Original X-Men Stars Share Honest Thoughts on the MCU's Mutant Recasting Plans

Get the inside scoop! James McAvoy and Elliot Page recently weighed in on the exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) future of the X-Men in the MCU at New York Comic Con 2025, touching on new casting rumors and the enduring legacy of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.

TL;DR: Quick Bites from the X-Men Stars on MCU Recasting

• Wolverine Forever? James McAvoy believes no one, not even AI, can truly replace Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, a sentiment Kevin Feige seems to echo jokingly.
• Open to New Blood: McAvoy and Elliot Page are both super supportive of Marvel's plans to recast X-Men characters for the MCU after Avengers: Secret Wars.
• New Faces for Iconic Roles: Colman Domingo is a fan-favorite rumor for Professor X (and McAvoy approves!), while Bella Ramsey's name has popped up for Kitty Pryde.

The Indomitable Spirit of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine: A Legacy Unmatched?

If you've been a Marvel fan for... well, pretty much ever, you know that Hugh Jackman is Wolverine. For over two decades, from his debut in 2000's original X-Men movie all the way through his upcoming appearance in 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine, Jackman has snarled, clawed, and brooded his way into our hearts as Logan.

And it seems like his fellow X-Men stars agree that his performance is truly one-of-a-kind. At the New York Comic Con 2025 (yeah, we're talking about next year's event already, but the news dropped recently!), James McAvoy, who played a younger Charles Xavier in the prequel films, had some seriously high praise for Jackman. He joked that even when AI takes over Hollywood, Jackman will still be the one playing Wolverine. Seriously, listen to this:

"I was gonna say, 10 years from now — it's probably gonna be 10 minutes from now — when A.I. has taken over and playing all the roles, and there are no actors anymore, he will still be playing Wolverine. Even A.I. will be like, 'Nah, he got it! Nah!'"

— James McAvoy at New York Comic Con 2025 (via Entertainment Weekly)

That's some serious testament to Jackman's impact, right? It's not just McAvoy, either. Even Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has reportedly made lighthearted comments about Jackman's long tenure, joking that he'll be "doing it till he's 90!" While Jackman and Ryan Reynolds haven't been officially confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, the fan speculation is wild. From Jackman's intense superhero fitness routine posts to Reynolds teasing the Avengers logo with an anarchy symbol, fans are convinced Wolverine's MCU journey is far from over.

Former X-Men Actors Embrace a Fresh Start for Mutant Heroes

While everyone loves Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, the future of the X-Men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe means change is coming – and the original cast members are surprisingly chill about it! Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the MCU, has confirmed that the X-Men characters will be completely recast after the events of the epic Avengers: Secret Wars. This means a whole new generation of mutants and actors will take center stage.

At that same New York Comic Con 2025 panel, James McAvoy and Elliot Page, who famously portrayed Professor X and Kitty Pryde in earlier Fox X-Men films, shared their incredibly positive outlook on the upcoming recasting. Panel moderator Josh Horowitz didn't hold back, throwing out rumored names like Colman Domingo and Bella Ramsey as potential successors to their iconic roles.

Passing the Baton: McAvoy and Page's Enthusiastic Approval

Elliot Page, who graced the screen as Kitty Pryde (aka Shadowcat) in films like 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand and later in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Apocalypse, admitted he doesn't actively follow casting rumors. However, he was visibly enthusiastic about the prospect of new actors taking on the roles.

"I don't really follow [casting rumors], but they sound fantastic," Page stated with a smile. "I mean, it'd be just so exciting to see people do a take on a new iteration [of the X-Men.]"

James McAvoy, who brilliantly stepped into the younger shoes of Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class, Days of Future Past, and Apocalypse, echoed Page's excitement. He emphasized his long-standing love for the franchise, highlighting that he was a fan long before he was ever cast:

"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! It's going to put a lot of pressure on people. Colman Domingo sounds amazing, though!"

— James McAvoy at New York Comic Con 2025

McAvoy's explicit approval of Colman Domingo for Professor X is a huge nod, especially considering the buzz around the potential casting. It's clear that both actors are genuinely thrilled to see what fresh perspectives new talent will bring to the beloved mutant universe.

Who's Next for the X-Mansion? Diving Into MCU Casting Rumors

The rumor mill for the MCU's X-Men reboot is already buzzing, and some exciting names are making the rounds. As mentioned by Josh Horowitz at NYCC, two actors generating a lot of talk for key roles are Colman Domingo and Bella Ramsey.

Colman Domingo as Professor X: An Inspired Choice?

The idea of Colman Domingo stepping into Professor X's chair has gained considerable traction. Domingo, known for his powerful performances in shows like Fear the Walking Dead and critically acclaimed films such as Selma and Lincoln, certainly has the gravitas and talent to portray the telepathic leader. The rumors suggest Marvel might be looking at Black actors for the role, which would be an exciting new direction for the character previously played by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy.

