Laurence Fishburne's Bold Pitch for MCU's Professor X Role

Hold onto your seats, mutant fans! Veteran actor Laurence Fishburne has thrown his hat into the ring to play Charles Xavier in Marvel Studios' upcoming X-Men reboot, and honestly, we're totally here for it!

TL;DR

• Laurence Fishburne publicly expressed strong interest in playing Professor X in the MCU's X-Men reboot at New York Comic-Con 2025.
• Despite already being MCU's Bill Foster (Goliath), Marvel has a history of recasting talented actors in new, prominent roles.
• Fishburne's authoritative yet compassionate presence, seen in roles like Morpheus and the Bowery King, makes him a compelling candidate for a fresh take on Charles Xavier.

Could Morpheus Lead Marvel's Mutants in the New Era?

Alright, Marvel fanatics, let's talk about something truly exciting! At the recent New York Comic-Con 2025, during a Matrix reunion panel (how cool is that, by the way?), a certain legendary actor dropped a bombshell that has the internet buzzing. None other than Laurence Fishburne, the man who gave us Morpheus, Bowery King, and so many other iconic characters, openly campaigned for the role of Charles Xavier, aka Professor X, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's upcoming X-Men reboot!

He put it directly to the audience, asking:

"what do you think about Laurence Fishburne as Professor X?"

— Laurence Fishburne, New York Comic-Con 2025

And let's be real, the cheers and applause were absolutely justified. This isn't just a casual "I'd be interested" comment; it's a bold, confident statement from an actor with the gravitas and talent to pull off such a monumental role. We're talking about a new era for the X-Men in the MCU, and a new Professor X could be just what the doctor ordered.

Why Laurence Fishburne is the Perfect Choice for Professor X

Seriously, picture it. Laurence Fishburne as the leader of the X-Men? It makes so much sense! Throughout his incredible career, Fishburne has consistently embodied characters who are authoritative, incredibly intelligent, and yet deeply compassionate. Think about Morpheus in The Matrix—a calm, wise mentor who inspires fierce loyalty and conviction. Or the enigmatic Bowery King in John Wick—a powerful, cerebral figure who commands respect.

His performances consistently hint at a version of Charles Xavier who isn't just a noble mentor but also a philosopher-warrior with an imposing presence. He can deliver those complex lines with profound conviction and lead a team with an undeniable calm under pressure. Plus, he's currently sporting that signature bald head, which, let's face it, is a classic Professor X look!

Fishburne's Deep Dive into the Comic Book World

This isn't Laurence Fishburne's first rodeo with comic book adaptations, either. He's got a rich history that makes him a natural fit for Marvel's iconic telepath. Remember his incredible voice work as the melancholic Norrin Radd (the Silver Surfer) in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer? His wise and serene demeanor there definitely echoes Charles Xavier's vibe.

And in the DCEU, his portrayal of Perry White in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice showcased a disciplined but paternalistic approach, guiding and challenging Clark Kent in a way that mirrors Xavier's relationship with his students. More recently, he even showed off his range as the flamboyant Beyonder in the animated Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur series. This guy clearly knows his way around a superhero universe.

Already in the MCU? No Problem for Marvel!

Now, you might be thinking, "Wait, isn't Laurence Fishburne already in the MCU?" And you'd be right! He appeared as Dr. Bill Foster, aka Goliath, in Ant-Man and the Wasp. But here's the cool thing about Marvel Studios: they're not afraid to reuse incredible talent in new, more prominent roles.

We've seen it happen before with actors like Gemma Chan (who played Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel before becoming Sersi in Eternals) and Michelle Yeoh (who was in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and then headlined Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings). Mahershala Ali even played Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes in Luke Cage before being cast as the new Blade! Fishburne's talent absolutely justifies another dual role, especially one as significant as Professor X.

The MCU's X-Men Reboot: What We Know So Far

So, what's the deal with this X-Men reboot everyone's talking about? Kevin Feige himself has confirmed that Marvel Studios is actively working on bringing the mutants into the MCU in a big way. Thunderbolts\ director Jake Schreier is currently attached to helm the project, which is exciting because it suggests a potentially different tone and approach than what we've seen before.

