The Multiverse just got a little bluer. As production roars ahead on Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, Golden Globe nominee Alan Cumming has taken to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes video and two photos from set — marking his long-awaited return as fan-favorite mutant Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler.
Cumming’s version of the teleporting X-Man hasn’t been seen since 2003’s X2: X-Men United, making this comeback a full-circle moment for both the actor and audiences who still hold that film’s opening White House sequence as one of the franchise’s best. His BTS post, offering a teasing look at the set and a flash of his signature blue prosthetics, instantly set social media ablaze.
The X-Men Assemble… Again
Cumming’s return is part of a massive Avengers: Doomsday crossover event that’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Marvel projects yet. Alongside him, several of his original X-Men co-stars will reprise their iconic roles, including Patrick Stewart (Professor Charles Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), and James Marsden (Cyclops). Adding to the mutant mix is Channing Tatum, finally suiting up as Gambit after years of fan speculation and near-misses.
An All-Star MCU/Mutant Roster
Directed by Avengers: Endgame masterminds Joe and Anthony Russo from a screenplay by Stephen McFeely, Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18th, 2026, with direct sequel Avengers: Secret Wars following a year later. The cast list reads like a comic-con fever dream. MCU veterans Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) will appear. Chris Evans, rumored to return in a twist — not as Steve Rogers, but as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom.
Franchise favorites Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Kelsey Grammer, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, and Danny Ramirez. In addition to newcomers and heavy-hitters Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Lewis Pullman. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has hinted that this star-studded lineup is still incomplete, teasing that additional casting announcements will roll out as production continues.
The Return Of Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler has long been a cult favorite in Marvel lore — equal parts whimsical, tragic, and deeply human beneath his demonic appearance. Bringing back Cumming’s interpretation not only fuels fan nostalgia but also signals Marvel’s commitment to weaving legacy characters into the larger Multiverse Saga with purpose rather than mere cameo spectacle.
With the Russos once again steering the ship, Avengers: Doomsday has the potential to blend emotional payoffs, cross-franchise spectacle, and character-driven moments that defined Endgame. Cumming’s playful BTS tease is likely just the tip of the iceberg for what Marvel has in store. The countdown to Doomsday begins! And for longtime fans, seeing Nightcrawler bamf back into action may be worth the 23-year wait.
