Alan Cumming Says It’s ‘Really Healing’ Playing Nightcrawler in “Avengers: Doomsday” After ‘Terrible’ “X2” Experience (Exclusive)

Alan Cumming Finds Peace in Revisiting Nightcrawler Role

Alan Cumming recently shared his experience of reprising his role as Nightcrawler in the upcoming Marvel film, Avengers: Doomsday. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Televerse 2025 conference, the Emmy winner expressed how returning to the character was “really healing” after what he described as a “terrible” experience during the filming of X2 in 2003.

Cumming, who just completed filming Avengers: Doomsday, described the process as “amazing” and mentioned that it was a meaningful experience to revisit a role that had initially been challenging for him. The actor expressed his excitement for the new film, praising it as a “great film” that he thoroughly enjoyed working on.

The 60-year-old actor reflected on his time working on X2, revealing that it had been a difficult and unhappy experience for him due to various reasons, including prolonged hours in the makeup chair and conflicts with the director, Bryan Singer. However, Cumming’s return to the world of superheroes in Doomsday was a stark contrast, with the actor describing it as a positive and fulfilling experience.

Despite his initial reservations, Cumming found himself embracing the opportunity to perform stunts and embody a superhero character in his sixties. He commended the production team for their support and efficiency, allowing him to seamlessly balance his commitments to other projects while filming for Avengers: Doomsday.

Cumming’s return to the role of Nightcrawler is part of a broader reunion of X-Men franchise alumni in the upcoming Marvel film, joining the ranks of esteemed actors like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Halle Berry. The star-studded cast, which includes Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, promises to deliver an action-packed and captivating cinematic experience for audiences.

The actor’s dedication to his role was evident as he reacquainted himself with the physical demands of portraying a superhero, working closely with stunt professionals to ensure a seamless performance on screen. Cumming’s commitment to his character and the film’s production was unwavering, despite the challenges of balancing multiple commitments.

As Avengers: Doomsday gears up for its release in May 2026, fans of the Marvel universe can look forward to witnessing Cumming’s return to the big screen as Nightcrawler. The actor’s candid reflections on his journey back to the world of superheroes offer a glimpse into the transformative and rewarding nature of revisiting a beloved character after years of absence.