Alan Cumming Describes Returning as Nightcrawler in Avengers: Doomsday as Healing After His Troublesome X2 Experience

18 August 2025

Halle Berry as Storm and Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler in 'X2'. Marvel Comics/20th Century Fox

Alan Cumming, the 60‑year‑old actor beloved for his role as Nightcrawler, recently shared that reprising the character for Avengers: Doomsday offered him a profoundly healing experience, especially contrasted with his "miserable" time on X2: X‑Men United.

Cumming conveyed that stepping back into the blue-skinned mutant’s shoes felt fresh and rewarding. He expressed genuine gratitude to return to a superhero role after enduring a difficult environment during the original 2003 sequel. The heavy makeup sessions—once taking over five hours and conflicts on the X2 set created lasting frustrations.

This time around, however, the experience was notably different. Thanks to advancements in makeup technology and more considerate production logistics, Cumming’s transformation into Nightcrawler now takes just around 90 minutes a major improvement that transformed the process from grueling to graceful.

What stood out most was how seamless and enjoyable the production was. The schedule was adapted to accommodate Cumming’s commitments, such as filming for The Traitors, allowing him to complete all his scenes swiftly and effectively, with support from a friendly cast and crew.

Cumming took the opportunity to reconnect with stunt performers and refreshing choreography techniques, which not only helped him prepare for action sequences but also underscored the care and professionalism present on the set.

Adding to the sense of homecoming, Avengers: Doomsday reunites several alumni of Fox’s original X‑Men franchise. Fellow returning actors include Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, and Kelsey Grammer. In addition, Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom a nod to the vast interconnected universe that awaits.

Cumming’s remarks reflect much more than professional satisfaction. They illustrate a narrative of creative redemption and emancipation. What was once a burdensome and taxing production became an uplifting continuation of artistic legacy one rooted in camaraderie, efficiency, and renewed possibility.

With Avengers: Doomsday scheduled for release on December 18, 2026 and followed by Secret Wars in 2027 Cumming’s return feels like a symbolic passage from the past into an evolved, hopeful future