James McAvoy, known for his role in the X-Men franchise, has discussed the prospects of Charles Xavier’s future in live-action. McAvoy portrayed the younger version of Professor X in Fox’s X-Men films. Although there were speculations about his appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, he ultimately did not reprise the role. Meanwhile, Patrick Stewart made a cameo as Charles Xavier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but McAvoy seems ready to move on, or at least he believes he won’t be returning to the character, as he indicated in his recent remarks.
In an interview with BuzzFeed UK, McAvoy shared his belief that Charles Xavier is likely to be recast for the MCU’s X-Men, rather than him returning to the role.
McAvoy suggested that both his portrayal of Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia and Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise are more likely to see new actors for the forthcoming Narnia Netflix reboot and the MCU’s X-Men film than to have him reprise these roles. Nonetheless, McAvoy still holds the possibility of returning as Professor X in the MCU’s cinematic lineup. His full statement is as follows:
“That’s very kind. Although, I suspect, with both [Mr. Tumnus in Narnia] and [the X-Men’s Charles Xavier], we will be seeing someone else play those roles.”
Implications for Future X-Men & MCU Films
Charles Xavier’s Role in the MCU
McAvoy delivered exceptional performances as Charles Xavier. He portrayed the character through various stages of life, capturing a range of emotions from hopefulness to despair. While McAvoy could adeptly bring depth to the MCU’s Professor X, his recent comments suggest this is unlikely. Although there remains a chance for McAvoy to appear in a multiverse cameo, it’s probable the MCU will introduce a new actor in the X-Men film.
Despite McAvoy’s excellent portrayal of Charles Xavier, the concluding films in Fox’s X-Men series failed to generate enthusiasm.
Should McAvoy not reprise the role, the MCU’s Charles Xavier would be entirely open, as the 84-year-old Patrick Stewart is unlikely to commit to the franchise. This might be advantageous. Despite McAvoy’s spot-on portrayal of Charles Xavier, the last films in Fox’s X-Men lineup lacked excitement. This opens the door for a near-complete reboot, retaining only Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, his supporting characters, and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine if he chooses to stay, allowing the X-Men a fresh start in the MCU.
James McAvoy last appeared as Professor X in 2019’s X-Men: Dark Phoenix.
Michael Lesslie, known for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, is tasked with writing the script for the MCU’s X-Men reboot. The film is in early stages of development, and although Deadpool & Wolverine introduced more mutants to the MCU, the full team debut is anticipated only after 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars concludes the Multiverse Saga. James McAvoy’s Charles Xavier might appear alongside multiverse characters in the Avengers film, yet his comments about the role being recast are likely to hold true when the X-Men film is eventually released.
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
Upcoming MCU Films
Captain America: Brave New World
Thunderbolts*
The Fantastic Four (2025)
Blade (2025)
Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Secret Wars
Source: BuzzFeed UK
