Laurence Fishburne Makes His Pitch to Lead the MCU's X-Men as Professor X

Get ready, True Believers! The legendary Laurence Fishburne is throwing his iconic hat into the ring for one of Marvel's most coveted roles: Professor Charles Xavier in the upcoming MCU X-Men reboot. And he's got some pretty compelling reasons why he's the perfect fit!

TL;DR

• Laurence Fishburne, known for The Matrix and already an MCU alum, wants to play Professor X in the new X-Men.
• He’s a lifelong Marvel fan, believes his age and gravitas suit the character, and even wants to bring back those classic comic book eyebrows.
• While the MCU's X-Men plans are still under wraps (likely after Avengers: Secret Wars), fans are buzzing about Fishburne’s passionate pitch.

A Veteran Actor Sets His Sights on Mutant Leadership

Laurence Fishburne, a name synonymous with gravitas and unforgettable performances, has been a fixture in some of cinema's biggest franchises. From the mind-bending realities of The Matrix trilogy to the high-stakes world of John Wick, he's consistently delivered powerhouse roles. So, when an actor of his caliber expresses a strong desire to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a significant way, people listen. And that's exactly what happened when Fishburne recently declared his interest in leading the X-Men as none other than Professor Charles Xavier. This isn't his first dance with Marvel, either. He's already appeared in the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster, a.k.a. Goliath, in Ant-Man and the Wasp and even reprised the voice role in Marvel's animated What If...? series. But it seems his hunger for the Marvel universe is far from sated, and he's now eyeing a much more central, foundational role for the new mutant saga.

The Passionate Pitch: Why Professor X Feels Right for Fishburne Now

Fishburne didn't just casually mention his interest; he made a heartfelt case for it, first at New York Comic Con earlier this month and later elaborating in interviews with ComicBook.com and ScreenRant. His reasoning isn't just about snagging another big role; it's rooted in a deep, personal connection to Marvel's world. He candidly revealed that his Marvel fandom dates back decades, to his childhood in New York City. "I am a true believer in terms of the Marvel space," Fishburne shared. "Whether it's Marvel comic books or the MCU. I was reading comic books at the age of six in New York City, and those writers and those artists were talking about things that were happening in the city that I was growing up in." This kind of authentic, lifelong connection often translates into a more nuanced and respectful portrayal of beloved characters, something fans truly appreciate.

"Professor X, at the moment, is, I feel, the most appropriate character for me to play at the age that I am at this point. And for the kind of roles that I am known for. It feels like it would be fit for me. So that's why."

— Laurence Fishburne on his desire to play Professor X

At 64 years old, Fishburne feels his current age aligns perfectly with the wise, authoritative, yet compassionate leader that Professor X embodies. He believes his past roles, which often involve mentoring and leadership (like Morpheus in The Matrix or Perry White in the Superman films), have uniquely prepared him to bring a thoughtful depth to the mutant founder. And for the comic book purists out there, he even mused about bringing back Professor X's distinctive, oddly shaped eyebrows if he were "fortunate enough to fulfill this dream." Now that's commitment to the source material!

Turning Down a Galaxy Far, Far Away for the Marvel Universe

Interestingly, while Fishburne is all-in on Marvel, he's surprisingly firm about another massive Disney-owned franchise: Star Wars. When probed about potentially joining the galaxy far, far away, his response was swift and definitive. "No, I'm good," he stated at NYCC. He clarified that he's a huge fan, actively watching shows like Star Wars: Rebels, but prefers to enjoy it from the comfort of his couch. "I don't need a lightsaber. I don't — pew pew! — I don't need it," he humorously added, playfully mimicking a blaster sound. This self-awareness and dedication to his Marvel dream highlights just how much the Professor X role means to him.

What We Know About the MCU's X-Men Reboot So Far

The idea of the X-Men finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a dream for fans ever since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that an X-Men reboot is indeed in the works, though details are still scarce. The current buzz is that the new mutant team won't make their full big-screen debut until after Avengers: Secret Wars, which is currently rumored for late 2027. We do know that Jake Schreier, who is also directing the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, is set to helm the MCU's X-Men film. Beyond that, which characters will appear and who will play them remains a tightly guarded secret. However, it's hard to imagine an X-Men movie without Professor X at its core, making Fishburne's public interest all the more compelling.

Addressing the "Goliath Problem": Can an Actor Play Two MCU Roles?

