After Sir Patrick Stewart’s celebrated portrayal of Charles Xavier, James McAvoy took on the role of Professor X, the steadfast leader of the X-Men. He debuted in this role with X-Men: First Class and continued in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. McAvoy recently shared his thoughts at a New York Comic Con panel, discussing which of these films stands out as his favorite, highlighting the significance of his work within the franchise.
Debate Between Two Landmark Films in the Franchise
McAvoy revealed that his preference oscillates between First Class and Days of Future Past. He described the former as an attempt to break new ground by adopting a unique tonal style, setting it apart from typical superhero films. In contrast, Days of Future Past took a more traditional approach by adapting a beloved comic storyline, merging different timelines and characters.
“There’s a toss-up between First Class and Days of Future Past,”
James McAvoy, Actor
“I feel First Class sort of tried to do something quite different and do a different kind of tonal approach, if you like, which I thought was really cool.”
James McAvoy, Actor
The Impact of Complex Storytelling in Days of Future Past
McAvoy highlighted that Days of Future Past was pioneering in its use of time travel and alternate universes before these concepts became widespread in superhero cinema. He noted how this combination of timelines was less common during the film’s release period, offering a fresh cinematic experience.
“I don’t know—correct me if I’m wrong, I’m not trying to claim anything because I didn’t direct it or write it—but it was one of the first that did all that timeline stuff and different universe, kind of crossover stuff that we kind of weren’t used to as much back then. You know, back then, before the war, that was when we were on rations. And, you know, a can of beef was a luxury. It just felt a bit different, new.”
James McAvoy, Actor
Defending the Depth of the Superhero Genre
McAvoy also spoke about the challenges and rewards of acting in a major superhero film, emphasizing that his role in Days of Future Past provided a significant acting challenge rather than just big-budget spectacle. He defended the genre against common criticisms, showing appreciation for the depth of character work involved.
“People go like, ‘Oh, you must, you know, get so bored in those big movies and whatever.’ I’m like, ‘playing Charles in Day of Future Past was, like, a proper, solid acting workout.’
James McAvoy, Actor
How the X-Men Films Shaped Superhero Storytelling
First Class served as a prequel and soft reboot that introduced a new cast to depict the origins of the X-Men team. Building on that, Days of Future Past brought together cast members from both the original and new films, with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine traveling back in time to avert a grim future. This 2014 release came early in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s expansion, pushing superhero narratives into uncharted territory by combining timelines and characters from different eras.
Notably, the X-Men franchise explored themes like alternate timelines and legacy cast reunions years before such ideas became common in franchises like the MCU. This approach set a precedent seen later in films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and projects featuring crossovers such as Deadpool & Wolverine. The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday intends to continue this trend by reintroducing original X-Men stars, including Patrick Stewart, illustrating the lasting influence of these films on superhero cinema.
The Unique Blend of Action and Time Travel in Days of Future Past
Released in 2014, X-Men: Days of Future Past centers on a mission where the X-Men must team up with their younger selves to change history and secure the future of mutantkind. The ensemble cast, led by Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and James McAvoy as Professor X, navigates two time periods to prevent a terrifying mutant genocide. Alongside Michael Fassbender and other key actors, this film merges intricate storytelling with action, marking it as a standout entry in the X-Men series.
