Alan Cumming has expressed that reprising his role as Nightcrawler in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday was a “really healing” experience. The veteran actor, known for his work on The Traitors and his previous portrayal of Nightcrawler in the 2003 film X2, reflected on the positive feelings he encountered during this latest project.
Cumming, now 60 years old, recalled his initial experience as Nightcrawler with a mix of nostalgia and relief. He described the filming of X2 as a “miserable” time due to a “variety of reasons” that he has previously discussed in interviews. In a candid moment with PEOPLE, he stated, “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.”
Reflecting on his feelings, Cumming expressed gratitude for the opportunity to revisit the character, especially at this stage in his life. He stated, “I did not think I would be doing stunts, playing a superhero in my 60s.” He also noted the supportive environment on set, contrasting it with his earlier experience.
During the production of X2, Cumming faced significant challenges. He described the working conditions as “dangerous” and “abusive,” sharing how the studio’s indifference to the actors’ well-being made the situation even more difficult. He recalled, “The actors said something, and they still just went: ‘Oh, never mind. It’s only gonna be a few more weeks, don’t worry.’”
In a previous appearance on the White Wine Question Time podcast, Cumming elaborated on the toll filming took on him. He mentioned gaining weight due to stress eating and feeling overwhelmed, often returning home to cry after a long day in the blue makeup that characterized his role as Nightcrawler.
Cumming is not the only familiar face returning for Avengers: Doomsday. Iconic actors from the original X-Men series, including Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, Kelsey Grammer, James Marsden, and Rebecca Romijn, will join him, along with key Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stars such as Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, and more.
The film is anticipated to be a significant entry in the MCU, blending beloved characters from the past with new storylines. Cumming’s return as Nightcrawler marks a reconciliation of sorts with his past experiences in the franchise. As he approaches his role with an invigorated spirit, fans eagerly await the premiere, scheduled for July 14, 2024.
With a sense of closure and renewed enthusiasm, Cumming’s journey exemplifies how returning to a challenging role can transform into a positive chapter, reminding both him and audiences of the power of healing through creativity.
