Marvel fans got a massive surprise this week as Kelsey Grammer was officially revealed to be reprising his role as Beast in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The announcement came during a live-streamed cast reveal, where eagle-eyed viewers spotted Grammer’s name emblazoned on one of the production chairs—confirming the beloved X-Men character’s return to the big screen.
Grammer last portrayed Hank McCoy, aka Beast, in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and made a brief cameo in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Now, nearly two decades later, he’s stepping back into the blue fur in what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious crossovers in MCU history.
Key Highlights:
X-Men Finally Step Into the MCU Spotlight
Alongside Grammer, Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto) are also confirmed to return, marking a full-circle moment for the X-Men franchise as they transition officially into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Other returning mutants include Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler). Even Channing Tatum, once attached to a scrapped Gambit film, will debut the character after a surprise appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Fans have long speculated how the X-Men would be integrated into the MCU. While a teaser post-credits scene in The Marvels hinted at their arrival, Avengers: Doomsday seems to be the major turning point. However, some fans worry that such an iconic debut shouldn’t be glossed over in a crowded ensemble film.
An All-Star Ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday
In addition to the X-Men alumni, the film boasts an unprecedented cast:
- Chris Hemsworth & Tom Hiddleston (Thor & Loki)
- Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Tenoch Huerta (Black Panther universe)
- Paul Rudd (Ant-Man)
- Simu Liu (Shang-Chi)
- Anthony Mackie & Sebastian Stan (Captain America & Winter Soldier)
- Fantastic Four reboot cast: Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn
- Thunderbolts characters: Florence Pugh, David Harbour
One of the biggest shockers? Robert Downey Jr. returning as a reimagined Doctor Doom, flipping the script on his iconic Iron Man legacy.
The Russo Brothers Are Back to Helm the Madness
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo, known for helming Avengers: Endgame, return to direct Avengers: Doomsday. Production has already begun in London, and the film is slated for a May 2026 release.
Joe Russo recently teased the film’s tone:
“We love villains who think they are the heroes of their own stories. That’s when they become more interesting—and with someone like Downey, we’re going all in.”
What This Means for Beast and the Future of the X-Men
Grammer’s return as Beast is not just fan service—it’s a signal that Marvel is weaving in legacy characters carefully. His inclusion opens up doors to deeper storytelling around the X-Men’s place in this new MCU landscape.
And with Marvel still to announce the standalone X-Men film, Avengers: Doomsday could serve as the springboard, setting the stage for mutants to take center stage in Phase 7.
Whether you’re nostalgic for the original X-Men or excited about their MCU future, Kelsey Grammer’s return as Beast is a welcome moment—a powerful bridge between old and new. Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be Marvel’s boldest gamble yet.
Release Date: May 2026
Status: Filming underway in London
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