Tag: Marvel

Films

James Marsden Calls Cyclops Return in Avengers: Doomsday a “Homecoming” After 20 Years

Tanisha Cardozo

After two decades, Marsden steps back into the visor as Scott Summers in Marvel’s upcoming multiverse epic.

It’s official: James Marsden is returning as Cyclops in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in December 2026. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the 51-year-old actor opened up about slipping back into the role that introduced him to millions of fans in 2000’s X-Men — and what it means to revisit the Marvel universe after so many years.

“It’s a nice little homecoming to a role that really put me on the map,” Marsden said. “I’m getting a little long in the tooth to put on the superhero costume,” he joked, before adding that the experience has been “a blast.”

Cyclops Returns to the MCU — Officially

Marsden’s return as Scott Summers (Cyclops) is part of Marvel Studios’ broader strategy to integrate the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox. With Avengers: Doomsday, the studio is going big — teasing a multiverse-spanning storyline that reunites several original cast members.

Confirmed to return alongside Marsden are:

  • Patrick Stewart as Professor X
  • Ian McKellen as Magneto
  • Kelsey Grammer as Beast
  • Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler
  • Rebecca Romijn as Mystique

This marks a major pivot from the standalone X-Men films of the early 2000s to the unified, multiverse-driven MCU.

A Long and Winding Road for Cyclops

Marsden originated the role of Cyclops in X-Men (2000), and reprised it in X2: X-Men United (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), where his character was seemingly killed off. However, Cyclops reappeared via alternate timelines in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), cementing his presence as one of the franchise’s core characters.

“I’m dead. Well, maybe not,” Marsden quipped. “It really has been a blast… a very beloved character, this icon from the comics. And so to step back into that role was pretty special.”

Marvel’s Multiverse Grows Bigger

With Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel is pulling together legacy heroes from across decades, crafting a story that pays homage to its cinematic history while launching a new chapter for fans. For longtime X-Men followers, seeing Marsden back in action is more than just nostalgia — it’s closure, celebration, and a hint of what’s to come.

Films

Superhero Showdown: Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Eyes Box Office Glory After DC’s Superman Triumph

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Following the thunderous box office success of DC’s Superman, the spotlight now shifts to Marvel Studios as it prepares to release Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025.

Starring a powerhouse cast — Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach — this bold reboot of Marvel’s first family is being watched closely by fans and critics alike. Much like Superman, Fantastic Four will skip the traditional origin story in favor of launching directly into a world where the heroes are already powered, self-aware, and active. This fresh storytelling approach promises more action and less backstory, giving longtime fans something new to enjoy.

While Superman has already captured the box office crown and critical praise, Marvel’s challenge is clear. With pre-sales reaching $13 million, Fantastic Four is outperforming Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World, yet it still trails Superman by roughly 20%. That gap is causing a bit of nervous energy inside Marvel Studios.

Adding to the pressure is the unexpected success of Jurassic World: Rebirth, which recently smashed its way past $545 million worldwide. It’s a reminder that superheroes no longer dominate by default — they must deliver.

One of the most anticipated aspects of Fantastic Four: First Steps is the chemistry among its cast. Pedro Pascal steps into the shoes of Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach takes on Ben Grimm. Marvel fans are curious to see how this new team gels in a post-Avengers world.

Interestingly, this battle of brands also mirrors a shift in creative leadership. James Gunn, once a Marvel mainstay, now helms DC’s creative vision. His influence on Superman‘s tone and success is already being felt — raising the stakes for Marvel’s next moves.

July 2025 has become a pivotal month for the superhero genre. With two franchise-redefining films hitting cinemas just weeks apart, fans have more to look forward to than ever. Whether you wear your cape for Marvel or DC, one thing is clear: the ultimate winner is the moviegoer.

Marvel’s turn is here. Can Fantastic Four: First Steps rise to the occasion?  Theaters will decide. Releasing worldwide on July 25.

Stay tuned for reviews, updates, and post-release box office reports.