Fans hoping to see Jean Grey in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday have received a disappointing update. Famke Janssen, who famously portrayed the iconic X-Men character, revealed that she likely won’t reprise her role. She acknowledged the positive impact the Marvel franchise and MCU connections had on her career. However, she emphasized that the comic book world has “never been my world.”
This news may be disheartening for longtime fans. However, Janssen’s honesty highlights her commitment to exploring new roles and diversifying her acting career.
Famke Janssen on Jean Grey and the Comic Book World
In a recent interview with ScreenRant for her Netflix series Amsterdam Empire, Janssen opened up about the possibility of returning as Jean Grey. She stated:
“Yeah, to be honest with you, I don’t really know the storyline, so I’m not sure. It’s not my world, it’s never been my world, really, that whole comic book world.”
“I should know by now, I’ve been in it long enough. But I’m really excited to see when it comes out.”
On watching the film as a fan: “Just like everyone else, I’ll find out what those storylines are and how it all ended up.”
These comments suggest that although she appreciates her time in the superhero genre, her focus has shifted to other projects.
Reflecting on Her Career Beyond X-Men
Janssen also reflected on her diverse acting career, emphasizing her desire for variety:
“Those were great films to be part of, and they’ve done so many good things for my career.”
“It’s amazing being part of these, but then having the variety constantly works best for me. I’m really not good at repeating anything.”
Her extensive filmography spans multiple genres, including X-Men, Taken, Hemlock Grove, and even a James Bond film. This highlights her preference for exploring new roles over returning to familiar franchises.
Moreover, Janssen’s career trajectory shows that stepping away from a successful franchise can sometimes open doors to more diverse and challenging projects, allowing actors to grow creatively. Her candidness may disappoint fans hoping for nostalgia, but it also reminds audiences of her versatility and dedication to evolving as an actress.
While Janssen may not be returning, Avengers: Doomsday will still feature several X-Men alumni, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and James Marsden. Fans can look forward to the December 18, 2026 release to see how these characters fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Despite her absence, Jean Grey’s legacy within the franchise continues to influence the storylines and fan expectations. The upcoming film is expected to blend multiple timelines and character arcs, providing ample opportunities for fan-favorite X-Men heroes to shine. Additionally, the MCU’s approach to crossover events may leave the door open for future appearances, even if Janssen herself decides not to return.
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