The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand in bold and unexpected directions, and one of the most intriguing upcoming entries is Avengers: Doomsday. While fans are eagerly awaiting details about the crossover event, actor Alan Cumming, best known for his role as Nightcrawler in X2: X-Men United, has shed light on his unusual filming experience. According to Cumming, much of his work on the project was done in isolation, surrounded by green screens, and without even knowing which actors he was performing alongside.
This revelation highlights not only the growing reliance on digital filmmaking in modern blockbusters but also the secrecy surrounding Marvel’s highly anticipated projects.
Alan Cumming’s Return as Nightcrawler
Alan Cumming originally played the fan-favorite mutant Nightcrawler in 2003’s X2: X-Men United, where his performance was widely praised for bringing depth, vulnerability, and spirituality to the teleporting hero. Despite the positive reception, the actor chose not to return for later X-Men films, largely due to the intense makeup process and, as he later admitted, an unpleasant working environment under then-director Bryan Singer, who has since faced numerous controversies.
Fast forward two decades, and Marvel Studios has finally convinced Cumming to return to the character. Speaking with Gold Derby, the actor revealed that this comeback was very different from his earlier experience—but also deeply healing on a personal level.
“I did the entire film in isolation. Lots of green screen, face replacement. They even gave characters fake names. I don’t know who I was acting with half the time,” Cumming explained.
Filming Alone: A Sign of Marvel’s Secrecy
Marvel Studios is notorious for keeping its storylines under lock and key. Actors are often given fake scripts, code names, or partial information to prevent leaks. Cumming’s admission that he didn’t know who he was interacting with reflects just how far Marvel goes to protect its secrets.
“I broke the internet by mentioning something once,” Cumming admitted, referring to a previous comment where he claimed to share a fight scene with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards. “But honestly, I might have got it wrong.”
His uncertainty underscores the challenge for actors filming in front of green screens, often without real sets or co-stars. Instead, much of the interaction is added in post-production through CGI and digital compositing, meaning actors must rely heavily on imagination.
A Short but Impactful Role
Cumming revealed that his time on set was shorter compared to other cast members. After wrapping up his work on Avengers: Doomsday, he quickly moved on to filming the new season of his hit reality competition series The Traitors.
This suggests that Nightcrawler’s role, while significant, may not dominate the runtime. However, the fact that Marvel brought Cumming back at all indicates that his character will play an important part in connecting the X-Men universe to the larger MCU.
Healing from a Troubled Past
In earlier interviews, Cumming described his experience filming X2 as “miserable,” largely due to the toxic environment created by Bryan Singer. Returning to Nightcrawler for Marvel Studios, however, gave him a chance to reclaim the character in a positive way.
“It was really healing,” he said, contrasting his return with the hardships of the past.
This personal victory adds another layer of meaning for fans who have long associated Cumming with one of the most beloved portrayals of a mutant in film history.
X-Men Legends Return for Avengers: Doomsday
Cumming is not the only familiar face set to return. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to feature several legendary X-Men actors from the Fox era, including:
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Patrick Stewart as Professor X
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Ian McKellen as Magneto
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Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
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James Marsden as Cyclops
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Kelsey Grammer as Beast
The inclusion of these characters suggests Marvel is embracing a multiverse approach, allowing older versions of the X-Men to interact with the Avengers before transitioning into a new era of mutants.
Through advanced green screen technology and digital effects, Marvel can seamlessly integrate these iconic performances into the narrative, regardless of scheduling conflicts or actors’ physical limitations.
Marvel’s Future: Secret Wars and the New X-Men
Avengers: Doomsday is only the beginning. Following this film, the MCU will lead into the monumental event known as Avengers: Secret Wars. According to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, the events of these films will create a semi-rebooted timeline.
This reset will pave the way for a younger, modern X-Men team to take center stage in a brand-new franchise. The next X-Men movie is already in development, with Jake Schreier (Thunderbolts and The New Avengers) attached as director.
For fans, this means that while Doomsday will serve as a nostalgic reunion for beloved characters, it will also mark the transition into a fresh chapter of mutant storytelling in the MCU.
The Rise of Digital Filmmaking in Superhero Cinema
Cumming’s account also raises broader questions about the future of filmmaking in the superhero genre. With the heavy use of green screens, motion capture, and AI-driven face replacement, the craft of acting is evolving.
While some argue that this creates a disconnect between performers, others see it as an opportunity for greater creativity and flexibility. Actors can shoot scenes independently, across different continents, and still appear seamlessly together on screen.
This method also allows for the inclusion of actors with demanding schedules, like Cumming, while preserving the continuity of the cinematic universe.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
News of Cumming’s isolated filming has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some worry that the increasing reliance on CGI may reduce the authentic chemistry between characters, while others are excited to see how Marvel weaves these performances together.
Speculation also continues about Nightcrawler’s exact role in Doomsday. Will he be a key player in a battle against Doctor Doom? Or will his appearance serve more as a nostalgic cameo before the franchise fully shifts to a new generation of mutants?
Whatever the case, Marvel has successfully kept fans guessing—exactly as intended.
Final Thoughts
Alan Cumming’s candid revelations provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Avengers: Doomsday. His return as Nightcrawler not only excites long-time fans of the X-Men films but also highlights Marvel’s ambitious approach to uniting legacy characters with the modern MCU.
Despite filming “in isolation” and often not knowing who he was acting with, Cumming describes the experience as healing—a testament to how far the industry has come since his difficult days on X2.
As Marvel prepares for the next big cinematic milestone, fans can expect Avengers: Doomsday to serve as both a celebration of the past and a bridge to the future. With the return of legendary actors, groundbreaking visual effects, and a looming multiverse reset, the stage is set for one of the most epic chapters in superhero cinema.
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