All ‘X-Men’ Stars Returning in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’– Channing Tatum, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen & More

The new Marvel Cinematic Universe will soon see a slew of actors from Fox’s original ”X-Men” movies joining the roster for its new film “Avengers: Doomsday.” Others returning actors are Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, Ian McKellen as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops and Rebecca Romijn as Mystique. These actors originated their roles in over 20 years ago in the 2000 film “X-Men.” But because of the Marvel multiverse concept, there is a chance they could be playing alternate versions of their characters or new ones altogether.

Channing Tatum as Gambit is one of the most anticipated returning hits. Tatum has long wanted to bring the character to the big screen, having announced plans to star in a Gambit solo film at Fox before the project was scrapped after Disney acquired the studio in 2019. Tatum’s first Gambit appearance arrived with “Deadpool and Wolverine” finally, and reception of his performance was overwhelmingly positive among the fans. Expressing excitement over the opportunity, Tatum stated on social media that he thought that he had lost the chance to play Gambit for good, thanking Ryan Reynolds for fighting to get him involved in the film. The positive reception has since fueled speculation of a Gambit standalone film, of which Tatum has expressed interest in, though he admits that it really comes down to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Sure, we already saw Patrick Stewart reprise his role as Charles Xavier, but he’s another well-known face returning to the MCU. Stewart first played the character in “X-Men” and returned for various sequels, including “X2: X-Men United,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “Logan.” He also appeared in the MCU’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” As he has held the role for many years, fans can only speculate how the character will fit into “Avengers: Doomsday.”

Likewise, Ian McKellen reprises his role as Magneto, which he originated in “X-Men,” and continued in “X2: X-Men United,” “X-Men: The Last Stand” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” McKellen’s return implies that elements from the original “X-Men” timeline may be featured in the film, though the particulars of his character are being kept under wraps.

Returning to the X-verse is Kelsey Grammer as Beast. He first played the character in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” and cameoed in the post-credits scene for “The Marvels.” His appearance in “Avengers: Doomsday” also indicates that the Beast is likely reprising his role in the MCU’s evolving storyline.

readmore label=”READ MORE: ” link=”56168840″ Despite appearing in just one “X-Men” movie, his turn as the teleporting mutant is fondly remembered, and his return should thrill longtime fans of the franchise.

Rebecca Romijn, who played Mystique in “X-Men,” “X2: X-Men United” and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” is also returning. Though Jennifer Lawrence took on the role for the prequel films, Romijn’s return seems to imply that there can exist different iterations of Mystique across the multiverse.

James Marsden, who played Cyclops in “X-Men,” “X2: X-Men United,” “X-Men: The Last Stand” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” is another familiar face to return to the MCU. Since Cyclops is such a buzzworthy Marvel superhero, his presence in Avengers: Doomsday could eventually become vital to the movies’ collective narrative.

Particulars of these characters’ roles in “Avengers: Doomsday” haven’t been established, but their return is a moment of consequence for both Marvel and longtime admirers of the “X-Men” brand. Due out on May 1, 2026, the film will deal with the implications of the multiverse and will likely bring together previous and current versions of some of Marvel’s best-known characters. “Avengers: Doomsday” is sure to be a ride full of nostalgia and thrills with such an all-star cast.