James McAvoy, who played young Professor X in the Fox X-Men film franchise, reveals which of those movies was his favorite and which was the biggest challenge. McAvoy debuted as the mutant telepath and X-Men founder Charles Xavier, a.k.a Professor X, in the 2011 film X-Men: First Class, taking over the role from Patrick Stewart for the prequel film. McAvoy went on to play the character in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix, as well as having a cameo appearance in Deadpool 2.
During an appearance in a video for GQ, McAvoy reflects on his time in the X-Men franchise, revealing an amusing behind the scenes anecdote about his hair in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The actor also states that he is still in touch with his X-Men co-stars, calling them “a great bunch of people.” Additionally, McAvoy explains that his favorite X-Men movie to make differs from the one that he found the most interesting. See what the actor had to say below:
“First Class is probably my favorite movie, but in terms of what I got to do as an actor, I’d say Days of Future Past was probably the most challenging, the most interesting experience I had as an actor on the X-Men movies.”
Could Professor X Return In The MCU?
McAvoy’s comments make sense, since it’s understandable that his first appearance as Professor X would hold a special place in his heart. The actor has also previously shared his appreciation for X-Men: Days of Future Past, describing it as “one of the better films that I’ve been involved in.” Fans of the franchise largely agree with McAvoy’s comments, since X-Men: Days of Future Past remains a favorite among audiences. In addition, McAvoy has earned praise over the years for his performance as the young Professor X.
After his positive experiences in the X-Men franchise, McAvoy has made comments about his interest in returning as the mutant, saying last year that he would “never say never” to reprising the role of Professor X. Since Disney acquired both Marvel Studios and 20th Century Fox, there has been plenty of anticipation for the official introduction of mutants and the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. McAvoy previously expressed his excitement “as a fan” for what’s to come with the X-Men in the MCU, whether that plan includes him or not, but he has not shut down the possibility of his eventual return.
Though Stewart showed up in a cameo as Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, his appearance was only possible because Strange was in a different universe, meaning that Professor X has yet to appear in the MCU’s main universe. McAvoy has previously said that he would return as Professor X if the story is right. Given his admiration for X-Men: Days of Future Past, perhaps he would be interested in returning as Professor X if the MCU were to reboot that storyline. Whether McAvoy comes back as Professor X or the MCU goes in another direction, the actor’s appreciation for the X-Men franchise is a treat for fans of the films.
Source: GQ