Patrick Stewart is set to return as Professor X in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project, but can the franchise afford to eliminate his character for a fourth time? As a seasoned and celebrated actor, Stewart is well-known for his portrayal of memorable characters, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard, which established him as a prominent figure in science fiction.
Beyond this iconic role, Stewart has showcased his versatility across a variety of television shows and films. His long-standing connection with the sci-fi genre began in the 2000s when he first stepped into the shoes of Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men. Since then, Stewart has reprised this role multiple times—not only within the Fox films but also in the MCU, where his character met an unfortunate fate in various story arcs.
Professor X’s On-Screen Deaths: A Long History
Charles Xavier’s Continuing Struggles
Throughout the Fox X-Men series, Professor X faced death not once but three times. His first on-screen demise occurred in X-Men: The Last Stand, where he was disintegrated on a molecular level by Jean Grey’s Phoenix. However, viewers were relieved to discover he survived, living on as his consciousness transferred to another body in a pivotal twist.
Years later, in Logan, we found Professor X in a deteriorating condition—both physically and mentally. Tragically, he died at the hands of a duplicate of his dear friend Logan, showcasing a heart-wrenching end to his character’s journey. Most recently, he appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where he met yet another untimely death just moments after his compelling introduction to the MCU.
Avengers: Doomsday Will Reintroduce Professor X
Exciting Crossovers with Fox’s Original X-Men
The anticipated Avengers: Doomsday film, which wraps up the Multiverse Saga, has generated excitement with its cast list revealing the return of several beloved characters from the Fox X-Men universe, including Patrick Stewart reprising his role. This version of Professor X may be aligned more closely with the original Fox timeline, potentially following the alternate events established in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Observers speculate he will reunite with other key characters, including Magneto and other fan-favorites.
| Actor | Character | Last Seen |
| Kelsey Grammer | Hank McCoy/Beast | The Marvels (2023) |
| 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) |
While the return of these characters is thrilling, it raises questions about how Professor X will interact with the broader MCU. Given his formidable psychic abilities, there’s potential for conflict as he navigates alliances and rivalries among the heroes. However, the MCU must avoid the mistake of killing him off again.
A Happy Resolution for Professor X in Avengers: Doomsday
It’s Time for Professor X to Have a Satisfying Conclusion
The upcoming releases of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are poised to be monumental moments in the MCU, intended to conclude the Multiverse Saga on a high note. Historically, films in this franchise, like Infinity War and Endgame, have seen beloved characters meet tragic ends. However, it would be an egregious decision to eliminate Professor X once more.
While a degree of character casualty is intrinsic to the excitement of finale films, Professor X deserves not only survival but a gratifying conclusion that breaks the pattern of his prior deaths. A successful transition for him might unfold into significant conflicts and alliances in Secret Wars, allowing him to return to his original timeline in peace after the chaos of Avengers: Doomsday has passed.