Laurence Fishburne Wants To Lead Marvel’s Next Generation Of Mutants As Professor X

Laurence Fishburne has set his sights on one of Marvel’s most iconic role, the powerful telepath and mentor of the X-Men, Professor Charles Xavier. During a Matrix reunion panel at New York Comic Con, the Oscar-nominated actor shared that he wants to take command of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“I know that they’re talking about the X-Men now,” Fishburne said to the cheering audience (via Entertainment Weekly). “So, at this point, I want one of two things. The first thing would be: what do you think about Laurence Fishburne as Professor X?”

The crowd immediately erupted in applause as host Josh Horowitz responded, “Approved. Greenlit!”

For decades, Professor Xavier has been the “moral compass” and telepathic powerhouse behind the X-Men. The role has previously been portrayed by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy, both of whom helped define the character in 20th Century Fox’s long-running mutant saga.

While Fishburne made it clear he’s eager to don Xavier’s wheelchair and cerebral intensity, he also left the door open for other possibilities. “I don’t know, I’m gonna let you guys decide,” he admitted with a grin. “I can’t figure it out.”

Fishburne emphasized that his real passion lies in the unknown. “People always ask me, ‘What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever done?’ And I’m always like, ‘The next one,’” he said. “Whatever the next thing is. It’s been 25 years since The Matrix, and maybe some freak out there has got a strange movie they want to do, and nobody knows if it’ll work. I’m your guy!”

All that said, Fishburne is no stranger to the Marvel and the MCU. He portrayed Dr. Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp, voiced the Beyonder in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and lent his voice to the Silver Surfer in Fox’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. While Marvel is no stranger to recasting existing talent, this could limit his chances of actually being in the running for coveted role.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

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