Several legacy actors from 20th Century Fox's original X-Men film series are preparing to step back into the Marvel spotlight this December as part of Avengers: Doomsday. The blockbuster event will unite heroes across universes in a massive clash against Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom. With the multiversal stakes higher than ever, the inclusion of these familiar faces adds layers of nostalgia and fresh conflict to the story.
Speaking during a panel at Spacecon 2026 moderated by Nerdtropolis' Sean Tajipour, Janssen once again denied any involvement with Avengers: Doomsday and emphasized that she never received a call from Marvel Studios (via CBM). The actress addressed her absence directly while interacting with fans at the event. This update comes amid ongoing speculation about the film's mutant lineup.
"I am so bad at keeping secrets that I always say to everyone I’m the worst actor in the world, as it’s all on my face and you right away will read it," the performer shared with those in attendance. "I think they made a mistake, but hey, who am I? I’m just a little me who thinks that."
Janssen first portrayed Jean Grey in the 2000 film X-Men before reprising the role in subsequent entries. She appeared in X2: X-Men United in 2003 and X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006. The performer also took on cameo appearances in The Wolverine in 2013 and X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014. Many wonder if her tenure as the powerful Phoenix has truly concluded.
Marvel Studios has confirmed several familiar faces from the X-Men franchise for the upcoming project. Among those returning are Kelsey Grammer as Beast, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, and Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler. Patrick Stewart will reprise his role as Professor Xavier, joined by Ian McKellen as Magneto and James Marsden as Cyclops. These legacy cast members are expected to play significant parts in the multiversal story.
Channing Tatum is another notable addition, stepping into the role of Gambit after his memorable performance in Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor's inclusion adds further excitement to the mutant ensemble. His portrayal has already generated considerable buzz among audiences familiar with the character's comic book roots. This crossover continues to expand the interconnected nature of the Marvel universe.
The film will see beloved heroes from distinct universes collide in a battle against an existential threat. Avengers: Doomsday marks a major chapter in the ongoing saga that has captivated viewers for years. The project builds on the foundation laid by previous MCU entries while incorporating elements from the Fox-era X-Men films.
The Russo Brothers are directing Avengers: Doomsday and the follow-up Avengers: Secret Wars. They are working from a screenplay by Stephen McFeely, with whom they previously collaborated on the Avengers and Captain America franchises. This creative team brings extensive experience in crafting large-scale superhero narratives that balance character development with high-stakes action sequences. Their involvement ensures a cohesive vision across both massive productions.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Avengers: Secret Wars will follow on December 17, 2027. These back-to-back releases are poised to deliver an unforgettable conclusion to the current phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Audiences can look forward to seeing how the stories of these iconic characters unfold on the big screen.
