One of the classic comic book heroes from the past is making a dramatic return in Avengers 6: Secret Wars, a development that has fans buzzing with speculation and excitement.
James McAvoy, widely recognized for portraying Professor X in the X-Men film series, recently spoke in a thoughtful interview about his relationship with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When pressed about whether Marvel Studios’ chief, Kevin Feige, had already reached out to him about joining Avengers 6: Secret Wars, McAvoy gave a guarded response: he hadn’t received a call, and even if there were one, he hinted he wouldn’t disclose it. More importantly, he has shown no clear desire to reprise the role of Professor X at this time. This stance is part of a broader conversation about actors revisiting beloved characters after long gaps, and it reflects McAvoy’s personal stance on returning to this iconic part. Still, he did note that the door remains open in a philosophical sense—he wouldn’t categorically close the possibility without considering the surrounding context and creative direction. [Source: Marvel Cinematic Universe]
In a broader conversation with a journalist, McAvoy emphasized his current outlook: he is not actively pursuing a comeback as Professor X. He described the experience as one chapter closed, and he suggested that creative momentum in the MCU continues to move forward in exciting new directions. Yet he also acknowledged that the decision to return would depend on a variety of factors beyond mere nostalgia, including how the character would serve the evolving story and the ensemble nature of the Avengers universe. Notably, he did mention that this is not a firm refusal; rather, it is a thoughtful stance that prioritizes personal artistic goals while leaving room for unexpected future developments. [Source: Marvel Cinematic Universe]
Historically, James McAvoy has brought to life Professor X in several prominent films, including X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Each portrayal offered a distinct interpretation of Charles Xavier, blending leadership, intellect, and moral complexity. His performances contributed to the franchise’s rich mythology, shaping how fans envision the professor’s quiet resolve and strategic vision. The possibility of crossing paths with the broader MCU universe, which is expanding to include teams like the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men in this expansive new era, fuels ongoing speculation about potential collaborations. [Source: Marvel Cinematic Universe]
Avengers 6: Secret Wars is scheduled to arrive in 2026, with a release date set for May 1. The film is anticipated to be a convergence event, gathering an array of heroes from different corners of the Marvel multiverse. Fans expect appearances by core Avengers members alongside the innovative additions promised by the current slate, including teams like the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, who have been central to long-running comic arcs and cinematic reimaginings alike. The storytelling goal is to weave multiple timelines and realities into a cohesive adventure that challenges the characters while delivering the spectacle and emotional stakes that audiences have come to demand from Marvel’s event cinema. As production advances, discussions about who will appear in the ensemble continue to intrigue audiences, analysts, and enthusiasts alike. [Source: Marvel Cinematic Universe]
As the excitement builds, observers are weighing how the legacy of Professor X could fit into the fresh, expansive framework of Avengers 6: Secret Wars. The character’s philosophy, leadership style, and powerful telepathic abilities might be integrated in a way that honors past iterations while aligning with the MCU’s current narrative priorities. For fans, the question remains open: will McAvoy step back into the iconic chair, or will the story forge ahead with new interpretations of the professor and his mission for mutant-kind? Either path promises to reshape the landscape of the Marvel cinematic world for years to come.