Laurence Fishburne Pitches Himself for Professor X in the MCU

Get ready, Marvel fans! The legendary Laurence Fishburne just dropped a huge hint about his dream role in the upcoming X-Men reboot, and it's got everyone buzzing.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop

• At a recent New York Comic Con panel, Laurence Fishburne expressed keen interest in playing Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's X-Men reboot.
• This wouldn't be his first Marvel rodeo, as he previously played Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp, alongside other voice roles.
• Fishburne is known for his "the next one" philosophy for roles, but clearly has a special place for a certain telepathic mutant leader!

Could Morpheus Become Marvel's New Mutant Mentor?

Alright, Marvel fanatics, let's talk about something exciting that came out of New York Comic Con! Imagine this: you're at a Matrix reunion panel, soaking up all the nostalgia, when out of nowhere, one of Hollywood's most iconic voices drops a bombshell about the future of the MCU's X-Men. That's exactly what happened when the one and only Laurence Fishburne – yes, Morpheus himself – publicly pitched himself for the role of Professor Charles Xavier!

Fishburne, who's given us unforgettable performances across decades, let his desire be known during a recent panel. The crowd's reaction? Absolute cheers and applause! And honestly, who can blame them? The idea of Fishburne stepping into the shoes of the X-Men's wise, telepathic leader is, frankly, brilliant.

Laurence Fishburne's Clear Vision for the X-Men Reboot

The 64-year-old actor didn't just hint at it; he put it right out there for Marvel Studios to hear. During the Matrix reunion panel at New York Comic Con, when discussing potential future roles, he directly addressed the elephant in the room – the highly anticipated X-Men reboot.

"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 (via Entertainment Weekly)

Panel moderator Josh Horowitz wasted no time, immediately responding with an enthusiastic, "Approved. Greenlit!" It's clear the sentiment was shared by many in the room. This isn't just a casual wish; it sounds like a genuine aspiration from an actor with the gravitas and experience to command such a pivotal role.

From Bill Foster to Charles Xavier: Fishburne's Marvel History

While this would be a major new role, it's important to remember that Fishburne is no stranger to the Marvel universe. He previously appeared in the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster in 2018's Ant-Man and the Wasp, playing a former colleague of Hank Pym and the mentor to Ghost. He also lent his voice to Bill Foster in the animated series What If...? and voiced both Beyonder and Bill Foster in Disney Channel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. So, he's already got his foot in the door, or rather, his voice in the universe!

Playing a completely different, much more central character like Professor X would mean he joins an exclusive club of actors who've taken on multiple roles within the broader Marvel cinematic landscape. Given his range and ability to portray both powerful leaders and nuanced characters, his existing connection to Marvel could only strengthen his case for this dream casting.

Stepping into the Cerebro: The Legacy of Professor X

Taking on the role of Professor Charles Xavier is no small feat. He's arguably one of the most important figures in mutantkind, a telepathic genius, and the compassionate founder of the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, dedicated to fostering a peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants. The character has been brought to life on screen by two incredible actors previously: Sir Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy, both delivering iconic performances for 20th Century Fox's X-Men films.

Stewart even made a memorable return as a variant of Professor X in the MCU's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and is expected to reprise the role again in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. However, with the MCU confirmed to be rebooting the X-Men franchise with a fresh take, a new face for Xavier is almost a given. This opens the door wide for someone like Fishburne to redefine the character for a new generation.

The MCU's Mutant Future and Potential Conflicts

Marvel Studios has officially confirmed an X-Men reboot is in the works, though details remain scarce. We know Jake Schreier, who's directing Thunderbolts, is at the helm of the new X-Men film. The integration of mutants into the MCU is a massive undertaking, with several X-Men characters rumored to appear in big upcoming ensemble films like Avengers: Doomsday (slated for release on December 18, 2026).

The introduction of the X-Men is expected to be a major part of the MCU's new saga, potentially leading to an "Avengers vs. X-Men" conflict, as teased by directors Anthony and Joe Russo. This makes the casting of a new Professor X even more critical, as he would be the anchor for the new mutant team.

Of course, Fishburne isn't the only name floating around. Actor Colman Domingo (known for Fear the Walking Dead) has also been rumored for the role, with even James McAvoy teasing his excitement about Domingo as a potential candidate. It's a testament to the character's importance that so many talented actors are being considered for this pivotal part.

