Latest news with #X2:X-MenUnited
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Marvel Eyeing 'Thunderbolts' Director for 'X-Men'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors After a long wait, Marvel may have finally found the director who will bring the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Deadline reports that Jake Schreier, director of "Thunderbolts*" (or "*The New Avengers"), is in early talks to helm "X-Men". The script for the film has already been written by Michael Lesslie with Kevin Feige producing. Read More: Fan-Favorite Star From 'The Bear' Cast in 'Spider-Man 4' Deadline reports that things have been looking in favor of Schreier directing "X-Men" ever since positive early reactions to "Thunderbolts*" began pouring in. They also say that while other studios have come knocking, the director has been turning down other work, possibly to make room for "X-Men". Promotional material for "X2: X-Men United". Promotional material for "X2: X-Men United". 20th Century Studios It isn't exactly a shock that Marvel would consider Schreier a top contender to bring the X-Men back into the fold. "Thunderbolts*" not only earned overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, but pulled in $162 million globally on its first weekend. Marvel has taken its time bringing the X-Men into the MCU and has slowly been introducing the very notion of mutants into the narrative while at the same time teasing fans with clever cameos. As early as the 2021 series "WandaVision" the appearance of Evan Peters as Quicksilver had fans speculating the series would open the doors for the X-Men. Fans have since been treated to the return of "X-Men" actors such as Patrick Stewart in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" and Kelsey Grammer in "The Marvels". In the meantime characters such as Iman Vellani's Ms. Marvel and Namor of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" have been teased as early examples of mutants in the MCU. Last year's "Deadpool & Wolverine" brought Hugh Jackman back to his signature role and connected the world of the cinematic X-Men to that of the larger MCU, but without bringing them into Earth-616, the prime Marvel timeline. "Avengers: Doomsday" promises to do even more with the X-Men. During Marvel's epic 5-hour cast announcement, it was revealed "X-Men" actors Stewart, Grammer, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Alan Cumming would all be appearing, presumably as their famous mutant personas. "Thunderbolts*" is playing in theaters now. The film is directed by Jake Schreier and stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Edward Price, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. More Comics: Marvel Releases Strange 10-Hour Daredevil Video Uma Thurman Returns to Action Films in 'Old Guard 2' First Look
Perth Now
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Alan Cumming teases possible Pedro Pascal fight scene in Avengers: Doomsday
Alan Cumming has seemingly revealed he will be fighting Pedro Pascal in 'Avengers: Doomsday'. The 60-year-old actor is set to reprise his 'X2: X-Men United' mutant Nightcrawler in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) blockbuster, and has now hinted he may be coming to blows with Pascal's Mr. Fantastic in 'Avengers: Doomsday'. During a video interview with Buzzfeed UK, Cumming said: 'I was learning stunts yesterday for some fight scene and I just think, I'm 60 years old. 23 years ago, I played that superhero. 'I was kind of old for a superhero even then. And now I'm back doing it. And that, to me, is hilarious. 'I'm sort of learning these fights and I'm like, 'What? Who am I fighting with?' And they said, 'You're hitting Pedro Pascal against the head,' or something.' Cumming said he was 'amazed and excited' to be returning as Nightcrawler for 'Avengers: Doomsday', which is currently filming in London. Speaking with fellow 'X-Men' star Olivia Munn for Collider, Cumming said: 'Isn't it nuts? I'm excited and amazed. It's been 23 years since I was a superhero.' The 'Spy Kids' actor also revealed the makeup process had been drastically cut down since his last appearance in 2003's 'X2: X-Men United'. He continued: 'I've had some makeup tests already for the role, but what's great about it was that before it was about four and a half hours to apply it, but now it's only 90 minutes. 'Before, all of the tattoos were done by hand. They hadn't decided on them before we started filming. Now, they just stick onto my face. It's a game changer. 'I'm going back to being a 60-year-old superhero, and everyone seems really lovely.' As well as Cumming, other 'X-Men' alums returning for 'Avengers: Doomsday' - which will be followed by 'Avengers: Secret Wars' in 2027 - include Sir Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Sir Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Kelsey Grammer (Beast) and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique). Channing Tatum - who portrayed Gambit in last year's 'Deadpool and Wolverine' - is also set to appear in the film, though he recently joked he was 'only guaranteed' a chair to watch the movie in. Speaking with ExtraTV, the 'Magic Mike' star said: 'Personally, all I was guaranteed was a chair. 'They said that I have a chair, and I can at least watch the movie from the chair. You know, and it was just my name, it wasn't exactly Gambit. 'So, I work in the world of just like, of binary yes or no's, and I've only been guaranteed so far a chair to watch the movie in, so that's where I'm at.' 'Avengers: Doomsday' - which will land in cinemas in May 2026 - will see the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and the X-Men team up in an effort to stop the dreaded Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.).
