Support Us
Sign Up
Famke Janssen is setting the record straight about her iconic X-Men role—and why she’s never been invited back. The actress, who first brought Jean Grey to life in 2000’s X-Men and later transformed into the powerful Phoenix in X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand, says Marvel Studios has “never ever” reached out about returning to the role for Avengers: Doomsday.
Famke Janssen Breaks Silence on Her Absence from Avengers: Doomsday
“I should be flattered, I suppose, that this character has resonated with people. It’s been so long, but it’s nice that people are still talking about her,” Janssen told Entertainment Weekly. “Every time I do an interview, it’s mentioned,” she added. “It’s interesting. I didn’t realize that was such a big part. Every interview I do, that will come up, and of everything I say, that is going to be the only thing that’s gonna be printed.”
When asked if Marvel ever contacted her about reprising Jean Grey following the end of Fox’s X-Men era, Janssen didn’t hesitate: “Never. Never ever.” The comment quickly sent shockwaves through the fandom, especially with Avengers: Doomsday expected to feature multiple multiverse crossovers and legacy cameos. With the film rumored to pull in heroes from across cinematic universes, many fans had hoped to see Janssen’s Jean Grey reunite with her X-Men co-stars once more.
The upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars, set to follow Avengers: Doomsday, will reportedly bring together characters from every corner of the Marvel multiverse. When the cast list surfaced earlier this year, fans noticed a few major absences—most notably Famke Janssen and Halle Berry, both pivotal members of the original X-Men lineup.
Some speculate that Marvel may lean on newer versions of the character, like Sophie Turner’s younger Jean, in future films. But long-time fans of Janssen’s take on the telepathic mutant are still holding out hope for one last appearance—whether in Avengers: Doomsday or the even more anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars.
For now, the former Bond girl seems content to let her legacy speak for itself. “It’s flattering,” she said. “Jean Grey will always be part of me.”
Follow us on MSN for more content like this.
