Laurence Fishburne Wants to Play Professor X in MCU X-Men Reboot

Get ready, mutants! Legendary actor Laurence Fishburne has officially thrown his hat into the ring for one of the most iconic roles in Marvel's upcoming X-Men reboot: Professor Charles Xavier.

TL;DR

Laurence Fishburne expressed keen interest in playing Professor X in the MCU's X-Men reboot during New York Comic Con.
The MCU is planning a fresh take on the X-Men with new actors, directed by Jake Schreier.
Fishburne has a deep history with comic book roles, including a previous MCU appearance as Dr. Bill Foster and voicing characters like Silver Surfer and Beyonder.

A Bold Claim: Fishburne Wants Professor X!

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You know him from The Matrix as Morpheus, from John Wick as the Bowery King, and even from the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster (aka Goliath). Now, Laurence Fishburne has set his sights on another legendary role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Charles Xavier, the telepathic leader of the X-Men, better known as Professor X!

At a recent New York Comic Con Matrix reunion panel, the 64-year-old actor didn't hold back when asked about his dream roles. He candidly shared his ambition, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

"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 at New York Comic Con

This isn't just a casual thought; it's a full-fledged audition from one of Hollywood's most respected actors. And honestly? We're here for it!

Why Laurence Fishburne is a Perfect Candidate for Professor X

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When you think about Professor X, certain qualities come to mind: wisdom, authority, a calm demeanor under pressure, and a powerful intellect. If you've seen Fishburne's work, you know he embodies all of these. From his iconic turn as Morpheus guiding Neo through the simulated reality of The Matrix to his commanding presence in virtually every role he takes on, Fishburne has a knack for portraying authoritative yet compassionate leaders.

His ability to project both gravitas and empathy makes him an ideal fit for Xavier, a man who leads a school for gifted youngsters while simultaneously fighting for mutant rights in a world that fears them. Plus, let's not forget, Fishburne often sports a bald head, a signature look for Professor X!

Fans and critics alike are buzzing about the potential. Many believe he could bring a fresh, yet equally impactful, portrayal to the character that Sir Patrick Stewart famously brought to life for over two decades. Fishburne is also around the same age Stewart was when he first donned the role in the original X-Men movie back in 2000, suggesting he could offer a similarly seasoned take on the mutant mentor.

The MCU's Big Plans for the Mutant Universe

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Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has confirmed that a full X-Men reboot is in the works for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While details are still scarce, we know the studio plans to introduce fresh takes on these beloved mutant characters with an entirely new cast. Jake Schreier, known for his work on the upcoming Thunderbolts film, is reportedly attached to direct the new X-Men movie.

This means the MCU is looking to establish its own unique identity for the X-Men, separate from the Fox era. Fishburne's potential casting aligns perfectly with this vision, promising a powerful and distinctive portrayal of Charles Xavier that could redefine the character for a new generation of fans.

A Farewell to the Fox-Era X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday

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Before the new MCU X-Men officially arrive, we're getting one last hurrah with some familiar faces. Many of the original Fox-era X-Men actors are set to reprise their roles in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.

This includes Sir Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, and James Marsden as Cyclops. Even Channing Tatum's long-awaited big-screen take on Gambit, which debuted in 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine, will join the fray. This crossover event is expected to provide a definitive wrap-up for that saga of characters, paving the way for the MCU's fresh start.

Laurence Fishburne's Extensive Comic Book Resumé

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Fishburne isn't new to the superhero game, or even the Marvel universe. He's a true veteran of comic book adaptations, making his potential casting as Professor X feel like a natural progression rather than a sudden leap.

Dr. Bill Foster (Goliath) in the MCU: He made his debut in 2018's Ant-Man and the Wasp as Dr. Bill Foster, a brilliant scientist and former colleague of Hank Pym who once operated as the hero Goliath.
Voice Acting in Marvel Animation: Fishburne also lent his voice to Disney Channel's animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, portraying both a reprisal of Bill Foster and the mischievous cosmic entity, the Beyonder. He even executive produced the show!
The Silver Surfer: Marvel fans might also recognize his voice from 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, where he voiced the melancholic Norrin Radd, the titular Silver Surfer.
DCEU's Perry White: Outside of Marvel, Fishburne famously played Perry White, the no-nonsense editor-in-chief of The Daily Planet, in Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). His portrayal balanced discipline with paternal guidance, much like Professor X's relationship with his students.

With such a rich history across multiple comic book universes and characters, Fishburne clearly knows his way around these fantastical worlds. It shows he's not just interested in a role, but understands the unique demands and immense fan expectations that come with it.

No Lightsabers for This Legend!

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While Fishburne is clearly eager to dive deeper into the Marvel universe, don't expect to see him wielding a lightsaber anytime soon. During the same NYCC panel, when asked about joining the Star Wars universe, he gave a quick and definitive "No, I'm good."

He elaborated, "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 legends prefer to be fans from the comfort of their own homes, and we can totally respect that!

Opening Up New Avenues for Professor X

Fishburne's potential casting also opens exciting possibilities for the MCU's portrayal of Charles Xavier. While Patrick Stewart's performances were universally beloved, the Fox films primarily depicted Xavier as a noble mentor. The MCU has a chance to explore some of the character's more complex, even questionable, decisions from the comics, such as manipulating memories or morally ambiguous plans for mutant survival.

The comics also delve into Xavier's formative past, deeper relationships beyond Magneto and Wolverine (like Moira MacTaggert, Cain Marko, or Cassandra Nova), and his full range of psychic powers. With Fishburne's range, a "philosopher-warrior" Professor X could emerge, offering a fresh, multifaceted take on a character ripe for deeper exploration, perhaps even hinting at the controversial Krakoan era.

All in all, Laurence Fishburne's expressed interest is more than just an actor wanting a job; it's a compelling pitch from a seasoned talent perfectly suited to lead the next generation of mutants into the MCU. We're keeping our fingers crossed!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the MCU X-Men Reboot

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

There isn't a specific release date announced for the MCU X-Men reboot yet. Marvel Studios has confirmed it's in development, and it's expected after the Fox-era X-Men wrap up their storyline in Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026.

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

The role of Charles Xavier, or Professor X, has famously been portrayed by Sir Patrick Stewart in the Fox X-Men films and by James McAvoy as a younger version of the character in the prequel series.

Has Laurence Fishburne been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before?

Yes, Laurence Fishburne previously appeared in the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster (Goliath) in 2018's Ant-Man and the Wasp. He also voiced Bill Foster and the Beyonder in the animated Disney Channel series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

Where can I watch the original X-Men movies?

Most of the original Fox X-Men Movies, including the first X-Men (2000) starring Patrick Stewart, are available for streaming on Disney+.

Is Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday?

One report within the context suggests that Robert Downey Jr. is returning as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. This is a significant claim and would mark a major new role for the actor within the MCU, if officially confirmed by Marvel Studios beyond current reports.

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