Marvel Studios is gearing up for Avengers: Doomsday, the latest instalment in the MCU’s expansive universe. Following the success of Avengers: Endgame, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the Avengers saga, and there’s been much speculation regarding the return of iconic X-Men characters.
Famke Janssen, who portrayed Jean Grey in the original X-Men series, has been a major fan favorite for her portrayal of the beloved mutant. However, in a recent interview, Janssen confirmed that she will not be reprising her role as Jean Grey in Avengers: Doomsday despite fan demand. Here’s everything we know about why she won’t be returning and what the film’s cast will look like without her.
Famke Janssen’s Absence from Avengers: Doomsday
Famke Janssen has long been associated with Jean Grey, a character she played in multiple X-Men films, most notably in X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: Days of Future Past. For many, her portrayal of Jean Grey, particularly during her transformation into the Phoenix, was one of the most iconic elements of the early X-Men films. However, despite fan hopes and rumors, Janssen revealed in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly that she was never asked to reprise the role in the new MCU iteration.
“Never. Never ever,” Janssen confirmed when asked if Marvel Studios had reached out to her. “Every time I do an interview, it’s mentioned. It’s interesting. I didn’t realise that was such a big part. Every interview I do, that will come up, and of everything I say, that is going to be the only thing that’s gonna be printed.”
Despite the growing speculation among fans, it seems Jean Grey won’t be part of the Avengers: Doomsday cast. Still, Janssen expressed gratitude for how her portrayal of Jean Grey continues to resonate with fans, saying:
“I should be flattered, I suppose, that this character has resonated with people. It’s been so long, but it’s nice that people are still talking about her.”
The Return of Other X-Men Stars in Avengers: Doomsday
While Janssen’s absence is unfortunate for many fans, there’s still plenty of excitement surrounding the return of other X-Men characters in Avengers: Doomsday. Several familiar faces from the original X-Men films will reprise their iconic roles in the MCU’s latest crossover event. These include:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Patrick Stewart | Professor Charles Xavier |
| Ian McKellen | Magneto |
| Halle Berry | Storm |
| James Marsden | Cyclops |
| Rebecca Romijn | Mystique |
| Alan Cumming | Nightcrawler |
| Kelsey Grammer | Beast |
| Channing Tatum | Gambit |
These legendary X-Men actors will bring their beloved characters back to the big screen, much to the delight of fans. While Halle Berry had previously hinted that she wouldn’t reprise her role as Storm, it was confirmed that she would not return for Avengers: Doomsday either.
The Future of Jean Grey in the MCU
Given the absence of Famke Janssen and the potential of a new Jean Grey, many fans are wondering how Marvel Studios will handle the character’s future in the MCU. It’s possible that Jean Grey may be re-cast, especially as Marvel continues to bring X-Men characters into the MCU fold. The role of Jean Grey and the Phoenix Force may be explored in a different light, perhaps with a fresh face leading the charge.
With the current multiverse storyline unfolding in the MCU, the possibilities are endless. Jean Grey’s return as the Phoenix could be pivotal to the ongoing saga, and a reimagining of the character might be necessary to fit into Marvel’s evolving narrative.
Cast Updates – Who Else Is Joining Avengers: Doomsday?
While Famke Janssen and Halle Berry won’t be returning, other X-Men characters will play significant roles in the film. Some new actors are also set to join the cast, with Avengers: Doomsday featuring several exciting newcomers:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Jon Bernthal | Punisher |
| Mark Ruffalo | Hulk |
| Tom Holland | Spider-Man |
| Zendaya | MJ Watson |
| Jacob Batalon | Ned Leeds |
The blend of old and new faces promises to bring fresh dynamics and explosive action to the screen, adding more depth to the crossover event.
What We Know About Avengers?: Doomsday Plot
The plot for Avengers: Doomsday remains largely under wraps, but from the returning X-Men cast and new character inclusions, the multiverse will play a crucial role. Fans can expect epic battles, character team-ups, and the convergence of multiple timelines, with Avengers and X-Men characters facing off against a new, unknown threat.
The stakes are higher than ever as the MCU prepares for another monumental event, leading into the Avengers: Secret Wars movie. The inclusion of characters like Magneto and Professor X suggests that mutants will have a more prominent role in the MCU’s future.
Avengers: Doomsday – Release Date and What’s Next
The highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday is currently in production, with a scheduled release date of May 1, 2026. Fans can expect plenty of surprises in this crossover, especially with the involvement of multiple beloved X-Men characters and MCU stars.
Following Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel will continue expanding its universe with projects like Avengers: Secret Wars and various solo films featuring familiar heroes. The MCU’s integration of X-Men will mark a new chapter for both franchises, setting the stage for more interconnected stories.
Conclusion
While Famke Janssen may not be returning as Jean Grey in Avengers: Doomsday, the movie still promises to be an exciting event, bringing back several X-Men veterans and introducing new characters to the MCU. The combination of returning stars, epic battles, and the evolving multiverse storyline is sure to make Avengers: Doomsday one of the most anticipated MCU films to date. Fans will have to wait until May 1, 2026, to see what unfolds on the big screen!
FAQs
Famke Janssen revealed that she was never contacted by Marvel Studios to reprise her role as Jean Grey in Avengers: Doomsday. While she appreciates the lasting impact of her portrayal, she confirmed she won’t be involved in the film.
Several X-Men stars are returning for Avengers: Doomsday, including Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, and Halle Berry as Storm. Other actors such as James Marsden (Cyclops) and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique) will also reprise their roles.
It’s unclear whether Jean Grey will be recast in the MCU. Given the multiverse storyline, a new Jean Grey could be introduced, potentially with a fresh face to bring the character into the next phase of the MCU.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026. The movie is expected to feature an exciting mix of Avengers and X-Men characters.
While Avengers: Doomsday may mark a significant moment for the X-Men in the MCU, it is unlikely to be their last appearance. The X-Men characters are expected to play a larger role in the MCU in future films, especially with the ongoing multiverse saga.
