Marvel Studios could create space for new actors to bring fresh interpretations to these timeless characters.
Enthusiasm surrounds the prospect of revitalized versions of prominent X-Men figures making their way into the MCU. This includes the prospect of a new Charles Xavier, who is likely to assume a pivotal role in upcoming X-Men projects. Although Stewart’s portrayal has been exemplary, at 84 years old, it may be time for the character to evolve beyond his seasoned legacy. Charles Xavier’s potential exit could pave the way for an exciting new rendition that could capture the imaginations of both long-time fans and newer audiences alike.
- Fresh interpretations of classic characters
- New narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences
- Opportunities for diverse casting choices