One common question that pops up with Fishburne's potential casting is his previous role as Dr. Bill Foster/Goliath in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Historically, the MCU has largely avoided recasting actors in new roles to maintain continuity. However, there have been exceptions and fan sentiment often sways on a case-by-case basis. For example, Mahershala Ali, who played Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes in Luke Cage, is now set to lead the Blade movie. Given that Fishburne's role as Goliath was relatively minor and arguably less central to the overarching MCU narrative, many fans and critics don't see it as a barrier. The general consensus is that a talent like Fishburne's for a character as significant as Professor X would easily outweigh any perceived "continuity conflict." The MCU is expanding, and with the multiverse at play, the rules are constantly evolving. The Legacy of Professor X: Filling Big Shoes Laurence Fishburne would be stepping into some very distinguished shoes. The role of Professor Charles Xavier has been brought to life on the big screen by two phenomenal actors: Sir Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy. Stewart originated the role in 2000's X-Men and defined the character for an entire generation, reprising it across multiple sequels and even making a memorable (if brief) MCU appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. McAvoy then took on a younger version of Xavier in X-Men: First Class and its follow-ups, offering a different, more volatile take on the telepathic leader. Fans of the 20th Century Fox X-Men will actually get one more hurrah with some of their beloved original actors. Patrick Stewart is confirmed to reprise his classic role as Professor X in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026. He'll be joined by other familiar faces like Ian McKellen as Magneto, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Channing Tatum as Gambit, for what's expected to be a concluding chapter for that iteration of the characters. This clears the way for a fresh, new MCU take on the X-Men post-Doomsday and Secret Wars. The Fan Casting Frenzy: Other Stars Eyeing Mutant Roles Fishburne isn't the only acclaimed actor publicly campaigning for a spot in the MCU's mutant lineup. The excitement around the X-Men reboot has sparked a fan-casting frenzy, with several prominent names throwing their hats in. Giancarlo Esposito, known for his formidable performances as Gus Fring in Breaking Bad and Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian, has also expressed interest in playing Professor X, or even Magneto. Bryan Cranston (Walter White from Breaking Bad) has voiced his desire to portray the villainous Mister Sinister. This level of interest from such high-caliber actors underscores the significance of the X-Men's impending arrival in the MCU. Why Fishburne Would Be a Fantastic Choice for the MCU's Charles Xavier When you look at Laurence Fishburne’s career, his powerful presence, and his clear understanding of the character's appeal, his desire to play Professor X makes perfect sense. He embodies the quiet strength, intellectual depth, and moral compass that are central to Charles Xavier. His ability to convey wisdom and authority, coupled with a genuine passion for the source material, could deliver a fresh yet faithful interpretation of the iconic mutant leader. As Marvel gears up for its next big saga, having a seasoned, respected actor like Fishburne at the helm of the X-Men could provide the gravitas and mentorship needed for a new generation of mutants. Fans, and frankly, the MCU, would be lucky to have him. FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the MCU X-Men and Professor X

When is the MCU's X-Men movie expected to be released?

While Marvel Studios has confirmed an X-Men reboot is in development, a specific release date hasn't been announced. It's widely speculated to debut sometime after Avengers: Secret Wars, which itself is rumored for late 2027.

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

The character of Professor Charles Xavier has famously been portrayed by Sir Patrick Stewart (in the original X-Men films and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and James McAvoy (in the prequel films like X-Men: First Class).

Will the original X-Men cast return to the MCU?

Some original 20th Century Fox X-Men cast members, including Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto, are confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026). However, the MCU's subsequent X-Men reboot is expected to feature a new cast.

Can an actor play multiple roles in the MCU?

While rare, it's not unprecedented. Laurence Fishburne himself previously played Goliath in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Other examples include Mahershala Ali, who was Cottonmouth in Luke Cage and is now set to play Blade. It largely depends on the significance of the roles and the overall narrative plan.

Sources

• ComicBook.com - "The Witcher Star Laurence Fishburne Talks More About Why He Wants To Play X-Men's Professor X"
• Deadline - "Laurence Fishburne Has His Eyes Set on a Disney Franchise, Pew Pews Another"
• MovieWeb - "Laurence Fishburne Isn't Giving Up Hope of Playing Professor X in the MCU"
• Beebom - "Matrix Fame Laurence Fishburne Wants to Play Professor X in MCU"
• ComingSoon.net - "The Matrix's Laurence Fishburne Wants To Play Iconic Marvel Role"
• ScreenRant - "Laurence Fishburne Explains Why He Wants To Play Professor X In Marvel's New X-Men Movie"
• Blunt Magazine - "Laurence Fishburne has his eyes set on a Disney franchise, pew pews another"