Alan Cumming has shared captivating behind-the-scenes photos from the set of Avengers: Doomsday, offering fans a fresh look at his return as Nightcrawler, a role previously confirmed earlier this year. The images and video clip tease Cumming's Nightcrawler and potentially reveal elements of his character’s outfit for the film, marking his first portrayal of the teleporting mutant since X2: X-Men United in 2003. These glimpses from the set have heightened anticipation for the massive crossover film, which is set to unite some of Marvel’s most beloved characters.
Cumming’s return to the role was announced during a five-hour Marvel Studios livestream, which unveiled a staggering 27 cast members for Avengers: Doomsday. The actor’s decision to reprise Nightcrawler comes despite his earlier reservations about the role, primarily due to the grueling makeup process. In 2003, transforming into the teleporting mutant required long, exhausting hours. However, advancements in makeup technology have made the process significantly faster and more comfortable, convincing Cumming to step back into Nightcrawler’s blue skin.
The actor’s return has not been without its hiccups. During a guest hosting stint on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Cumming inadvertently let slip a major spoiler about Avengers: Doomsday. While discussing the challenges of keeping Marvel secrets with the cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Pedro Pascal, who plays Mister Fantastic, playfully called out Cumming for a previous leak. Back in May, Cumming hinted at a significant fight scene between Nightcrawler and Mister Fantastic, earning a stern call from his publicist. “The wrath of your publicist is not the wrath you want to have,” Cumming quipped, acknowledging his accidental spoiler.
Avengers: Doomsday promises to be one of Marvel’s most ambitious projects yet, bringing together the Avengers, Fantastic Four, New Avengers, Wakandans, and X-Men to face off against the formidable Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. Directed by the Russo brothers and written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, the film is poised to be a landmark event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Alan Cumming’s portrayal of Nightcrawler, also known as Kurt Wagner, remains one of the most memorable performances in the X-Men franchise. In X2: X-Men United, Cumming brought the teleporting mutant to life with a mix of charm, vulnerability, and acrobatic flair. His depiction of Nightcrawler, a deeply religious and kind-hearted mutant with a distinctive blue appearance and teleportation abilities, was a standout in the film. Notably, Cumming performed many of his own stunts, including the iconic White House sequence where Nightcrawler infiltrates the president’s office. Despite his acclaimed performance, Cumming did not return for subsequent X-Men films, citing the demanding makeup process as a key factor. His return in Avengers: Doomsday marks a significant moment for fans who have long hoped to see him reprise the role.
In addition to Cumming, several other X-Men actors are set to return in Avengers: Doomsday. Ian McKellen will reprise his role as Magneto, Patrick Stewart will return as Professor Charles Xavier, James Marsden will suit up again as Cyclops, and Rebecca Romijn will once more portray Mystique. This reunion of X-Men veterans alongside new MCU stars like Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach underscores the film’s massive scope. Avengers: Doomsday is slated to hit US theaters on December 18, 2026, with Secret Wars to follow in 2027, promising an epic conclusion to Marvel’s multiverse saga.
