Alan Cumming shares what 'Avengers: Doomsday' changed for his 'X-Men' character

IANS April 8, 2025 276 views

Alan Cumming is set to reprise his iconic Nightcrawler role in the upcoming Marvel film after a 23-year hiatus. Technology has dramatically transformed his character's makeup process, cutting preparation time from 4.5 hours to just 90 minutes. The actor will join several original X-Men cast members in the new project, bringing nostalgic excitement to fans. Cumming previously celebrated the queer representation in the original X2 film, highlighting the character's broader cultural significance.

"I'm going back to being a 60-year-old superhero, and everyone seems really lovely" - Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming shares what 'Avengers: Doomsday' changed for his 'X-Men' character
Los Angeles, April 8: Hollywood actor Alan Cumming is listing the differences that he has experienced decades apart while approaching his part of Nightcrawler in the upcoming movie 'Avengers: Doomsday'.

Key Points

1

Makeup time reduced from 4.5 hours to 90 minutes

2

Returning alongside original X-Men cast

3

First big screen return since X2

The actor is reprising his 'X2: X-Men United' role of Nightcrawler in the upcoming Marvel tentpole, alongside fellow 'X-Men' co-stars Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn and Kelsey Grammer, reports 'Variety'.

The actor said advancements in movie makeup have dramatically cut back the amount of time he'll spend transforming into the blue-skinned and tattooed Nightcrawler.

"Isn't it nuts? I'm excited and amazed", Cumming said. "It's been 23 years since I was a superhero. I've had some makeup tests already for the role, but what's great about it was that before it was about four and a half hours to apply it, but now it's only 90 minutes".

"Before, all of the tattoos were done by hand", he added. "They hadn't decided on them before we started filming. Now, they just stick onto my face. It's a game changer. I'm going back to being a 60-year-old superhero, and everyone seems really lovely".

As per 'Variety', Cumming only got to play Nightcrawler once on the big screen. He did not return for 'X-Men' sequels like 'The Last Stand' or 'Days of Future Past'.

He went viral last year for calling 'X2: X-Men United', the "gayest film" he ever worked on in his career, adding, "It's got a queer director, lots of queer actors in it. I love the fact that something so mainstream and so in the comic book world is so queer".

The actor's revelation prompted joy from 'X-Men' screenwriter David Hayter, who later told TMZ: "I'm so glad we did right by him. He's such an icon for gay rights".

"Ian McKellen also really recognized the allegory of it from a gay perspective", he added.

Reader Comments

M
Marcus T.
So excited to see Nightcrawler back in action! The makeup tech improvements sound amazing - 4.5 hours down to 90 minutes is wild. Makes me wonder what other movie magic we'll see in this film 🤩
S
Sarah K.
I love how open Alan is about the queer representation in X2. Representation matters, and it's cool that he's still proud of that legacy all these years later. Can't wait to see what they do with the character now!
J
Jamal R.
Not gonna lie, I'm a bit worried about them bringing back so many original X-Men actors. The MCU has been hit or miss lately. Hope they do Nightcrawler justice - he was always one of my favorites.
T
Tina L.
The makeup technology evolution is fascinating! Makes me appreciate how much work went into those early superhero films. Also, Alan Cumming at 60 is still such a vibe ✨
D
Derek P.
Respectful criticism here - while I love Alan's enthusiasm, I hope the focus on the queer aspects doesn't overshadow Nightcrawler's actual character development. The religious/spiritual side of him was always interesting too.
A
Aisha B.
The way he talks about the cast being "really lovely" warms my heart. After all the drama in Hollywood lately, it's nice to hear about positive working relationships. Also, 90 minute makeup?! Sign me up for that BTS documentary!

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Tags:
Alan Cumming Nightcrawler X-Men Marvel Avengers: Doomsday Hollywood
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