Famke Janssen, known for her iconic portrayal of Jean Grey in the X-Men franchise, has opened up about her lack of interest in appearing in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film Avengers: Doomsday. The actress, who has a storied history with the mutant superhero series, explained her forward-looking mindset and desire for creative control as key reasons for stepping away from potential reprises in large-scale blockbusters.
Janssen first brought Jean Grey to life in 2000's X-Men, reprising the role in X2: X-Men United (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). She also made brief cameo appearances in The Wolverine (2013) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), cementing her place in the Fox-era X-Men films. Despite speculation from fans about possible multiverse crossovers in the MCU, Janssen confirmed last month that Marvel Studios had not approached her about returning for Avengers: Doomsday. This revelation came amid announcements of other cast returns, highlighting her notable absence from the project's roster.
In a recent interview on Kristian Harloff's YouTube channel, Janssen elaborated on her stance when asked if she had engaged in any discussions with Marvel Studios since her initial comments. She emphasized her preference for projects that allow her greater involvement beyond acting, drawing from her recent experiences in production and design.
You know, I don't tend to look back at anything I've done. I tend to look forward. And the position that I'm in right now, [with] this incredible learning curve that I went through on [Netflix's] Amsterdam Empire by being executive producer and costume designer on my clothes, and doing a music video in which I sign and dance... All of these added elements, it's hard for me now to just look back and worry, or think about a part where I get a few lines. It just doesn't seem that interesting to me. I'm in a different place, and I've earned my way into this moment, and I'm running with it, because this is 80 films under my belt, and I've paid my dues. And so, now, to have a seat at the table and go, 'I'm an executive producer, I have a say in this. I think this needs to change, and I think there needs to be more diversity here, and I think this needs to be strengthened in the script,' or whatever it is. It's amazing!
Janssen's comments reflect a career evolution after decades in the industry, where she now prioritizes roles and projects that offer her a "seat at the table" for decision-making. She highlighted how her newfound creative independence—gained through executive producing and costume design on Amsterdam Empire and other ventures—has shifted her perspective away from smaller parts in ensemble films like those in the MCU.
Addressing the possibility of a return specifically, Janssen noted the mismatch between her current approach and the demands of a Marvel production: "I would not be asked back on Doomsday, or somewhere else, with that type of input. That's not what they want from me."
However, the actress clarified that she isn't entirely closed off to future opportunities, provided they align with her creative passions. She referenced her latest project as an example of her ongoing drive: "I'm not opposed to doing anything that's just being part of a fun ensemble, or whatever it is. But at this moment in time, I just finished a movie yesterday in Bulgaria, called One Second After, and I also designed my clothes on that one as well, so it's so cool to have these added parts to it, what I'm doing in my life right now, because I love creativity. I'm always looking to create."
Janssen's decision underscores the challenges actors face in balancing high-profile franchise work with personal artistic growth, especially after establishing a long resume of over 80 films.
While Janssen has chosen to focus on new horizons, Avengers: Doomsday is set to feature the return of a significant portion of the original X-Men cast, including Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, Kelsey Grammer as Beast, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Channing Tatum as Gambit, bringing back familiar faces from the Fox films into the MCU's multiverse narrative.
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for theatrical release on December 17, 2026.