McAvoy himself seems to be a big proponent, calling Domingo "amazing." This kind of endorsement from a past portrayer of the character adds significant weight to the speculation, and it's certainly got fans talking. A fresh take, while respecting the character's essence, could truly redefine Professor X for a new generation.

Bella Ramsey for Kitty Pryde: A Fresh Face for a Fan Favorite

Another name tossed into the ring for the MCU's Kitty Pryde is Bella Ramsey, star of HBO's The Last of Us. Ramsey's breakout performance has proven their ability to portray complex, resilient characters, making them an interesting candidate for the phasing mutant. While Elliot Page didn't specifically endorse Ramsey (as they don't follow rumors closely), they were happy with the "fantastic" sound of the potential new cast members, expressing excitement for a "new iteration."

Bringing in younger, dynamic talent like Ramsey for characters like Kitty Pryde would align with Marvel's tradition of casting rising stars who can grow with the franchise for years to come.

The Road Ahead: When Will the X-Men Finally Join the MCU?

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has given us the clearest roadmap yet for the X-Men's arrival in the MCU. He confirmed that the iconic team of mutants will officially be recast following the mega-event of Avengers: Secret Wars. This means we're still a bit of a wait away, but knowing it's part of the "Multiverse Saga" plan is definitely encouraging!

Key Dates & Development Details for the MCU's Future

• MCU X-Men Movie: A dedicated X-Men film is in the works, but currently has no official release date.
• Creative Team: Michael Lesslie (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) was brought on as a writer last year. Jake Schreier (Thunderbolts) is reportedly being eyed to direct.
• Major Crossover Events:
  • Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026.
  • Avengers: Secret Wars will follow, serving as a major turning point for the X-Men's MCU integration.

The timeline suggests that while some original X-Men actors might briefly reprise their roles (as previously announced for Avengers: Doomsday), the true, long-term MCU versions of these characters will emerge post-Secret Wars with a fresh cast. This strategy allows Marvel to honor the legacy while building a new foundation that fits seamlessly into the established MCU narrative.

Beyond the Big Screen: A Multiverse of Wolverines to Enjoy

While Hugh Jackman's big-screen Wolverine is legendary, fans are about to get a whole buffet of Logans across different media! The character's popularity means he's popping up everywhere, and 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for the Ol' Canucklehead.

• Marvel's Wolverine Game: Get ready for some serious adamantium action on your PlayStation 5! Insomniac Games is developing Marvel's Wolverine, an open-world action game slated for a late 2026 release. Australian actor Liam McIntyre (known from Spartacus: Vengeance and The Flash) will be lending his voice to Logan, promising a version that's true to the character's fighting spirit.
• X-Men '97 Season 2: For those who grew up with the classic animated series, great news! Voice actor Cal Dodd, the original voice of Wolverine in the beloved X-Men cartoons, will reprise his role in X-Men '97 Season 2, hitting Disney+ in 2026.

So, between Jackman potentially in Avengers: Doomsday, McIntyre in the highly anticipated PS5 game, and Dodd in the animated series, fans could really see three distinct Wolverines delivering their iconic catchphrases and brutal attacks in the same year. It's a testament to how deeply ingrained Wolverine is in the Marvel universe, and it ensures that no matter how the live-action MCU X-Men evolve, Logan's presence will be felt across all entertainment platforms.

What are your thoughts on these new Wolverine actors taking on the iconic role in different media? Are you excited for the MCU's fresh take on the X-Men, or will Hugh Jackman always be your one true Logan?

Frequently Asked Questions About the X-Men's MCU Future

• When will the X-Men officially join the MCU?

  Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has stated that the X-Men characters will be recast and fully integrated into the MCU after the events of Avengers: Secret Wars. While some characters may have brief appearances before then, the full team reboot is set for after this major crossover event.

• Who is rumored to play Professor X in the MCU?

  Colman Domingo is a prominent name in the casting rumors for Professor Charles Xavier. Former Professor X actor James McAvoy has even publicly endorsed Domingo, calling him "amazing" for the role.

• Is Hugh Jackman done as Wolverine after Deadpool & Wolverine?

  Hugh Jackman is confirmed to appear as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, which formally introduces the character into the MCU. While an appearance in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars is not officially confirmed, fan speculation is high, and even Marvel boss Kevin Feige has joked about Jackman playing the character for many more years. It's definitely not a definitive "end" for his tenure in the eyes of many!

• Will the original X-Men movie cast return for the MCU?

  While there were earlier announcements that many original X-Men actors might reprise their roles in Avengers: Doomsday, Kevin Feige later confirmed a full recasting of the X-Men characters after Avengers: Secret Wars. This means a new ensemble cast will portray the mutant heroes in their long-term MCU iteration.

Sources

• CBR
• ScreenRant
• FandomWire
• Just Jared
• Entertainment Weekly