Alan Cumming Spent ‘5 Hours’ in a Makeup Chair for “X-Men 2” Role — Now It Takes Just ’90 Minutes’ for “Avengers: Doomsday”

Alan Cumming’s Transformation for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Now Takes ’90 Minutes’ in Makeup Chair

Alan Cumming, the renowned actor, shared exciting insights into his upcoming role in the highly anticipated film ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. Known for his portrayal of the superhero Nightcrawler in 2003’s ‘X2’, Cumming is gearing up to reprise his role in the forthcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, set to hit theaters in May 2026.

In a recent interview on the TODAY show with Jenna Bush Hager, Cumming disclosed that the extensive makeup process for his character has significantly evolved over the years. While it once took him nearly five hours to transform into Nightcrawler for ‘X2’, the makeup team for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ has streamlined the process, aiming to have Cumming ready in just 90 minutes. This remarkable reduction in time has energized Cumming as he prepares to once again embody the beloved superhero.

Marvel Studios recently announced the star-studded cast for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, which includes several X-Men franchise veterans like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, Kelsey Grammer, and James Marsden. Cumming expressed his enthusiasm about joining forces with his former colleagues and returning to the superhero realm after a hiatus of two decades, citing the positive atmosphere on set.

While details about the plot of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ remain under wraps, Marvel Studios has been progressively reintroducing X-Men characters into their cinematic universe. Notably, Stewart reprised his role as Professor X in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ in 2022, with Grammer making a brief appearance as Beast in ‘The Marvels’ in 2023. The convergence of these iconic characters has fans eagerly awaiting the epic showdown in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.

As Cumming gears up for filming in London, he reflects on the technological advancements that have revolutionized the makeup process for his character. From hand-painted tattoos to innovative adhesive applications, the evolution in makeup techniques has been a game-changer for Cumming’s transformation into the tattooed, blue-skinned Nightcrawler.

‘Doomsday’ promises to be a cinematic spectacle, featuring a star-studded ensemble led by Robert Downey Jr. as the villain Doctor Doom. Joining the fray are familiar faces from the Avengers franchise, including Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, and Paul Rudd, alongside Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi. The stage is set for an unforgettable battle as ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ prepares to hit screens on May 1, 2026.

The resurgence of beloved characters and the reunion of esteemed actors like Cumming signal an exciting chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As fans eagerly anticipate the epic clash in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, the evolution of makeup techniques for Cumming’s character underscores the dedication and innovation driving the film’s production. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling cinematic event.

In conclusion, Alan Cumming’s transformation journey for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ serves as a testament to the intricate artistry and technological advancements shaping modern filmmaking. With a stellar ensemble cast and a riveting storyline, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ promises to captivate audiences and reignite the thrill of superhero cinema like never before.