The Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to experience a major reunion of the big screen’s iconic “X-Men” characters. During the lengthy cast reveal for the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel confirmed that several actors from the original X-Men film series will be returning to the comic book world. These include Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, Ian McKellen as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Rebecca Romijn as Mystique—all of whom first portrayed these roles in 2000’s X-Men. However, given the rules of the Marvel multiverse, there’s a possibility these actors could be portraying alternate versions of their characters or entirely new roles.
Also returning to the excitement of Marvel fans is Channing Tatum as Gambit. Tatum spent years attempting to bring a Gambit solo film to life at Fox, but the project was scrapped after Disney's acquisition of the studio in 2019. Lizzy Caplan was set to co-star, and Tatum’s vision included a "screwball romantic comedy" approach to the character. It wasn’t until 2024’s Deadpool and Wolverine that Tatum finally had the opportunity to bring Gambit to the big screen, much to the delight of fans. Tatum’s portrayal of the character in the film was widely praised, making his return in Avengers: Doomsday highly anticipated. The actor took to social media after Deadpool and Wolverine's release to express his deep gratitude for finally getting the chance to portray Gambit, thanking Ryan Reynolds for fighting to get him in the movie.
Here’s a closer look at the X-Men actors who will be returning for Avengers: Doomsday, hitting theaters on May 1, 2026.
Channing Tatum as Gambit
After years of trying to bring a Gambit movie to life, Tatum’s portrayal in Deadpool and Wolverine left fans clamoring for more. Now, he’ll be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday. Tatum had previously shared how the years of trying to make the film at Fox left him feeling “traumatized,” but he’s clearly thrilled to be back as Gambit in the MCU. He even expressed his deep appreciation for Reynolds and the opportunity to be part of Deadpool and Wolverine, calling it a “masterpiece” and “pure badass joy.”
Patrick Stewart is reprising his iconic role as Professor Charles Xavier, a part he first took on in 2000’s X-Men. Stewart has since appeared in numerous X-Men films, including X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Logan, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, and even the MCU’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Fans are excited to see Stewart return to this pivotal role once again.
Alan Cumming first portrayed the mutant Nightcrawler in X2: X-Men United, but that was his only appearance in the X-Men franchise. Last year, the actor made waves when he referred to X2 as the "gayest film" he had ever worked on.Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
Rebecca Romijn became iconic for her role as the shape-shifting Mystique in the original X-Men trilogy, which included X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men: The Last Stand. Romijn also made a brief, uncredited cameo in X-Men: First Class, but it was her transformative blue look that made her portrayal of Mystique unforgettable to fans.
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