Avengers: Doomsday’s Epic X-Men Trailer Gets Emotional Reaction From Star After 12-Year Absence

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The X-Men, previously produced by 20th Century Fox, will return in 2026 as part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, connecting through the Multiverse Saga.

James Marsden and Olivia Munn, who played Cyclops and Psylocke, discussed seeing Cyclops back on the big screen in Avengers: Doomsday. They were speaking with Liam Crowley for Your Friends and Neighbors about the experience of reuniting with their original X-Men castmates. Marsden also shared what it felt like to be featured in a prominent shot from a 2025 preview, making him a key part of the film’s early marketing.

The actor, a veteran of the X-Men films, described returning to the role as ‘really good’ and ‘special,’ noting it had been a long time since he last played the character in 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. He also mentioned being on set with another X-Men alum, Olivia Munn, and was pleased by the excitement surrounding the new movie. He added that seeing the iconic imagery recreated with today’s special effects was a great experience.

It was so funny seeing Simon Munn playfully tease James Marsden about being one of the original X-Men stars! Munn, who introduced Psylocke in X-Men: Apocalypse a few years ago, joked about how Marsden was there at the very beginning, launching the whole franchise. He even jokingly asked if the first movie came out way back in the 1920s, playing on how long ago it really was!

It was so funny hearing Marsden talk about how much things have changed since before he joined the Avengers: Doomsday cast! He said that when he did his energy blasts in the first movie, they actually used two rolls of film and painted them red to show his glowing eyes. He said it felt amazing, and he loved watching the playback over and over – it was a really cool effect to see come to life.

Olivia Munn: I would too. And your son? He’s 13?

James Marsden jokes that his kids, while ultimately proud of his work, also playfully tell him to stop being so self-absorbed. He says they’re supportive, but also keep him grounded.

Why The X-Men’s Return In Avengers: Doomsday Is Resonating With So Many

Although the later X-Men movies weren’t always successful, they arrived at a time when Hollywood studios were cautious about making superhero films. The first X-Men movie, along with Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins in 2005, helped revitalize the superhero movie genre.

The X-Men are one of Marvel’s most popular franchises, captivating fans for almost twenty years. Now, Marvel Studios is not only acknowledging their history in Avengers: Doomsday, but also giving them the attention they deserved, something that was lacking in the previous films from Fox. This includes finally giving characters like Cyclops costumes that are true to their comic book origins.

It’s important to remember that Avengers: Doomsday might be the last appearance of this version of the X-Men, particularly if they don’t return for Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel Studios is planning a reboot of the X-Men within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so this could be a final farewell for the original cast, offering fans a satisfying conclusion before Phase 6.

The new movie, Avengers: Doomsday, will be released on December 18th. Season 2 of Your Friends and Neighbors starts streaming on Apple TV on April 3rd.

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2026-03-25 20:08