Let’s dreamcast the X-Men before they appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Graham McTavish attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Starz’s “Outlander” Season 5 held at Hollywood Palladium on February 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/Getty Images)

20. Graham McTavish as Charles Xavier

When all is said and done, it’s pretty difficult to imagine the X-Men without their erstwhile leader, Professor Charles Xavier. Professor X is a powerful telepath who both runs the School for Gifted Youngsters as well as trains and advises the X-Men.

Charles Xavier is a man with many secrets, and sometimes they can come out in harmful ways. He’s a good guy, but also a grayer character than you might expect.

Patrick Stewart was amazing as Professor X in the Fox films, but he mainly brought to life the nurturing mentor side of the character. First Class and its sequels touched a bit more on the darker parts of Xavier’s personality, with James McAvoy playing a much younger version of the character.

In both the animated TV series and the comics, there’s a certain edginess to Xavier at times. Don’t take my word for it, the eyebrows say it all:

What we haven’t seen, however, is an older Xavier that still has his edge. And it’s here that I think Graham McTavish could bring something unique to the role. Best known for playing Dougal MacKenzie in Outlander, McTavish is fantastic at playing the sort of character who seems kind and compassionate, but can turn hard as steel at the drop of a hat if he perceives a threat. If he could bring that energy to Xavier, it would give viewers a totally new angle on this incredibly familiar character.

And that’s it for our mutants! Did we forget any of your favorites? Which are you most excited to see in the MCU, and who do you think should play them?

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels