Robert Downey Jr. expressed enthusiasm for the return of the original X-Men to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and revealed that the presence of veteran actors created a palpable energy on the set of Avengers: Doomsday. The actor, who now plays the evil Victor Von Doom after his legendary role as Tony Stark, is “struggling” with the rest of the cast. Kelsey Grammer and Rebecca Romijn Play as Beast and Mystique respectively. The reunion marks a major moment for the series, as it integrates characters from Fox-era X-Men movies into the larger Marvel Universe narrative for the first time.According to Entertainment Weekly, Robert Downey Jr. was interviewed behind Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, alongside the “Armageddon” cast including Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Paul Rudd, Chris Evans, Letitia Wright and Pedro Pascal. During the conversation, Robert Downey Jr. reflected on the significance of Kelsey Grammer and Rebecca Romijn joining the production.
Robert Downey Jr. and ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ cast ‘eliminated’ by return of original ‘X-Men’
Robert Downey Jr. describes the moment he learned of Kelsey Grammer and Rebecca Romijn’s casting. “This is a big moment, you and Kelsey are back,” he told the cast, who played blue-haired mutants and blue-skinned shapeshifters in the original trilogy. “I have to say, we’re nervous.”
Robert Downey Jr. revealed that the actors were “nervous” when Kelsey Grammer and Rebecca Romijn returned to play Beast and Mystique in Avengers: Endgame . Image source (Instagram)
The actor made it clear that his co-stars felt real emotions after learning of the resurrection. Having the original mutants on set had a definite impact on the mood and atmosphere of the set.
Robert Downey Jr. says original cast of “X-Men” brings new energy to “Avengers: Doomsday”
While Robert Downey Jr. declined to reveal any details about Kelsey Grammer and Rebecca Romijn’s roles in the top-secret plot, he spoke glowingly about the creativity generated by their involvement. “Their presence on set ignited this excitement. It’s unbelievable,” he said.The enthusiasm expressed by Robert Downey Jr. highlights the importance of bringing these legacy characters back into the Marvel Universe after decades apart from The Avengers and other Marvel films.
Kelsey Grammer talks returning as Beast in Avengers: Endgame
Kelsey Grammer last officially starred as Beast 20 years ago in 2006’s “X-Men: The Last Stand,” the final film in the original trilogy. When asked what it was like returning to the blue-haired character with genius-level intelligence, Grammer told Entertainment Weekly: “I love this character. I got a sense of the nobility about him, the deep respect he had for all life. “
Rebecca Romijn reveals Mystique’s faster transformation in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Rebecca Romijn, who returns as the blue-skinned shapeshifter for the first time since 2011’s “X-Men: First Class,” noted that there have been significant practical changes in how the character is brought to life on set. “Obviously they’re no longer interested in waiting for actors to do it, so it’s a lot faster,” she said, referring to the extensive makeup required for previous appearances.
Rebecca Romijn says Mystique’s makeup process was significantly streamlined in Avengers: Endgame , while recalling how the original transformation helped her embody the character. Image source (Instagram)
Despite the streamlined makeover, Rebecca Romijn admits her original makeup routine served an important creative purpose. “The initial transformation that I went through in the first three ‘X-Men’ movies was really necessary for me for this character: It really put me in the right space to play an angry character like Mystique,” she joked.
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ reunites original ‘X-Men’ cast with Marvel heroes
The upcoming film reunites a cast of characters from the franchise’s history. Along with Kelsey Grammer and Rebecca Romijn, Patrick Stewart returns as Professor Charles Xavier, Ian McKellen as Eric Lensherr, James Marsden as Scott Summers, and Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner. The integration of these legacy performers represents a landmark moment in the history of the Marvel Universe, finally bringing together characters separated for decades by rivalries over studio ownership.“Avengers: Doomsday” will be released in theaters on December 18, 2026.