James McAvoy & Elliot Page Are Pumped for MCU's X-Men Reboot

Former X-Men legends James McAvoy and Elliot Page just shared their excitement for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe mutant reboot, even giving a thumbs-up to some of the rumored new casting choices!

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the X-Men Reboot Buzz

• James McAvoy and Elliot Page fully approve of Marvel recasting their X-Men roles.
• McAvoy specifically endorsed Colman Domingo for Professor X, calling him "amazing."
• The MCU X-Men reboot is confirmed to happen after Avengers: Secret Wars and will be "youth-focused."

Passing the Torch: How Original X-Men Stars Feel About New Mutants

The buzz surrounding Marvel Studios' eventual X-Men reboot for the MCU has been electric, and now we're getting some candid reactions from the stars who brought these iconic mutants to life in the previous Fox franchise. James McAvoy, who charmed audiences as the younger Professor Charles Xavier, and Elliot Page, who portrayed Kitty Pryde, recently spoke at New York Comic Con 2025. And guess what? They're totally on board with the idea of new actors stepping into their shoes.

During a panel on Sunday, October 12, moderated by Josh Horowitz, the topic of recasting came up. Horowitz directly asked about the circulating rumors, mentioning names like Colman Domingo for Professor X and Bella Ramsey for Kitty Pryde. Both McAvoy and Page expressed overwhelming support, making it clear they're excited to see a fresh take on the mutant saga.

"Look, I'm excited to see what happens next. I was a fan before I was an employee and I'll be a fan again!"

— James McAvoy (as reported by Entertainment Weekly at NYCC 2025)

The New Professor X and Kitty Pryde: Who's on Marvel's Radar?

While official casting announcements for the MCU's X-Men reboot are still under wraps, the rumor mill has been churning, and some compelling names have emerged. According to reports and the discussion at NYCC, Colman Domingo is a strong candidate being eyed for the role of Professor Charles Xavier, and Bella Ramsey is being considered for Kitty Pryde.

Elliot Page was quick to praise the potential prospects, saying, "They sound fantastic. I mean, it'd be just so exciting to see people do a take on a new iteration [of X-Men]." It’s clear they’re happy for the franchise to evolve.

James McAvoy, who previously played the younger Xavier starting with X-Men: First Class, echoed Page's enthusiasm and specifically called out Colman Domingo. "Colman Domingo sounds amazing, though!" McAvoy exclaimed. Domingo, known for his work in projects like Fear the Walking Dead, Selma, and Lincoln, has garnered significant acclaim, and his potential casting has certainly captured the attention of both former stars and fans alike.

Industry insiders, including Jeff Sneider, have also noted persistent rumors about Marvel Studios looking at Black actors for Charles Xavier, which would be a departure from the previous portrayals by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy, adding another layer of excitement to the potential recasting.

What We Know So Far About the MCU's Mutant Future

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has already confirmed that the X-Men will indeed be recast and integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically after the epic events of Avengers: Secret Wars. This means we're still a little ways off, likely after 2027, but the groundwork is being laid. The new project is being described as a "youth-focused reboot," suggesting a fresh, perhaps younger, ensemble of mutants.

Behind the scenes, some key talent is already in place. Jake Schreier, who is also directing the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, has been tapped to direct the MCU's X-Men reboot. The script is in capable hands as well, with Michael Lesslie, known for his work on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, already on board as the writer.

While specific plot details and a definitive release date remain tightly guarded, the fact that a director and writer are attached, coupled with Feige's explicit confirmation, signals that Marvel is seriously committed to bringing the X-Men into their sprawling cinematic universe in a big way. The legacy of mutants is an "important part" of the MCU's future, as Feige stated.

The Legacy Continues: From Patrick Stewart to the Next Generation

The role of Professor Charles Xavier has a rich history on screen, starting with the iconic portrayal by Patrick Stewart in the original X-Men films from 2000. James McAvoy then took on the younger version of the telepathic leader, delivering a nuanced performance across several prequel films, including X-Men: First Class, Days of Future Past, and Apocalypse. Elliot Page joined the franchise as Kitty Pryde, a fan-favorite mutant, in films like X-Men: The Last Stand and Days of Future Past.

It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these characters that the actors who played them are so supportive of their successors. In fact, despite being recast, both McAvoy and Page reportedly expressed a desire for Hugh Jackman to continue his legendary run as Wolverine in the MCU, showing a true fan's appreciation for their fellow mutants.

McAvoy, also known for his roles in Split, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Atonement, and Page, celebrated for films like Juno and Inception, and TV's The Umbrella Academy, have cemented their places in superhero movie history. Their excitement for the MCU's direction proves that the spirit of the X-Men – evolution, acceptance, and looking forward – is alive and well.

As Marvel moves towards this new era, fans can anticipate a fresh take on beloved characters, possibly with diverse casting choices, all while building upon the rich foundation laid by the actors who came before. The future of mutants in the MCU looks incredibly bright!

Frequently Asked Questions About the MCU X-Men Reboot

When is the MCU X-Men reboot expected to be released?

While there's no official release date yet, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that the X-Men will be introduced into the MCU sometime after the events of Avengers: Secret Wars, which is currently slated for release in 2027. So, we're likely looking at a debut sometime post-2027.

Who is rumored to play Professor X in the MCU?

The most prominent rumor circulating, and one that James McAvoy himself enthusiastically endorsed, is Colman Domingo. There have also been industry reports suggesting Marvel is looking to cast Black actors for the role of Charles Xavier.

What details have been confirmed about the MCU X-Men project?

Marvel has confirmed that the X-Men will be recast for the MCU and will be a "youth-focused reboot." Jake Schreier (known for Thunderbolts) is attached to direct, and Michael Lesslie (from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) is writing the screenplay.

Will any of the original X-Men movie actors return for the MCU reboot?

While the project is a full recast, meaning new actors for most roles, James McAvoy and Elliot Page did express a desire for Hugh Jackman to potentially continue as Wolverine in the MCU. However, Marvel has officially stated the X-Men will be getting an entirely new cast for their MCU debut, with no official word on any returning original actors in their previous roles.

Sources

• Context provided by user (New York Comic Con 2025 reports from Entertainment Weekly, Comic Basics, ScreenRant, Just Jared, Gold Derby)