James McAvoy Says He’s “Definitely Not Got The Call” About Returning As Charles Xavier In The MCU & Isn’t Sure He’d Want To

Following in the footsteps of the iconic performance by Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men in the superhero film franchise, there was a lot of pressure on James McAvoy, who took over the role for the prequel films, starting with “X-Men: First Class.” However, McAvoy is a great actor and was able to excite fans and earn the respect of everyone with his performance over the course of four films. That said, the actor isn’t quick to return to the role, even if Marvel Studios comes calling.

READ MORE: Hugh Jackman Says Wolverine/Deadpool Ideas Have Been “Brewing For A Long Time” & Envisions A ’48 Hrs.’-Esque Dynamic

In a new interview with GQ, James McAvoy reminisced about his time as Xavier in the “X-Men” film franchise. He also talked about his one little gripe about the films and whether or not he’d be willing to return in the future. Long story short, he’s done this superhero film game long enough, and he knows how to answer questions by not really answering them.

As mentioned, McAvoy started playing Charles Xavier in “X-Men: First Class.” That was followed by “Days of the Future Past.” Both of those films are genuinely viewed as solid entries in the superhero film genre. However, the latter two films, “X-Men: Apocalypse” and “Dark Phoenix” are seen as low points for the franchise. Even still, McAvoy doesn’t regret taking on the role and sticking with the franchise.

“It was one of the most positive experiences I’ve had with a studio,” McAvoy said. “I don’t really [see them as just] money gigs. ‘Days of Future Past’ I think is one of the better films that I’ve been involved in.” 

READ MORE: James McAvoy Says He Won’t Appear In ‘Doctor Strange 2’ & Doesn’t Miss His Old ‘X-Men’ Role

That said, McAvoy isn’t fully happy with the results of his time as Charles Xavier. He thinks the franchise could have been better served in the later films if the focus was on Xavier and the rivalry with Magneto.

“My biggest criticism of what we did throughout the four movies was that after the first movie, we didn’t take advantage of the relationship between [Xavier and Michael Fassbender’s Magneto], which really formed the backbone of the first film,” he explained. “So it was like, why did we just eject that massive weapon?” 

So, what about the future? With “Deadpool 3” bringing back Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and The Multiverse Saga in full effect in a number of other films, could we see McAvoy shave his head and become Charles Xavier again for Marvel Studios? The actor is quick to shoot down those rumors… or is he?

“I’m very quick to say, ‘No, I’m done.’ Or ‘I’m not that bothered about coming back.’ Because you move forward,” he said. “I’ve definitely not got the call. And if I did I would definitely not be telling you.”

So, he’s not interested but simultaneously wouldn’t tell anyone if he was returning. See? McAvoy is a pro. The truth is that Hugh Jackman is returning and finally going to show up in the MCU. At this point, everything is fair game. Odds are that we’ll be talking about McAvoy and the rest of his “X-Men” co-stars showing up in the MCU in a couple of years when we see “Deadpool 3” and the hype for “Secret Wars” building.