It's hard to believe that nearly two decades have passed since Bryan Singer's X-MEN hit the theaters. Since then we've seen no less than ten (counting the upcoming NEW MUTANTS) sequels and spinoffs. Some were astounding (LOGAN, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS), others raging dumpster fires (X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE). One of the OGs of the original trilogy was of course James Marsden. The forty-six year old actor and Westworld vet took on the role of Scott Summers/Cyclops in the first three films and had a cameo in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST.
With the X-Men now the exclusive property of Disney's Marvel Studios, it's only a matter of time before our eponymous heroes return to the big screen. While it's likely that a brand new cast will take on the roles of Jean Grey, Professor X, Wolverine, and the like, James Marsden is hoping otherwise. In a recent interview with Screenrant at the press junket for SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, Marsden was asked if he'd ever consider returning to the role that helped make him famous. Not surprisingly, Marsden was enthusiastic:
Great question. I mean, I look at those three movies I was in, and it became a huge part of my life. It was a family, all of them. And I was very grateful too. Like, that's 40 years at the time of backstory and iconic characters, beloved characters. So, I'd be a fool to say no to that. Of course, I would. Who knows where that universe goes? Feige is still a friend of mine, and we talk occasionally. But you just don't know where it's gonna go. Right now, it's with all the young guys; all the kiddos. But I would never be opposed to coming back to that. I hold a special place in my heart for that experience.
When it comes to James Marsden I always thought his Cyclops character was severely underutilized. 20th Century Fox decided to make Hugh Jackman's Wolverine the main attraction, which unfortunately cost Marsden his time in the spotlight. It's almost a microcosm of Marsden's career as a whole. While the Oklahoma native has starred in dozens of television shows and movies over the last quarter century, he never quite broke out into that top-tier leading man status, something I always thought he was close to. Furthermore, while I would welcome his return to the fold as Cyclops it's hard to imagine that actually happening. As Marsden said the focus is on "the kiddos" and I'd suspect Marvel would lean younger. Although I wouldn't rule out James Marsden returning to the MCU in some capacity. Knowing people in high places (i.e. Kevin Feige) doesn't hurt.
Would you guys like to see James Marsden return as Cyclops? Did you like his portrayal in the original X-MEN films? If he doesn't return to the MCU as Cyclops is there another character you'd like to see him play? Hit us up in the comment section below!