The recent release of Deadpool & Wolverine featured a plethora of cameos from the beloved mutants of Fox’s X-Men universe; however, the original X-Men characters—aside from Wolverine himself—were notably absent from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. Following the recent cast revelations for Avengers: Doomsday, it appears the exclusions may be explained by upcoming cinematic plans.
Marvel created a significant buzz by announcing several key cast members during a surprise five-and-a-half-hour live stream. While many in attendance expected to see familiar faces like Chris Hemsworth and Anthony Mackie, several surprise names were unveiled, particularly at the stream’s conclusion, leaving fans in awe.
Avengers: Doomsday Reintroduces Iconic X-Men Characters
One Veteran Actor Returns After 23 Years
The live stream unveiled Kelsey Grammer, who reprised his role as Hank McCoy, or Beast, marking a tantalizing return to the franchise. Alongside Grammer, several iconic characters from the X-Men lore are set to rejoin the MCU, including fan-favorites Charles Xavier portrayed by Patrick Stewart and Erik Lehnsherr, played by Ian McKellen. Notably, Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler will also make a long-awaited return following his last appearance in the 2003 film, X2.
| Returning Actor | Character | Last Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
The anticipation builds as Channing Tatum is expected to portray Gambit, adding to the excitement surrounding the expanding mutant ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday.
Marvel Likely Holding Back Original X-Men for Avengers: Doomsday
Strategic Decisions Led to Key Exclusions
Tatum’s Gambit is notably one of the few characters from Deadpool & Wolverine making an appearance in Avengers: Doomsday. This strategic move implies that top-tier characters like Scott Summers and Charles Xavier were likely omitted from the recent film to preserve their surprising return in this grander event.
Halle Berry’s absence from Deadpool & Wolverine also raises eyebrows, despite her willingness to reprise her role as Storm. When prompted about potential involvement, she noted:
No. Blake [Lively] asked me one time, I ran into her at a Marc Jacobs fashion show, and she said, ‘Would you ever be in my husband’s movie as Storm?’ I said, ‘Yeah, if he asked me,’ but he never asked me.
This remark underscores two key insights: a strong desire exists among fans and actors alike to explore a broader mutant landscape, yet Marvel Studios may have made firm decisions to keep certain characters under wraps for a more impactful reveal in Avengers: Doomsday.
Further X-Men Casting Announcements Likely on the Horizon
Marvel May Not Be Finished with X-Men Reveals
Given recent interviews and the ongoing evolution of the MCU, fans are stirring with speculation over whether additional X-Men characters will be incorporated. Notably, Halle Berry, as Storm, remains absent from Avengers: Doomsday announcements, alongside key characters like Jean Grey and Rogue.
With reports indicating that an impressive 50 to 60 additional actors might reprise their Marvel roles, it stands to reason that X-Men characters could indeed make their mark in this monumental cinematic endeavor. The anticipation is palpable as Marvel aims to deliver a blockbuster packed with surprises and nostalgia.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding additional cast members, as the excitement surrounding Avengers: Doomsday continues to build.
Sources:
ComicBook,
CultureCrave,
The Hollywood Reporter