- Laurence Fishburne publicly declared his interest in playing Professor Charles Xavier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming X-Men reboot.
- The announcement, made at New York Comic Con, was met with immediate and enthusiastic approval from the audience.
- Fishburne definitively shut down any interest in joining the Star Wars universe, stating, “I don’t need a lightsaber.”
- The pitch comes as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that the iconic mutant team will be entirely recast for their official MCU integration.
A Bold Pitch for a New Professor X
The Marvel Cinematic Universe may have found its next powerful telepath, and he’s a very familiar face. During a Matrix reunion panel at New York Comic Con, veteran actor Laurence Fishburne made a stunning and direct pitch for his dream role in the upcoming MCU reboot of the X-Men.
“I know that they’re talking about the X-Men now,” Fishburne told the packed audience. “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 question was met with a wave of cheers and loud applause, with panel host Josh Horowitz immediately responding, “Approved. Greenlit!” The 64-year-old actor’s bold move instantly ignited conversations among fans, many of whom see him as a perfect successor to the iconic role previously brought to life by Sir Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy.
No Lightsabers Needed
While Fishburne is eager to join the mutant world, he has no interest in traveling to a galaxy far, far away. When asked about a potential role in the Star Wars universe, the actor quickly dismissed the idea.
“No, I’m good,” he replied firmly. “I’m watching every Star Wars… 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.”
Marvel’s Shifting Landscape and Fishburne’s History
Fishburne’s public bid comes at a pivotal time for the MCU. Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that the X-Men will be fully recast, paving the way for a new generation of actors to take on the beloved characters.
A Veteran of Comic Book Worlds
This wouldn’t be Fishburne’s first foray into the Marvel universe. He has already appeared in the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp and has lent his voice to several Marvel projects, including the Silver Surfer in Fox’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) and the Beyonder in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. This existing relationship with Marvel could give him a significant advantage.
The old guard of X-Men seems ready to pass the torch. At a separate panel, former Professor X actor James McAvoy expressed his excitement for the reboot, stating, “I was a fan before I was an employee and I’ll be a fan again!” With the enthusiastic backing of fans and a clear passion for the role, Fishburne’s unexpected pitch may just be what the MCU is looking for to lead its new School for Gifted Youngsters.