Laurence Fishburne's Dream Role: Could He Be Marvel's Next Professor X?

The legendary actor recently voiced his strong interest in leading the MCU's X-Men, sparking major fan excitement—but there's one big question mark.

TL;DR

• Laurence Fishburne publicly pitched himself for Professor X at a recent New York Comic Con panel.
• Marvel Studios is gearing up for a full X-Men reboot, with new casting expected after Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
• Fishburne already played Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp, raising questions about a potential double-dip, though Marvel has precedents.

Morpheus as the Mind-Reading Mutant Leader? Fishburne Throws His Hat In the Ring!

Alright, Marvel fans, get ready to have your minds blown (or at least, seriously pondered). You know Laurence Fishburne, right? The iconic actor who brought us Morpheus in The Matrix, among countless other unforgettable roles? Well, he's just dropped a huge hint about his dream gig in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it involves stepping into the big, bald, telepathic shoes of none other than Professor Charles Xavier, the leader of the X-Men!

This all went down recently at a Matrix reunion panel during New York Comic Con. While chatting with fans, Fishburne didn't mince words about his Marvel aspirations. Imagine the excitement in the room when he posed the question:

"I know that they're talking about the X-Men now. So, at this point, I want one of two things. The first thing would be: what do you think about Laurence Fishburne as Professor X?"

— Laurence Fishburne, New York Comic Con

Predictably, the crowd went absolutely wild with cheers and applause. Even host Josh Horowitz couldn't help but exclaim, "Approved, greenlit!" It's easy to see why. Fishburne has that unique blend of gravitas, wisdom, and commanding presence that makes Professor X such an enduring character.

The MCU's X-Men Are Coming: What We Know About The Big Reboot

If you've been following Marvel news, you know that the X-Men are finally, truly, properly joining the MCU. This isn't just a cameo here or there; Marvel Studios is planning a full-fledged reboot. The long-awaited mutant heroes are expected to make their true introduction as part of the massive, universe-altering events of Avengers: Doomsday (slated for 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). These films are anticipated to be a huge turning point, potentially bringing in characters from the old 20th Century Fox X-Men movies and then setting the stage for an entirely new mutant saga.

The buzz is that this new era will feature a younger, recast lineup, bringing fresh faces to beloved roles. We've seen Patrick Stewart deliver incredible performances as Professor X in the Fox films, even making a memorable (and tragic) return in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While Stewart might reprise his role once more in Doomsday, many expect a "bloodbath" for pre-MCU characters, paving the way for a brand-new iteration of the X-Men, led by a new Charles Xavier.

Jake Schreier, director of the upcoming Thunderbolts, is reportedly attached to helm the new X-Men movie, with Michael Lesslie penning the script. Details are still under wraps, but the mere mention of an X-Men reboot has fans speculating wildly about who will fill these iconic roles. And now, Laurence Fishburne has thrown his name right into the thick of that conversation.

An Actor's Dilemma: Fishburne's Marvel History and the Double-Dipping Question

Now, here's where things get a little interesting, and it's a question many sharp-eyed Marvel fans are already asking. Laurence Fishburne isn't a stranger to the MCU. Back in 2018, he played Dr. Bill Foster, a former colleague of Hank Pym and a mentor to Ghost (Ava Starr), in Ant-Man and the Wasp. He also lent his voice to the Beyonder in the animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and appeared in What If...?.

So, could he really play Professor X too? Marvel has certainly had actors play multiple roles before, but usually, there’s a bit of a visual distinction. Take Gemma Chan, who played a blue Kree soldier named Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel before becoming the Eternals' Sersi. Or Mahershala Ali, who was Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes in Luke Cage and is now set to star as Blade. Even Michelle Yeoh had two distinct roles (Aleta Ogord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings).

The "problem" with Fishburne's situation is that his appearance as Bill Foster was, well, unmistakably Laurence Fishburne. He wasn't hidden under heavy makeup or prosthetics. However, the MCU is entering an era where multiverse shenanigans are very real. The events of Doomsday and Secret Wars are expected to fundamentally alter the fabric of the Marvel universe, potentially creating an in-narrative way to explain away any actor "double-dips." Fans might be more than willing to overlook it for a performer of Fishburne's caliber in such a pivotal role.

