Laurence Fishburne, 64 Wants to Take on Huge Role as Charles Xavier in MCU’s X-Men

It’s always a good day when an absolute legend like Laurence Fishburne decides to throw his hat in the ring for a significant superhero role. We’re not talking about some up-and-comer trying to make a name for themselves; we’re talking about Laurence Fishburne. The man, the myth, the Morpheus. And it seems he has his sights set on leading the X-Men.

Lawrence Fisburne Makes His Pitch to X-Men

During a Matrix reunion panel at New York Comic Con, the 64-year-old actor, with all the cool confidence you’d expect, pitched himself for the role of Professor Charles Xavier in the MCU’s inevitable X-Men reboot. According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, Fishburne didn’t beat around the bush.

Entertainment Weekly reported him saying at New York Comic on Sunday, “I know that they’re talking about the X-Men now, so, at this point, I want one of two things. The first thing would be: what do you think about Laurence Fishburne as Professor X?” Of course, Laurence Fishburne is no stranger to the world of comic book movies. He’s already part of the MCU as Dr. Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp and has voiced the Beyonder.

The crowd, unsurprisingly, went wild. Honestly, who wouldn’t? The idea of  Laurence Fishburne, with his commanding presence and iconic voice, guiding a new generation of mutants is the kind of fan-casting dream that rarely makes it out of a Reddit thread. It’s a pitch so perfect you almost have to wonder why Kevin Feige hasn’t already picked up the phone.

You have to respect a man who knows what he wants—and what he doesn’t. While seeing him wield a lightsaber would be objectively cool, his heart is clearly with Marvel. It’s also a hilarious and relatable take. He’s just like the rest of us: happy to enjoy the pew-pew from the comfort of his couch.

Why Laurence Fishburne is the Perfect Professor X

Let’s just take a moment to marinate on this. Laurence Fishburne has the gravitas. He has the warmth. He has the ability to deliver a line like “Welcome to the real world” and make it sound like both a threat and a promise. Imagine him sitting in that high-tech wheelchair, a knowing look on his face as he tells a young, angst-ridden Cyclops to get his act together. It just works.

For years, we’ve had the iconic portrayals of Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy, both of whom brought their unique energy to Charles Xavier. Stewart was the wise, benevolent father figure, while McAvoy gave us the flawed, more reckless younger version. Laurence Fishburne could offer something else entirely—a blend of fierce intelligence and a world-weary authority that would feel fresh yet completely true to the character.

Interestingly, after dropping the Professor X bomb, the actor was a bit more coy about his second desired role. “I don’t know, I’m gonna let you guys decide,” he told the audience. When panel host Josh Horowitz suggested he jump over to the Star Wars universe, Laurence Fishburne shut it down with the kind of speed that would make Han Solo proud.

Cosmic Book News reported him saying,  “No, I’m good,” he replied, adding, “I’m watching everything. I’m watching every Star Wars, I’m in the middle of Rebels now, man. I’m good on the couch with Star Wars. I don’t need a lightsaber. I don’t — pew pew! — I don’t need it.” This isn’t just wishful thinking. The X-Men are coming to the MCU, and a full reboot is on the horizon.

Final Thoughts

It’s about time we see an actor of Fishburne’s caliber take on a role this significant in the MCU. While the studio often leans towards lesser-known actors, they can lock into multi-picture deals; sometimes, you need a heavyweight to anchor a franchise. Laurence Fishburne is that heavyweight. Make it happen, Marvel. The fans have already greenlit it.