Marvel Plans Race-Swapped Professor X in the MCU X-Men Reboot

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It appears that Marvel Studios might be adopting a different strategy when it comes to selecting the upcoming Professor X for the X-Men. Although Patrick Stewart is set to return as Charles Xavier in “Avengers: Doomsday,” the MCU also seems to be preparing for a fresh take on the X-Men, with various actors already speculated to play Marvel’s future mutants.

Despite the fact that the X-Men project in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) isn’t anticipated until after 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars and the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, speculation about casting has already taken over the industry news. One of the most intriguing queries among the casting gossip revolves around who Marvel Studios might be contemplating for Professor X, the powerful telepath and creator of the X-Men; and now, recent reports indicate that the MCU could be considering “black actors” for this character, who has traditionally been portrayed as white.

According to insider Jeff Sneider, as discussed on The Hot Mic, there are persistent rumors suggesting that a black actor might be considered for the role of Charles Xavier in Marvel Studios’ X-Men reboot.

I’ve been advocating for a Black actor to portray Charles Xavier. It seems fitting, especially considering the original choice was believed to be a Black director. However, I’m curious if Marvel is planning to go in this direction, as it could distinguish their version from Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy’s portrayals.

Initially, Patrick Stewart portrayed Professor X in “X-Men” from 2000, with his final appearance being in “Logan” in 2017. However, he then made a transition into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” On the other hand, James McAvoy stepped into the shoes of the X-Men founder as a younger character in “X-Men: First Class” and its following movies.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to spill the beans on a juicy bit of gossip I heard! Seems like Marvel Studios is eyeing Denzel Washington for Magneto, the classic X-Men antagonist who used to be pals with Professor X. Now here’s an interesting twist: they might be considering race-swapping Charles Xavier too!

Once more, there was talk that Denzel Washington could be cast as Magneto. If this were to happen, it would be intriguing to have a Black actor as Charles Xavier’s counterpart. Colman Domingo is someone who seems to be quite high on the list of potential candidates if they decide to go with an older Charles… It’s amusing that Jamie mentioned ‘What about David Oyelowo?’ I believe Colman Domingo is more likely to be considered for the role at this stage than David Oyelowo.

It’s intriguing to note that Denzel Washington might have a role in an impending Marvel Cinematic Universe production. In fact, while discussing the upcoming film “Gladiator II,” the actor hinted at Ryan Coogler having penned a part specifically for him in “Black Panther 3.

As a cinephile who’s always got an ear to the ground for the latest Marvel news, I can tell you that Colman Domingo isn’t new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) scene. He’s no stranger to roles with a racial twist or the ever-churning rumor mill surrounding the MCU. For instance, back in 2024, there were whispers that he was being considered to take over Jonathan Majors’ role as Kang the Conqueror. And then, in 2025, he lent his voice to an African-American version of Norman Osborn in “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”.

In terms of the X-Men reboot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there’s no set release date announced as of now. However, there are reports suggesting that Marvel Studios is considering Jake Schreier for the director role on Thunderbolts, with Michael Lesslie attached to write the script for the X-Men project.

Why Race-Swapping Professor X Works on Multiple Levels

Jeff Sneider pointed out that having a Black actor portray Professor X in the MCU could significantly set apart this version from past cinematic representations of the comic book character, particularly following Patrick Stewart’s return in “Avengers: Doomsday” and possibly “Secret Wars.” For more information on the 18 confirmed X-Men characters Marvel Studios plans to reintroduce in 2026, take a look here.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but envision Denzel Washington taking on the role of Magneto in an upcoming X-Men film. If this happens, it would be equally compelling to see Colman Domingo portray Professor X. Their contrasting ideologies could resonate with contemporary societal debates and conflicts, much like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.

Interestingly, Washington has previously been recognized for his portrayal of Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic, earning an Academy Award nomination. This previous experience could add depth to both characters, making their dynamic even more captivating on screen.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder whether Denzel Washington’s character in Black Panther 3 might share connections with the X-Men universe. If that’s the case, it’s safe to say we’re in for some intriguing links between Wakanda and mutants as the storyline progresses. Exciting times ahead!

Find out why Ryan Coogler almost (but didn’t) direct the MCU’s X-Men reboot.

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2025-05-16 19:34