James Marsden finally opens up about returning in the Avengers: Doomsday

James Marsden recently addressed his long-awaited return in Avengers: Doomsday as his memorable X-Men character, Cyclops.

The 51-year-old actor was speaking with Vanity Fair about his recent projects, including his Emmy-nominated turn in the Hulu series Paradise. He also talked about his approach to acting and choosing his roles, and revealed how he had often found morally complicated characters more interesting to depict.

During this discussion, he was asked about reprising his X-Men role in the latest MCU movie. It will be the first time he plays this part since the 2014 film, X-Men: Days of Future Past. His fans are excited to see him return, and judging by his reaction, he seems equally excited to make this grand return to the big screen.

While addressing his return as Scott Summers, he said:

"I’m getting a little long in the tooth to put on the superhero costume. [Laughs.] I was excited because you're a part of something gigantic, and I've spent 20 years listening to people say, “When are you coming back? When are you coming back? Are you coming back?” I'm dead. Well, maybe not."

James Marsden reflects on his past in Marvel's X-Men movies

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" World Premiere - Source: Getty

Before the MCU began its successful journey, 20th Century Fox brought Marvel’s X-Men to the big screen. However, much like their First Family, these mutant superheroes will now be a part of the MCU’s interconnected universe.

James Marsden is one of the stars from the original projects set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday. He will be joined by Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, and Alan Cumming, to name a few. However, it’s been over a decade since they all put on their costumes to play these physically demanding roles.

In line with this, Marsden looked back at his past projects and shared his fondness for their universe.

"I'm going to have a tough time struggling to get into costume if they waited a couple more years. So it's been a blast. It really has. It's been a nice little homecoming to a role that really put me on the map. It was the first real event project that I was ever a part of, and a very beloved character, this icon from the comics. And so to step back into that role was pretty special," Marsden said.

Before the MCU project, Marsden played Scott Summers/Cyclops four times on screen, which includes X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2004), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014).

What else do we know about Avengers: Doomsday?

2024 Comic-Con International: San Diego - Marvel Studios Panel - Source: Getty

There’s still at least a year before Avengers: Doomsday finally arrives on screens. However, fans have been excited about the project ever since Robert Downey Jr. showed up at Comic-Con dressed as the villainous Doom. The film will mark the Oscar-winning actor’s return to the MCU after his turn as the ever-charismatic Tony Stark.

Downey briefly appeared as Doctor Doom in the mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, hinting at his connection with Reed, Sue, and their son, Franklin. While the plot details are still under wraps, it will be interesting to see how it finally plays out in Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026.