Why Laurence Fishburne Is a Stellar Choice for Charles Xavier

Let’s be honest, Fishburne as Professor X just feels right. Charles Xavier is a character defined by his immense intellect, profound wisdom, and quiet strength, all while bearing the heavy burden of leading a persecuted minority. He's a teacher, a strategist, and a moral compass. Fishburne has proven his ability to embody these qualities time and again.

His portrayal of Morpheus, a cryptic and inspiring leader, immediately comes to mind. He has a way of delivering powerful dialogue with gravitas and conviction, making him believable as someone who could unite and guide a team of super-powered individuals. He brings a unique blend of calmness and intensity that would truly make the MCU's Professor X stand out from previous iterations, offering a fresh perspective while honoring the character's legacy.

Adding to the speculation, there have been rumors that Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios are looking to cast Black actors in prominent X-Men roles like Professor X and Magneto to further distinguish the MCU reboot from the Fox versions. Colman Domingo's name has also been floated for Professor X, and Denzel Washington has even been rumored for Magneto. Fishburne would certainly fit this vision, bringing an incredible depth of talent and experience to the role.

From Jedi Master to Mutant Mentor? Fishburne's Thoughts on Other Franchises

Interestingly, during that same New York Comic Con panel, Fishburne also touched on another massive franchise that often casts big names: Star Wars. While some fans might have dreamed of seeing him wield a lightsaber, Fishburne quickly shut down the idea, with a delightfully relatable reason.

“No, I’m good,” Fishburne stated. “I’m watching everything. I’m watching every Star Wars, I’m in the middle of Rebels now, man. I’m good on the couch with Star Wars. I don’t need a lightsaber. I don’t — pew pew! — I don’t need it.”

It seems some things are best enjoyed from the comfort of your own home! This candid response shows Fishburne's genuine love for these cinematic universes as a fan, even as he's an active part of them. It also highlights his general career philosophy: he's always looking forward to "the next one." As he put it, "Whatever the next thing is. It's been 25 years since The Matrix, and maybe some freak out there has got a strange movie they want to do, and nobody knows if it'll work. I'm your guy!"

Beyond his Marvel aspirations, Fishburne has a busy schedule. He's set to appear as Regis, a vampire barber-surgeon, in the highly anticipated fourth season of Netflix's The Witcher. He was also seen in Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious film Megalopolis and is expected to reunite with Keanu Reeves for John Wick: Chapter 5, which was confirmed in April at CinemaCon.

The Future of Marvel's X-Men and This Exciting Casting Possibility

While no official casting announcements have been made for the MCU's X-Men reboot, Laurence Fishburne's public interest is undoubtedly a thrilling development for fans. His commanding presence, deep filmography, and a track record of playing wise, powerful leaders make him an incredibly compelling candidate for Professor X. The question of his previous MCU role as Bill Foster remains, but given Marvel's penchant for multiversal solutions and fan-pleasing casting, it's far from an insurmountable obstacle.

As the MCU hurtles towards Doomsday and Secret Wars, setting the stage for the X-Men's grand entrance, the idea of Laurence Fishburne leading the charge from his iconic wheelchair is a truly exciting prospect. We'll be keeping our ears to the ground for any official news, but for now, the fan art and discussions will surely keep flowing!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the MCU X-Men and Professor X

When will the MCU's X-Men movie be released?

While specific release dates for the standalone X-Men movie haven't been announced, the characters are expected to be integrated into the MCU during Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), with their own film likely following those events.

Has Marvel confirmed who will play Professor X in the MCU reboot?

No, Marvel Studios has not made any official casting announcements for Professor X or any other X-Men characters for the upcoming reboot. Laurence Fishburne's comments are an expression of interest.

Who else has played Professor X in live-action films?

The role of Professor Charles Xavier has famously been portrayed by Sir Patrick Stewart in the original 20th Century Fox X-Men film series and by James McAvoy as a younger version of the character in the prequel films. Patrick Stewart even made an appearance in the MCU's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

How could Laurence Fishburne play Professor X if he was already Bill Foster in the MCU?

Marvel has had actors play multiple roles before, though usually with visual distinctions. The impending multiversal events of Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars could offer a narrative explanation for such recasting, allowing Fishburne to take on a new, more prominent role like Professor X.

Sources

• ComicBook.com
• Entertainment Weekly
• MovieWeb
• GamesRadar+
• India Today
• Fiction Horizon
• Cosmic Book News