Alan Cumming Finds Healing in 'Avengers: Doomsday' After 'X2' Struggles

A New Chapter for Alan Cumming in Avengers: Doomsday

Alan Cumming, the Emmy-winning actor known for his role as Nightcrawler in the X-Men franchise, recently shared his experience of returning to the role in the upcoming Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday. The film, set to release on May 1, 2026, marks a significant moment in Cumming’s career, as it is over two decades since he first portrayed the blue, furry mutant in X2.

Cumming recently spoke with HAWXTECH at a panel for The Traitors, revealing that he had just finished filming Doomsday earlier this month. He described the experience as “amazing” and “healing,” noting that it was “really nice to go back to something that was a terrible experience when I did it the first time.”

A Healing Return

Cumming reflected on his initial portrayal of Nightcrawler in X2, which he admitted was an “awful” experience. He cited several reasons for his discomfort, including the long hours spent in the makeup chair—up to five hours per day—and challenges with director Bryan Singer. These experiences were detailed in his memoir, Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life.

However, the return to the role in Avengers: Doomsday has been a positive one. Cumming expressed surprise at being cast again, especially given his age. “I’m 60 years old. I did not think I would be doing stunts, playing a superhero in my 60s. So that was great,” he said.

A Quick Turnaround

Despite the excitement, Cumming had to juggle his schedule due to commitments with The Traitors. “I couldn't go, because of The Traitors, when most of my scenes were being shot,” he explained. To manage this, he “squashed them all together” and used green screens and other techniques to complete his scenes efficiently.

A Positive Experience on Set

Cumming praised the environment on set, describing it as “no messing around.” He mentioned that he had to “practice with the stuntmen” to get back into the swing of things. While he wished he could have been on set for longer, he appreciated the efficiency of the production.

Improved Makeup Process

One of the notable changes from X2 to Doomsday was the makeup process. Cumming noted that the time spent in the makeup chair was cut in half, now taking about 90 minutes instead of hours. He attributed this to advancements in technology, such as pre-designed tattoos that can be applied more quickly.

“I was going back to being a 60-year-old superhero,” he said, adding that the experience was “going to be nuts.”

A Homecoming for Other Cast Members

Cumming is not the only X-Men alum making a return in Avengers: Doomsday. Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, Kelsey Grammer, and James Marsden are also reprising their roles. Marsden, who plays Cyclops, shared similar sentiments about returning to the role. “It's been a blast. It really has,” he said. “It's been a nice little homecoming to a role that really put me on the map.”

Marsden also joked about the physical demands of the role, saying, “I’m getting a little long in the tooth to put on the superhero costume.” However, he emphasized that the experience has been rewarding.

A Major Release

With its release date set for May 1, 2026, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be a major event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film brings together a mix of returning stars and new faces, including Robert Downey Jr. as the villain Doctor Doom, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Wilson/Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man.

For fans of the X-Men franchise, the return of characters like Nightcrawler and Cyclops is a nostalgic and exciting moment. As Cumming and his fellow actors prepare for the film’s release, they are undoubtedly looking forward to sharing their experiences with audiences.