Alan Cumming to Reprise Nightcrawler Role In Avengers: Doomsday, Shares Makeup Test Experience

April 9, 2025: Actor Alan Cumming is set to make a thrilling return to the Marvel Universe as Nightcrawler in the highly anticipated film Avengers: Doomsday. The actor, who originally portrayed the iconic superhero in 2003’s X2: X-Men United, confirmed the news during an interview on NBC’s Today show, sharing that he’s already begun preparing for the role.

In the interview, Cumming revealed that he has already undergone makeup tests for Nightcrawler, highlighting the advancements in makeup technology since his first appearance in the role. “It’s 23 years since I was a superhero,” said Cumming. “I had some makeup tests already.” He also explained how the process has evolved over the years, noting, “Actually, what’s great about it, it was four and a half to five hours before, and now it was 90 minutes.” He also mentioned that the tattoos, which were previously done by hand, are now applied using small stick-on pieces, making the transformation process much quicker.

Cumming, who is now reprising the role at 60, expressed his excitement about returning to the superhero world and teased his reunion with his former X-Men co-stars. In Avengers: Doomsday, he will join fellow X2 alumni Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), and James Marsden (Cyclops). The film also features a slew of familiar faces from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), and Anthony Mackie (Captain America), alongside newcomers from the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises, such as Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Channing Tatum.

Marvel Studios recently revealed the star-studded cast for Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on May 1, 2026, with the follow-up film Avengers: Secret Wars scheduled for release on May 7, 2027.

As for Cumming, he shared his enthusiasm about returning to the role, stating, “I’m going back to being a 60-year-old superhero, and everyone seems really lovely.” Fans can expect to see the actor don the blue makeup once again, bringing Nightcrawler’s teleportation and acrobatic skills to the big screen in what promises to be an action-packed blockbuster.