Laurence Fishburne Says He Wants to Join the MCU as an Iconic X-Men Character

Laurence Fishburne has his eyes on one of Marvel’s most legendary roles. During a Matrix reunion panel at New York Comic Con on Sunday, the 64-year-old actor told fans that he would love to play Professor Charles Xavier, better known as Professor X, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming version of the X-Men.

“I know that they’re talking about the X-Men now,” Fishburne said to the crowd. “So, at this point, I want one of two things. The first thing would be: what do you think about Laurence Fishburne as Professor X?”

The audience immediately cheered at the idea, and panel host Josh Horowitz responded with a laugh, “Approved. Greenlit!”

Fishburne also mentioned that he hasn’t completely settled on what other Marvel role he might want if not Professor X. “I don’t know, I’m gonna let you guys decide,” he said.

“I can’t figure it out.” When Horowitz suggested a possible role in Star Wars, Fishburne quickly turned it down. “No, I’m good,” he replied. “I’m watching everything. I’m in the middle of Rebels now, man. I’m good on the couch with Star Wars. I don’t need a lightsaber. I don’t — pew pew! — I don’t need it.”

The actor went on to say that he’s open to whatever project comes his way next. “People always ask me, ‘What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever done?’ And I’m always like, ‘The next one,’” Fishburne shared. “It’s been 25 years since The Matrix, and maybe some freak out there has got a strange movie they want to do, and nobody knows if it’ll work. I’m your guy!”

Fishburne is no stranger to the Marvel world. He previously played Dr. Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp and voiced characters in several Marvel animated projects, including What If? and Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. He also voiced the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer back in 2007.

Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed earlier this year that the X-Men will be completely recast after Avengers: Secret Wars. However, before that happens, many original actors from the Fox X-Men films will return for Avengers: Doomsday.

The official entry of the mutant team into the MCU became possible after Disney’s 2019 merger with Fox. Fans have already seen glimpses of familiar X-Men faces in Marvel’s newer films, including Patrick Stewart’s Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Kelsey Grammer’s Beast in The Marvels post-credits scene.

Fishburne’s Matrix co-star Joe Pantoliano also revealed at the same Comic Con event that he will appear in an upcoming Marvel series titled Wonder Man.

Coincidentally, Fishburne’s comments came on the same day that James McAvoy and Elliot Page, who played Professor X and Kitty Pryde in the Fox movies, spoke about new casting rumors.

When asked about Colman Domingo possibly taking over as Professor X and Bella Ramsey as Kitty, Page responded, “I mean, yes, absolutely. They sound fantastic. It’d be just so exciting to see people do a take on a new iteration.” McAvoy agreed, saying, “Look, I’m excited to see what happens next. I was a fan before I was an employee and I’ll be a fan again! Colman Domingo sounds amazing, though!”

With the MCU preparing to reboot the X-Men, Fishburne’s interest adds even more excitement to the conversation about who will lead the next generation of mutants. Whether or not he gets the role, fans already seem eager to see him step into the world of Marvel once again.

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