Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured a handful of surprising cameos, including one character that hadn't been seen on-screen since 2017. Patrick Stewart returned to the comic book world in the film, reprising his iconic role as Charles Xavier. The leader of the X-Men made his live-action debut all the way back in 2000, and Stewart portrayed Professor X in five different films for more than 15 years, including a few cameo appearances as well.
Once Stewart's voice was heard in an early trailer for Multiverse of Madness, anticipation began to build for Professor X to finally become part of the MCU. However, the actor recently told Variety he was hesitant to reprise the role due to how the character's story ended when audiences last saw him:
"I was a little unsure at first if it was a wise thing to do. Given that Logan had been such a powerful movie and we watched him die in Hugh Jackman's arms. So having seen Doctor Strange 2, I'm very happy and very proud that I've been part of that."
Stewart's trepidation to bring Professor X back is entirely understandable. His performance in Logan was a very raw and emotional look at what the natural effects of aging can have on a person as powerful as Charles Xavier. It was a poignant end for a character that audiences had been with for nearly two decades, but if Marvel wanted Professor X to be part of Multiverse of Madness, Stewart was the man for the job. James McAvoy made the character his own through multiple portrayals, but Stewart is the actor that will forever be linked to Professor X.
How Professor X Could Return to the MCU
As far as where the Professor X character may go following Multiverse of Madness, Marvel will likely bring a new actor in to take over the role. Patrick Stewart turns 82 this year, and while he's remained active as an actor over the last few years, Marvel may want to have Professor X be part of the MCU for multiple projects over the next decade.
Of course, the MCU is diving deep into the multiverse, so possibilities do exist for exploring other Professor X stories in different universes with Stewart in the role. Disney+ has opened up the opportunity to tell smaller-scale stories, but so far, they've all taken place on Earth-616, the MCU's primary world. What If...? has been the only show to explore the multiverse, so maybe an alternative universe Professor X or X-Men series could see Stewart return.
An Earth-838 prequel series centered around the Illuminati could also be very interesting if Marvel wants to explore that world more. Multiverse of Madness contained a brief flashback scene showing the Illuminati defeating Thanos but deciding to execute their Dr. Strange after he caused an incursion. However, the coordination to bring together Stewart, John Krasinski, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anson Mount, Hayley Atwell, and Lashana Lynch would probably be too complicated to pull off, especially if the story is just on Disney+.
There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to the return of Professor X to the MCU, but Multiverse of Madness may end up being the swansong for Patrick Stewart's version of the character.