“Really Healing” Cumming’s Marvel Comeback After a Traumatic X2 Experience
Alan Cumming reflects on his terrible experience filming X2 in 2003 and describes how stepping into Nightcrawler’s blue makeup again for Avengers Doomsday has been “really healing” thanks to streamlined production and a supportive cast .
A Painful Past Filming X2
Alan Cumming now 60 and a celebrated Emmy winning actor has opened up about his contrasting experiences of playing Nightcrawler across two decades. When he first embodied the teleporting mutant in the 2003 blockbuster X2 X Men United the role came at a heavy cost .
Cumming described the shoot as “miserable” and “terrible for a variety of reasons.” His transformation into the blue skinned hero took a grueling five hours each day in the makeup chair. On top of that tensions on set particularly with director Bryan Singer made the experience deeply unpleasant. In his memoir Baggage Tales from a Fully Packed Life he explored these struggles in more depth .
A Transformative Return Avengers Doomsday
Fast forward more than two decades and Cumming is back in blue. This time the experience has been almost the exact opposite. Speaking at the Televerse 2025 conference he revealed that returning as Nightcrawler in Avengers Doomsday has been “really healing” describing the process as “ooey gooey and really nice” .
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For Cumming reprising the role has become an unexpected opportunity to rewrite his relationship with a character he once associated with stress and exhaustion .
Efficient Makeup Easier Process
One of the biggest differences is in the technical process. Thanks to new makeup technology his transformation into Nightcrawler now takes just 90 minutes down from the punishing five hour routine of 2003. Stick on tattoos and advanced prosthetics have replaced painstaking hand painted techniques making the process faster and far more comfortable .
Cumming has called the improvement “a game changer” allowing him to enjoy the role without being consumed by its physical demands .
Surprising Stunts at Sixty
Cumming’s return also comes with some unexpected thrills. At 60 he found himself back in the stunt room practicing fight choreography. “I did not think I would be doing stunts playing a superhero in my 60s” he admitted calling the experience rejuvenating .
One highlight even sees Nightcrawler go head to head with Pedro Pascal who plays Reed Richards Mr Fantastic. Cumming laughed about the surreal nature of the matchup “Who am I fighting with […] You’re hitting Pedro Pascal against the head” .
A Supportive Cast & Streamlined Schedule
Beyond the physical transformation and stunt work Cumming praised the Avengers Doomsday cast as “really nice” and welcoming. The production also tailored its schedule to his other commitments including his hosting role on The Traitors. His scenes were shot in a compact block using green screen technology to maximize efficiency without compromising the performance .
The sense of collaboration and flexibility Cumming says has been one of the most rewarding parts of his return .
X Men Reunion With a Marvel Twist
Cumming’s comeback isn’t just personal—it’s part of a wider reunion. Avengers Doomsday brings several iconic X Men stars into the Marvel Cinematic Universe including Patrick Stewart Ian McKellen Rebecca Romijn Kelsey Grammer and James Marsden .
At the same time the film unites the legacy of X Men with the modern Avengers lineup. Heroes such as Thor Chris Hemsworth Captain America Anthony Mackie Ant Man Paul Rudd Loki Tom Hiddleston Black Panther’s Shuri Letitia Wright and Shang Chi Simu Liu will all join the fight—this time against Robert Downey Jr’s highly anticipated portrayal of Doctor Doom .
Release Date A Shifting Timeline
Originally expected to release on May 1 2026 the film has since been moved to December 18 2026. As part of the MCU’s Phase Six Avengers Doomsday is positioned as one of Marvel’s most ambitious crossover events yet .
Final Thoughts
Alan Cumming’s journey back to Nightcrawler is more than just a reprise—it’s a story of healing and reclamation. What was once a “terrible” experience defined by long hours and strained relationships has been transformed into an affirming streamlined and even joyous return .
As he takes his place once again among Marvel’s mightiest heroes Cumming has not only rediscovered Nightcrawler but also rewritten his own history with the role—turning pain into empowerment and stepping into a superhero world with a smile .