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Alan Cumming may have teased major Avengers: Doomsday twist involving Pedro Pascal
Alan Cumming may have just dropped a major hint about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday, possibly confirming a fan-favorite theory about a multiversal clash between Marvel's biggest teams. In a recent interview with BuzzFeed UK, the actor—reprising his iconic role as Nightcrawler from 2003's X2: X-Men United—teased a potential fight scene involving Pedro Pascal's Mister Fantastic. While reflecting on his return to superhero cinema after more than two decades, Cumming joked, 'I was learning stunts yesterday for some fight scene and I'm thinking, 'I'm 60 years old… And now I'm back doing it. That, to me, is hilarious.'' He continued, 'I'm like, 'Who am I fighting with?' And they said, 'You're hitting Pedro Pascal against the head,' or something." Though his comment was delivered in a lighthearted tone, fans are speculating that it confirms a pivotal Avengers: Doomsday twist—pitting the Fox X-Men universe against the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and possibly more Marvel characters from different timelines. Cumming's return as Nightcrawler adds to growing rumors that Avengers: Doomsday will explore a multiverse conflict before uniting its heroes to face a common enemy—likely Robert Downey Jr.'s rumored return as Doctor Doom. While Marvel Studios has not confirmed plot specifics, Cumming's casual comment adds weight to theories about inter-franchise battles. Still, fans should take the statement with a grain of salt until official details emerge. Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former 'X-Men' Star Had 5 Words to Describe Joining 'Avengers: Doomsday'
Marvel has created one of the most intriguing and star-studded casts potentially in movie history. With the big names, the superhero-loaded Avengers: Doomsday garnished an immense amount of hype immediately, and the excitement feels like it's growing daily. While fans are understandably excited, even with a full year of rumors and speculation before the film's May 1, 2026 release date, many of the stars returning to their superhero roles aren't hiding their excitement. The most recent former superhero to speak out about joining Avengers: Doomsday is Alan Cumming, who played Nightcrawler in the original X-Men. Cumming was a fan-favorite as Nightcrawler and portrayed the superhero in the 2003 film X2: X-Men United. Cumming recently joined Today With Jenna & Friends and spoke to Jenna Bush Hager and Olivia Munn about his return to playing a superhero, as Collider detailed. While Cumming had plenty to say about reprising his former role, the 60-year-old summed it up best with a one-liner after confirming filming begins in the coming days. "... It's going to be nuts," Cumming said of filming Avengers: Doomsday. He also stated that he's "excited and amazed" and commented on how much love he's received since the news. "I'm going back to being a 60-year-old superhero, and everyone seems really lovely," Cumming stated. Cumming will join four of his former X-Men castmates in the upcoming film, as Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique) and James Marsden (Cyclops) are all expected to bring back their old roles.
The Independent
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Alan Cumming's X-Men character transformation drastically reduced in Avengers: Doomsday
Last month the official cast for the new Avengers: Doomsday, was announced with numerous stars returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe including Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd and Robert Downey Jr. Among the surprise names confirmed for the film were various X-Men actors such as Alan Cumming, James Marsden, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, Rebecca Romijn and Kelsey Grammer who previously starred in the movies produced by 20 Century Fox. Cumming, who played Nightcrawler/Kurt Wagner in 2003's X2: X-Men United recently said during an interview on Today With Jenna and Friends that he has already begun makeup tests for the forthcoming blockbuster. When talking about his return to screen, Cumming said: 'It's been 23 years since I was a superhero. I've had some makeup tests already for the role, but what's great about it was that before it was about four and a half hours to apply it, but now it's only 90 minutes.' Nightcrawler has a distinctive appearance with his blue tattooed skin. The outfit Cumming had to wear had several harnesses for components like his tail. He also had to put on fake teeth and contact lenses to achieve Nightcrawler's otherworldly look. Back in 2003, all of Nightcrawler's tattoos were drawn by hand but Cumming says that they are now simply just stuck to his face which he has called a 'gamechanger'. Audiences have only seen Nightcrawler on-screen once. The character did not return for X-Men sequels such as The Last Stand or Days of Future Past. Cumming went viral in 2024 for calling X2: X-Men United the 'gayest film' he'd ever worked on in his career. He added: 'It's got a queer director, lots of queer actors in it. I love the fact that something so mainstream and so in the comic book world is so queer.' This received an overwhelmingly positive response from X-Men screenwriter David Hayter who told TMZ: 'I'm so glad we did right by him. He's such an icon for gay rights. Ian McKellen also really recognised the allegory of it from a gay perspective.' When talking about his experience on X2, Cumming said: 'It's an allegory about queerness, about people having these great gifts and really great, powerful things that they have to hide to exist. Queer people understand what that's all about.'
