The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for its most ambitious crossover yet with Avengers: Doomsday, set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Among the many surprises surrounding this star-studded blockbuster, Alan Cumming, the beloved actor returning as Nightcrawler, may have just let slip a juicy detail about the film. In a recent interview, Cumming hinted at a potential showdown between his teleporting mutant and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic. This revelation has fans storming with theories about what this clash could mean for the MCU’s next big chapter. Let’s break down the news, explore what it could mean for the story, and dive into why this fight is already generating so much hype.
What Did Alan Cumming Reveal?
In a candid chat with Buzzfeed UK, Alan Cumming, who first played Nightcrawler in 2003’s X2: X-Men United, shared some exciting tidbits about his return to the role. Here’s what he said and why it’s got fans talking:
- A Fight Scene in the Works: Cumming mentioned rehearsing stunts for a fight sequence, specifically naming Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This strongly suggests Nightcrawler and Mister Fantastic will face off in Avengers: Doomsday.
- A Nostalgic Return: At 60 years old, Cumming reflected on reprising a role he played 23 years ago, calling it “hilarious” and expressing excitement about being back in the superhero game. His enthusiasm is infectious, making fans even more eager to see Nightcrawler’s return.
- Improved Makeup Process: Cumming noted that the grueling four-and-a-half-hour makeup process for Nightcrawler has been slashed to just 90 minutes, thanks to advancements in SFX technology. This “game-changer” likely made his return more appealing, ensuring he can focus on delivering a stellar performance.
This accidental (or intentional?) spoiler has sparked endless speculation about how these two iconic characters will cross paths and what could drive them to blows.
Why Nightcrawler vs. Mister Fantastic Is a Big Deal
A battle between Nightcrawler and Mister Fantastic isn’t just a cool action sequence—it’s a collision of two very different corners of the Marvel universe. Here’s why this potential fight has fans on the edge of their seats:
| Aspect | Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner) | Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards) |
|---|---|---|
| Powers | Teleportation, superhuman agility, adhesive hands and feet, prehensile tail | Elasticity, genius-level intellect, scientific expertise |
| Personality | Kind-hearted, spiritual, team player with a playful streak | Optimistic but sometimes arrogant scientist, driven by discovery |
| Team Affiliation | X-Men, known for fighting for mutant rights and peace | Fantastic Four, focused on exploration and protecting Earth from cosmic threats |
| MCU Status | Returning from Fox’s X-Men universe, likely a variant from another timeline | Newly introduced in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a key player in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga |
| Why They Might Clash | Nightcrawler’s loyalty to the X-Men could pit him against Reed’s scientific ambitions or decisions | Reed’s experiments (e.g., attracting Galactus) might create conflict with mutantkind or others |
- A Multiversal Showdown? The inclusion of X-Men veterans like Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique) alongside the Fantastic Four makes Avengers: Doomsday out to explore multiversal tensions. Nightcrawler and Reed could be at odds due to differing goals or a misunderstanding fueled by the film’s central villain, Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.).
- Contrasting Styles: Nightcrawler’s acrobatic, teleportation-heavy fighting style would make for a visually stunning contrast to Reed’s stretchy, creative combat. Imagine Nightcrawler “bamfing” around Reed’s elastic traps, what a visual sight that will be.
- Narrative Stakes: The Thunderbolts post-credits scene revealed the Fantastic Four entering the main MCU timeline, with their original world’s fate unclear. Reed’s actions, like experiments drawing Galactus to Earth, might put him at odds with the X-Men, who could see him as a threat to their survival.
What Could Drive This Conflict?
While Marvel Studios is keeping the plot of Avengers: Doomsday tightly under wraps, Cumming’s comment offers a tantalizing clue. Here are some educated guesses about why Nightcrawler and Mister Fantastic might throw down:
- Doctor Doom’s Manipulation: With Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of the villainous Doctor Doom, it’s likely he’ll be pulling strings to pit heroes against each other. Doom’s history of exploiting mistrust could see him framing Reed as a danger to the X-Men or vice versa.
- Multiversal Tensions: The X-Men, hailing from Fox’s universe, might view the Fantastic Four’s arrival in the MCU as an invasion or a threat to their reality. Nightcrawler, ever loyal to his team, could confront Reed over his role in destabilizing the multiverse.
- Moral Differences: Reed’s scientific curiosity sometimes leads to catastrophic consequences (like summoning Galactus). Nightcrawler, guided by his faith and compassion, might challenge Reed’s decisions, leading to a physical clash born of ideological differences.
- A Misdirection: The fight could be a brief misunderstanding, with Nightcrawler and Reed quickly teaming up once they realize they’re on the same side. This would fit the MCU’s tradition of hero-on-hero battles (think Captain America: Civil War) that resolve into alliances.
Why Fans Are Hyped for This Moment
The idea of Nightcrawler facing off against Mister Fantastic is more than just a cool action beat—it’s a symbol of the MCU’s bold new direction. Here’s why this moment is resonating:
- A Dream Crossover: For years, fans dreamed of seeing the X-Men and Fantastic Four share the screen. Avengers: Doomsday is making that happen, and a Nightcrawler-Mister Fantastic fight is a perfect way to showcase their unique dynamics.
- Alan Cumming’s Return: Cumming’s Nightcrawler stole the show in X2 with his iconic White House sequence. His return, especially with a streamlined makeup process, promises a performance that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
- Pedro Pascal’s Star Power: Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards has already generated massive buzz. Seeing him tangle with a fan-favorite like Nightcrawler is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- The Russo Brothers’ Vision: Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, know how to balance massive ensembles and deliver jaw-dropping action. If anyone can make this fight epic, it’s them.
What to Expect from Avengers: Doomsday
While Cumming’s comment is one of the few concrete hints about Avengers: Doomsday, the film’s massive cast and multiversal scope suggest it’s aiming to be the MCU’s biggest event yet. Here’s a quick overview of what we know:
- The Cast: Alongside Cumming and Pascal, the film features Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), and X-Men alumni like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden (Cyclops), and Rebecca Romijn.
- The Villain: Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom replaces Kang as the MCU’s next big threat, promising a complex and charismatic antagonist.
- The Stakes: With the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Thunderbolts all in play, the film will likely explore the fallout of multiversal chaos, building toward Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
- Filming Updates: Production began in March 2025, with Cumming confirming he’s already deep into stunt rehearsals and makeup tests.
Final Thoughts
Alan Cumming’s “accidental” reveal about a Nightcrawler-Mister Fantastic fight has sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes action and multiversal drama of Avengers: Doomsday. Whether this clash is a brief skirmish or a pivotal moment in the story, it’s clear the film is poised to deliver a spectacle that blends nostalgia, fresh faces, and jaw-dropping battles. As we count down to May 1, 2026, one thing’s certain: Nightcrawler’s “bamf” is about to make a big impact on the MCU. Whether or not he will be around for any future past projects past the reboot is up in the air but fans can assume given how old his character is it will not be around for long.