Beyond Professor X: Fishburne's "The Next One" Philosophy

While his interest in Professor X is undeniable, Fishburne maintains his long-standing career philosophy: "The next one." He often states that his favorite project is always the next opportunity that comes his way. This open-minded approach means he's always ready for a challenge, even unconventional projects that might seem "strange."

This philosophy extends to other major franchises as well. While attending the same Comic Con panel, Fishburne was asked about returning for The Matrix 5, which Warner Bros. has officially confirmed is in development with Drew Goddard writing and directing. Fishburne, who famously didn't appear in The Matrix Resurrections, quipped that his return would "depend on how good it is" and "if it makes sense." Original cast members like Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss's involvement is also currently unclear, especially with the Wachowski sisters not directing.

He's also set to reunite with Keanu Reeves for John Wick: Chapter 5, confirmed by Lionsgate at CinemaCon, adding another major franchise to his busy schedule. Fans can also look forward to seeing him in the upcoming season four of The Witcher, where he'll be playing Regis, a barber-surgeon and vampire.

Why a Lightsaber Isn't in His Future

Interestingly, while Fishburne is clearly open to new and iconic roles in the Marvel universe, one major sci-fi franchise he's perfectly happy to enjoy from his couch is Star Wars. When the idea of joining the galaxy far, far away was floated during his panel, he swiftly, and humorously, shut it down.

"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."

— Laurence Fishburne

So, while we won't see him battling the Empire with a lightsaber anytime soon, it's clear he's a genuine fan of the saga. His love for Star Wars Rebels just shows he's got excellent taste in animated storytelling too!

The MCU's Track Record with Surprising Castings

Marvel Studios has a knack for pulling off unexpected yet perfect casting choices, and bringing back actors in new, significant roles. Just look at Mahershala Ali, who played Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes in Luke Cage and is now set to star as Blade. This precedent makes Fishburne's pitch for Professor X feel entirely plausible and exciting. His commanding presence, intelligent gaze, and ability to convey deep wisdom would make him an ideal choice for a character who is both a powerful mutant and a philosophical leader.

As the MCU gears up for its new X-Men era, the debate over who will lead Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters is only going to intensify. But with Laurence Fishburne throwing his hat so emphatically into the ring, he's certainly given fans a compelling vision to rally behind. Whether Marvel answers the call remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: the excitement for the X-Men's arrival in the MCU just got a powerful telepathic boost!

Frequently Asked Questions About Laurence Fishburne & Professor X

Is Laurence Fishburne officially cast as Professor X?

Not yet! Laurence Fishburne expressed his strong interest in playing Professor X during a panel at New York Comic Con. Marvel Studios has not made any official casting announcements for the X-Men reboot at this time.

What other Marvel roles has Laurence Fishburne had?

Laurence Fishburne previously appeared in the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp. He also voiced Bill Foster in What If...? and voiced both Beyonder and Bill Foster in Disney Channel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

Who played Professor X previously?

The role of Professor Charles Xavier has been famously portrayed by Sir Patrick Stewart in the 20th Century Fox X-Men films, and by James McAvoy, who played a younger version of the character in the prequel films. Patrick Stewart also reprised his role in the MCU's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and is slated for Avengers: Doomsday.

When is the MCU's X-Men reboot expected?

Marvel Studios has confirmed an X-Men reboot is in development, with Jake Schreier (director of Thunderbolts) involved. Specific release dates or timelines for the X-Men's full introduction into the MCU have not yet been announced, but characters are expected to start appearing in upcoming phases, possibly as early as Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026.

Sources

• Yahoo - Laurence Fishburne wants to play Professor X in X-Men reboot
• MovieWeb - Laurence Fishburne is Ready for an Iconic MCU Role
• Geo.tv - Top star wants this role in new Marvel movies
• Beebom - Matrix Fame Laurence Fishburne Wants to Play Professor X in MCU
• Fiction Horizon - Laurence Fishburne Eyes Iconic Role in Marvel’s Upcoming X-Men Reboot
• GamesRadar+ - The Matrix star Laurence Fishburne has revealed one of his dream movie roles
• Geek Culture - Laurence Fishburne Keen To Play X-Men’s Charles Xavier In MCU, Declines Star Wars
• India Today - Laurence Fishburne wants to play Professor X in Marvel's new X-Men instalment
• ComicBook.com - Laurence Fishburne Wants to Play Professor X, But Shoots Down Star Wars
• Just Jared - Laurence Fishburne Wants to Return to the MCU, But In a Different Role!