Alan Cumming Reflects on Nightcrawler Return in 'Avengers: Doomsday' After 'Awful' 'X2' Experience

Alan Cumming has described his return to the role of Nightcrawler in the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday" as a "healing" experience, contrasting sharply with his memories of filming "X2: X-Men United" in 2003. The actor, known for his role as host of "The Traitors," revealed his sentiments in a recent interview, shedding light on the complexities of revisiting a character after a challenging initial encounter.

A Second Chance at Nightcrawler

"I just came back," Cumming stated, referring to his involvement in "Avengers: Doomsday." "It was amazing. It was actually really… in a sort of ooey, gooey way, it was really healing and really nice to go back to something that was a terrible experience when I did it the first time. A great film, great film. I love the film."

Cumming's remarks highlight a unique situation in Hollywood, where actors sometimes get the opportunity to revisit roles and rewrite their personal experiences associated with them. The sentiment echoes the ongoing trend of legacy sequels and reboots, often allowing performers to address past grievances or explore characters in new, more satisfying ways.

Bryan Singer and "X2": A Difficult Past

The actor didn't shy away from discussing the reasons behind his negative experience on "X2," citing the involvement of director Bryan Singer, who has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. Cumming described filming with Singer as "miserable" and "awful for a variety of reasons that I have talked about at length."

The shadow cast by Singer's alleged behavior underscores the importance of safe and respectful working environments in the entertainment industry. The rise of the #MeToo movement has prompted significant changes in Hollywood, with greater emphasis on accountability and the protection of actors and crew members.

"Doomsday": A Superhero Stunt at 60

Despite his past reservations, Cumming expressed enthusiasm for his role in "Avengers: Doomsday," particularly given the physical demands of the character. "It was actually really great to go back," he said. "I’m 60 years old. I did not think I would be doing stunts, playing a superhero in my 60s. So that was great. And everyone was really nice. And I got it done really quickly because I couldn’t go, because of The Traitors, when most of my scenes were being shot."

His participation in the film underscores the growing trend of older actors taking on physically demanding roles in action and superhero movies. This trend reflects a shift in Hollywood's perception of age and ability, with studios increasingly recognizing the value of experience and versatility.

A Marvelous Reunion

Cumming joins a star-studded cast for "Avengers: Doomsday," including fellow "X-Men" alumni such as Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Kelsey Grammer, James Marsden, and Rebecca Romijn. The film also features returning MCU favorites like Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright, and Winston Duke.

Expert Analysis: The Appeal of Nostalgia and Legacy

Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of film studies at the University of Southern California, commented on the significance of these reunions. "The return of familiar faces from both the 'X-Men' and MCU franchises taps into a powerful sense of nostalgia for audiences," she explains. "It allows studios to leverage established fan bases while simultaneously introducing these characters to a new generation."

Looking Ahead

"Avengers: Doomsday" is slated for release on December 18, 2026, with its sequel, "Avengers: Secret Wars," following on December 17, 2027. The films represent a significant investment by Marvel Studios, aiming to deliver a climactic conclusion to the current phase of the MCU.

The Future of Superhero Films

Industry analyst David Miller from Kagan, a media research group within S&P Global Market Intelligence, notes that the success of "Avengers: Doomsday" will be crucial for the future of superhero films. "The landscape has become increasingly competitive," Miller states. "Marvel needs to demonstrate that it can still deliver the kind of epic storytelling and character development that made the MCU a global phenomenon."

"Avengers: Doomsday" release date: December 18, 2026 "Avengers: Secret Wars" release date: December 17, 2027

The film promises to be a major event in the superhero genre, bringing together a diverse cast of characters and exploring themes of redemption, legacy, and the enduring power of teamwork.