At New York Comic Con, Laurence Fishburne publicly proposed himself as a candidate for the role of Professor Charles Xavier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming X-Men reboot. The 64-year-old actor made his appeal during a Matrix reunion panel, hoping to join Marvel’s evolving franchise with the key role of Professor X as it prepares for a fresh start.
Fishburne directly addressed the audience, saying,
“I know that they’re talking about the X-Men now,”
and followed it with,
“So, at this point, I want one of two things. The first thing would be: what do you think about Laurence Fishburne as Professor X?”
This moment highlighted his interest in joining Marvel’s storied superhero lineup amid speculation surrounding the cast of the new series.
Rejecting Star Wars Despite Fandom
While engaging the crowd, Fishburne asked what else he should pursue if not the role in X-Men. Some suggested Star Wars, but Fishburne dismissed the idea. He noted his enjoyment of the franchise from the sidelines but declined any active involvement.
“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.”
His comments revealed an enthusiastic but hands-off approach towards that universe.
Details and Rumors Surrounding the MCU X-Men Relaunch
Marvel Studios, led by producer Kevin Feige, is gearing up for a reboot of the X-Men series after the conclusion of the Secret Wars storyline. The new film or series is expected to feature a younger ensemble and fresh character dynamics that differ from the original Fox adaptations. One trending rumor is the preference for Black actors in some of the primary roles to set this version apart, especially for Magneto and Professor X.
Among whispered possibilities, Colman Domingo is reportedly under consideration for Professor X, while Denzel Washington’s name has been linked to Magneto. Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but these discussions hint at a deliberate casting strategy to refresh the franchise.
Laurence Fishburne’s Existing Connection to Marvel and Comics
Fishburne is no stranger to Marvel or superhero projects. He played Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp and lent his voice to the Beyonder in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, while also appearing in the animated What If…? series. His role as Perry White in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Batman v Superman adds to his comic book-related résumé. Combined with his iconic presence in The Matrix films, Fishburne brings notable experience within genre franchises.
MCU X-Men Reboot: Progress and Uncertain Casting
The MCU’s X-Men reboot remains in early stages, with no official casting announcements. Direction for the project has been assigned to Jake Schreier, best known for Thunderbolts, while Michael Lesslie is crafting the script. Fans and insiders alike are awaiting clarification on the cast as Marvel moves forward with this much-anticipated reboot.
Impact and Prospects of Fishburne as Professor X
Laurence Fishburne’s public bid carries significance given Marvel’s rush to revitalize the X-Men for the MCU. His appeal highlights the fluidity and competition among top actors for pivotal superhero roles, as well as Marvel’s increasing openness to diverse casting choices. Should he secure the part, Fishburne would bring decades of compelling performance skill and genre familiarity to a character central to the X-Men story. As Marvel continues to develop this franchise, Fishburne’s involvement represents an intriguing possibility that fans and critics will closely watch in the coming months.
