X-Men Actors Who Perfect For The MCU

Shawn Ashmore

Although he was an original X-Men, the X-Men film series was wise to keep him young and immature to grow alongside Rogue, Colossus, and Kitty Pryde. By the time X-Men: Days of Future Past rolled around, he was able to complete his arc and do the character justice.

While he may be fine without returning to the superhero genre, there is a unique way that he and his twin brother Aaron Ashmore could be used in the MCU. Should the Secret Wars story line or another Skull-focused tale be in the cards, why not take advantage of these two actors?

Obviously, CGI and stunt doubles can effortlessly be injected into any movie, so much so that a character like Multiple Man would have no trouble making it onto the screen. But using real twins has the potential to make any scene feel much more organic.

The slight differences in their facial features and mannerisms would subtly distract audiences and help them naturally feel that something is not right. With audience so used to special effects trickery, it would be refreshing to play the "body snatcher" trope without relying on a crutch.

James Marsden

With the X-Men heading into the MCU, there's already a huge debate on who should take on Scott Summers. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's not forget that the original Cyclops actor received the short end of the stick.

Marsden was killed off-screen in X-Men: The Last Stand because he was also contracted to star in Superman Returns. Though his cameo in X-Men: Days of Future Past at least gave him a better sendoff, Marsden is a talented actor that could easily carry another leading role as a superhero.

A popular pick for Richard Rider, Marsden plays both the classic good guy and arrogant know-it-all beautifully, and is someone who could fill such a role if Chris Pratt meets his end in Guardians.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming's portrayal of Nighcrawler was one of the highlights of the acclaimed X2: X-Men United, not to mention that his White House scene is one of the most memorable sequences of the entire franchise.

Unfortunately, the heavy makeup involved (and the departure of Bryan Singer from the film) made Cumming reconsider a reprisal for X-Men: The Last Stand. Perhaps the MCU could tempt him back into the superhero world if they promise to limit his time in the makeup chair.

Cumming is an exceptional actor and has the powerful stage presence that Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen have. Who better to bring a Shakespearean sense of drama to the space opera world of the Eternals or Inhumans? Cumming should be a top pick to play alongside Richard Madden and Salma Hayek in a sequel.

Ellen Page

While it was unsurprising the Kitty Pryde wasn't given much to do in the X-Men franchise, it was disappointing to see Ellen Page not get the opportunity to travel back in time for X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Page has come a long way since her go as Kitty Pryde. With the MCU setting a priority on diverse casting, pairing her up with Tessa Thompson in New Asgard would be a great start. Bringing her in as a member of New Asgard or even adding her into flashbacks while exploring Thompson's past as a Valkyrie would be an easy addition.

She's also grown as an actress and could easily fall into a mentor role of either a new team of Young Avengers, a new group of Mutants (perhaps even the New Mutants should that film suddenly be tied to the MCU) or any number of younger characters that may need a patient, caring figure that Page can portray

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp was a badass Storm who unfortunately got very little opportunity to be a badass Storm.

Another talented actress pushed to the sidelines in X-Men, Shipp is a rising star who could certainly cement herself as a strong presence in the MCU. While she would be a great Storm to pair alongside Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther (and in an alternate reality, would have given a fantastic performance with Michael B. Jordan), it's extremely unlikely she'll be considered for the role.

However, that doesn't mean there's not room for her in another corner of the MCU. Of course, everyone hopes that the MCU Netflix series can finally tie into the MCU proper and bring that impressive cast to the mainstream, but if not, Shipp should reboot one of the show's roles.