The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is gearing up for a highly-anticipated reboot of X-Men, a franchise that has captivated audiences for decades with its tales of mutant heroes. As Marvel prepares to integrate the mutant team into its cinematic universe following Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox, excitement is building around potential casting choices. At New York Comic Con 2025, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 12, acclaimed actor Laurence Fishburne made headlines by expressing his desire to portray the iconic Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, in the MCU’s reimagined X-Men.
Fishburne, aged 64, shared his enthusiasm during a Matrix reunion panel, signaling his interest in leading the X-Men as the telepathic founder of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. “I know that they’re talking about the X-Men now,” Fishburne stated (via EW), before pitching himself for the role: “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?” The character, previously portrayed by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy in Fox’s X-Men films, is a cornerstone of the franchise, known for his telepathic abilities to read minds, create illusions, and generate psychic barriers.
When asked about a potential second dream role, Fishburne remained open-ended, leaving the decision to others. “I don’t know, I’m gonna let you guys decide,” he admitted. “I can’t figure it out.” His candid response highlighted his willingness to embrace new opportunities, though he was quick to dismiss one major franchise. When panel host Josh Horowitz suggested a role in the Star Wars universe, Fishburne firmly declined, saying, “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 playful rejection underscored his preference to remain a fan of Star Wars rather than join its galaxy far, far away.
Fishburne’s interest in Professor X comes at a pivotal time for the X-Men franchise. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed earlier this year that the X-Men will undergo a full recasting following the events of Avengers: Secret Wars. This reboot will mark a fresh start for the mutant team in the MCU, distinct from the Fox-era films, though some original actors, including Patrick Stewart as an alternate-dimension Charles Xavier in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Kelsey Grammer as Hank McCoy in a post-credits scene for The Marvels, have made brief MCU appearances.
As the X-Men reboot moves forward under director Jake Schreier, Fishburne’s pitch adds to the growing buzz around the project. While casting rumors, including names like Colman Domingo for Professor X, have circulated, Fishburne’s bold declaration at New York Comic Con positions him as a standout contender to lead the next generation of X-Men in the MCU. Fishburne is no stranger to the MCU, having previously portrayed Dr. Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp. His experience in the superhero genre extends further. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate Avengers: Doomsday hitting theaters on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027, both directed by the Russo Brothers and serving as climactic chapters in the Multiverse Saga.
