James Marsden on Cyclops Return: ‘Maybe I’m Not Dead’ in Avengers: Doomsday

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In a recent conversation, actor James Marsden discusses his return to the character of Cyclops for Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday,” reflecting on the experience of reprising the role he first played over twenty years ago.

“A Nice Little Homecoming”

Marsden humorously mentioned the difficulty he faced in donning the costume once more following so many years, expressing this to Vanity Fair.

As an aging cinema enthusiast, it’s becoming more challenging for me to slip into the superhero suit these days. [Laughs heartily.] I can’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration knowing you’re a part of something monumental. For the past two decades, I’ve heard the same question echoed time and again: “When will you return? When will you return?” It’s a question that has resonated deeply within me.

The actor recalled how, for years, fans assumed his Cyclops was gone for good:

I might not be alive… or at least that’s how it seems. But if they had waited a few more years, getting into my costume could prove quite challenging.

Despite the jokes, Marsden said returning to the role has been rewarding:

It’s been great fun! Truly, it felt like coming home again, as this role played a significant part in my career. It was my first major project, and the character I portrayed is quite popular among fans, an icon from the comics. Therefore, reprising that role held a special significance for me.

As a cinephile eagerly anticipating the next Marvel blockbuster, I was surprised to stumble upon some intriguing tidbits about Ian McKellen’s X-Men in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, hinting at an exciting encounter with yet another beloved Marvel ensemble. The unintended leak of these details only serves to heighten my excitement for this highly anticipated crossover event!

Filming in the UK

At present, the movie titled “Avengers: Doomsday” is being filmed in the United Kingdom. This upcoming production brings back a number of familiar faces from the Fox “X-Men” era, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and Kelsey Grammer. Moreover, Channing Tatum will once again play Gambit, following his initial appearance in “Deadpool & Wolverine”.

Huge Marvel Ensemble

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a host of confirmed actors include Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh, Simu Liu, Tom Hiddleston, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Danny Ramirez, Hannah John-Kamen, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Lewis Pullman, and Robert Downey Jr. There are also more than 30 other roles that are reportedly in the works.

Release Date

Marvel Studios releases Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026.

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2025-08-10 08:02