James Marsden Admits ‘Part of Me Always Hoped’ He Could Play “X-Men”’s Cyclops Again (Exclusive)

James Marsden, the actor renowned for his portrayal of Cyclops in the X-Men series, is set to reprise his iconic role in the upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday. The announcement comes after years of anticipation from both the actor and fans, marking his first appearance as Scott Summers since 2014.

During an interview at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, Marsden expressed his long-held desire to return to the character. He revealed to PEOPLE that he “always” hoped for the chance to don the Cyclops costume once more, despite occasionally resigning himself to the notion that it might never materialise. “There were moments I thought I wouldn’t play Cyclops again, many times,” he admitted.

Marsden’s journey with Cyclops began back in 2000 with the release of the first X-Men movie, a film that not only introduced the character to the big screen but also played a significant role in establishing the superhero genre in contemporary cinema. He reprised the role in subsequent sequels, including X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand, but the character met a tragic end in the latter. Following that, he made a return in the 2014 film, X-Men: Days of Future Past, which sparked discussions about the potential for more appearances.

Reconnecting with Marvel Studios and its president, Kevin Feige, was a pivotal moment for Marsden. He noted their long-standing relationship, which dates back to the early days of the X-Men franchise. “We had a chat with Kevin Feige, who worked on the first movie as well,” he explained, highlighting the personal nature of this return.

As for the experience of slipping back into his superhero persona, Marsden was enthusiastic. He stated that wearing the “comic book-accurate Cyclops costume was super special” and that he was determined to elevate the character’s depiction. “To really turn Cyclops up to 11,” he asserted, showcasing his intention to push the boundaries of the character in this new film.

Marsden’s immediate response to the opportunity was one of excitement. “Oh yeah,” he said when asked if he was on board with the project the moment Feige presented the idea. His enthusiasm for reprising the role reflects not only personal gratification but also a respect for the character and the legacy of the X-Men.

The actor’s return to the franchise has been described as a “homecoming,” as he reunites with fellow original cast members, including Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto. Marsden articulated the joy of revisiting a character that has been significant in his career, saying, “It’s been a nice little homecoming to a role that really put me on the map. It was the first real event project that I was ever a part of.”

With Avengers: Doomsday set to hit theatres on December 18, audiences can expect Marsden’s Cyclops to take centre stage once again alongside other beloved Marvel characters. His nostalgic return promises to offer fans a blend of familiarity and excitement as the franchise continues to evolve.

In conclusion, James Marsden’s revival of Cyclops is not merely a return to a past role but an opportunity to reinvigorate a character that has captured the hearts of many. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for what this “homecoming” will bring to the Avengers narrative and to Marsden’s career.