After more than two decades away from the blue-skinned mutant role that left him with painful memories, Alan Cumming has found closure in an unexpected place: the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Scottish actor, beloved for hosting “The Traitors,” recently opened up about his return as the teleporting mutant Nightcrawler in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday.” In a candid interview with People, Cumming revealed that stepping back into the character’s distinctive makeup and costume proved to be a transformative experience.
“It was amazing. It was actually really… in a sort of ooey, gooey way, it was really healing and really nice to go back to something that was a terrible experience when I did it the first time,” Cumming shared, reflecting on his original portrayal in 2003’s “X2: X-Men United.”
From Nightmare to Healing
While Cumming has always praised the final product of “X2,” calling it a “great film” that he loves, the behind-the-scenes reality was far different. The actor has previously spoken about the grueling physical demands of the role, including hours of elaborate prosthetic makeup that left him feeling claustrophobic and uncomfortable.
His return to the character in “Avengers: Doomsday” represents more than just a career comeback—it’s a chance to reclaim a role that once caused him significant distress. The healing nature of this second opportunity speaks to both advances in filmmaking technology and perhaps a different approach to the character’s demanding physical transformation.
A Second Chance at Nightcrawler
Cumming’s enthusiasm for this do-over is palpable. The opportunity to revisit Nightcrawler under presumably better circumstances allows the talented performer to bring his full creative energy to a character he never got to properly enjoy portraying the first time around.
This redemptive arc mirrors the character of Nightcrawler himself—a mutant who, despite his demonic appearance, possesses a gentle soul and deep faith. Just as Kurt Wagner found acceptance and purpose with the X-Men, Cumming has found peace with a role that once brought him pain.
The inclusion of Nightcrawler in “Avengers: Doomsday” signals Marvel’s commitment to bringing beloved mutant characters into the broader MCU tapestry, giving both longtime fans and the actors who originated these roles a chance to see their stories continue in new and meaningful ways.
