Despite naming the next two “Avengers” installments at San Diego Comic-Con last month, fans are still waiting for Marvel Studios’ to unveil their plans for the upcoming “X-Men” reboot. There have been plenty of fan-casting choices online acolytes have made over the years —Taron Egerton as Wolverine is a constant on— and one of those names seems to have come on Marvel’s radar in a serious way.
Actor Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” Do The Right Thing”) appeared at Superhero Car Show & Comic Con in San Antonio, Texas, over the weekend and revealed (via CountdownCityGeeks on TikTok) that he has met with Marvel Studios, seemingly verifying long-standing online rumors that the actor is being pursued by Marvel to join the MCU.
“I have not worked for Marvel yet, [but] I’ve been in a room with them and talked to them,” the actor stated.
Then, Esposito rolled off the varied comic book characters he’s been rumored/fan-cast for online rather than confirming what stage he’s in the mix for the list of characters. But did mention one that he fancies above all others.
“There’s talk of Magneto, there is talk of Doctor Freeze [though he likely means Batman villain Mr. Freeze and is mixed-up], there’s been talk of Doctor Doom, and there is Professor X…Pick one? I’m going to go with something that is a little bit different and go put it out into the universe it is Professor X.”
Right now, it’s unclear if Esposito has actually spoken to Marvel about playing any of these specific roles or if he’s simply letting fans know he’s listening to their suggestions. Certainly, a desire to play Professor X would flip the script as the character is generally known as a British Caucasian man, but that’s ok; Marvel and Hollywood at large seem to be completely ok with defying casting expectations to create a more inclusive world (James Franco, aside). One supposes if/when Esposito talks to them again, he’ll let them know Professor X is at the top of his list.
Known for his work in genre television projects such as “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “The Mandalorian,” “The Boys,” and voicing Lex Luthor in the “Harley Quinn” series, Esposito has long played various types of villains. So, it’s not surprising that he’d want to try something different and someone who is more of a heroic mentor. It remains to be seen if he’ll end up in the role, but it sounds like something Esposito would love to tackle. Maybe we’ll get more Marvel announcements at D23 in September?