The general expectation is that the events of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (scheduled for December 18, 2026) and Secret Wars films will act as a major reset for the MCU, making way for a universe where the X-Men can finally exist. While some beloved Fox X-Men actors like Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops), and even Channing Tatum (Gambit, after his appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine) are set to appear in Doomsday, the consensus is that the new X-Men movie will feature a brand-new cast. This makes Fishburne's pitch perfectly timed.

Saying "No Thanks" to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

While Fishburne is clearly all-in on the Marvel side, he's not looking to wield a lightsaber anytime soon. During the same NYCC panel, when asked about potentially joining the Star Wars universe, he swiftly and playfully declined.

He explained, "No, I'm good. 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's pretty cool to hear that even an actor of his caliber prefers to enjoy some franchises as a fan from the comfort of his couch. His love for Star Wars Rebels definitely gives him some serious fan cred!

Untapped Potential: A New Professor X for a New Generation

The Fox X-Men films, while iconic, largely portrayed Charles Xavier as a noble, almost unquestionable mentor. But the comics, especially in more recent eras like Krakoa, delve into far more complex and even questionable aspects of his character – think manipulating memories, morally ambiguous decisions for mutant survival, and a much deeper personal history. There's so much more to explore with Xavier, from his abusive stepfather to his extensive love story with Moira MacTaggert, and rivalries beyond just Magneto.

This is where Fishburne could shine. His ability to portray nuanced characters with hidden depths could bring a "philosopher-warrior" version of Professor X to life, one who grapples with difficult choices and leads with both intellect and formidable presence. It would be a fresh perspective, creating a Xavier that honors the past but isn't afraid to challenge audience perceptions.

What's Next for Laurence Fishburne and the MCU's Mutants?

While we all eagerly await Marvel's official casting announcements for the X-Men reboot, Fishburne is keeping busy. He's set to appear in The Witcher Season 4 as Regis, a barber-surgeon, proving his versatility across different fantasy and sci-fi universes.

The MCU's X-Men project with Jake Schreier at the helm is still largely under wraps, with no casting details revealed. There have been whispers about Marvel potentially looking for "younger talent" for some mutant roles, but that doesn't necessarily rule out an experienced, powerful actor like Fishburne for a foundational character like Professor X, especially if they aim for a more established leader. He's about the same age Patrick Stewart was when he first graced the screen as Xavier!

So, what do you think? Is Laurence Fishburne your dream Professor X? It's a bold idea, but one that could inject an incredible new energy into one of Marvel's most beloved and complex characters. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any official announcements from Marvel Studios!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the MCU X-Men Answered When will the MCU's X-Men reboot be released? Marvel Studios has confirmed an X-Men reboot is in development with Jake Schreier directing, but an official release date hasn't been announced yet. It's expected to follow the major events of Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026) and Secret Wars. Will Patrick Stewart return as Professor X in the new X-Men movie? Patrick Stewart is set to reprise his Professor X role in Avengers: Doomsday. However, the X-Men reboot is expected to feature a brand-new cast, meaning a new actor will likely take on the role of Charles Xavier for the long-term MCU. What other MCU roles has Laurence Fishburne played? Laurence Fishburne previously played Dr. Bill Foster, also known as Goliath, a former colleague of Hank Pym and a mentor to Ghost, in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). Where can I watch the MCU's X-Men movies? While the new X-Men movie is still in development, all existing MCU films and many of the previous Fox X-Men movies are available to stream on Disney+. Sources

• ScreenRant: "The Perfect Actor To Play The MCU's Professor X Has Already Expressed Interest"
• Deadline: "Laurence Fishburne Is Open To Playing Charles Xavier In ‘X-Men’ Reboot & Shuts Down Joining ‘Star Wars’ Universe"
• CinemaBlend: "Laurence Fishburne Throws His Name In The Hat To Lead The X-Men"
• ComicBook.com: "Laurence Fishburne Wants to Play Professor X, But Shoots Down Star Wars"
• Blunt Magazine: "Laurence Fishburne Is Keen To Play Professor X In The MCU"
• The Movie Blog (TMB): "Could Laurence Fishburne Become the Next Professor X in the MCU?"
• Beebom: "Matrix Fame Laurence Fishburne Wants to Play Professor X in MCU"