X-Men Star Famke Janssen Thinks Marvel 'Made a Mistake' By Not Bringing Her Jean Grey Back for Avengers: Doomsday
X-Men star Famke Janssen has shared her thoughts on Marvel Studios' decision not to bring her back as Jean Grey for Avengers: Doomsday. In a recent appearance at SpaceCon, the actress expressed that she believes Marvel "made a mistake" by not reaching out to her for the upcoming film. Janssen portrayed the powerful telekinetic Mutant in the 2000s X-Men trilogy and its sequel, Days of Future Past, but has not been included in the upcoming Avengers film, despite her popularity as the character.
When asked about rumors surrounding her potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Janssen admitted she's not great at keeping secrets. "I’m the worst actor in the world because it’s all on my face," she joked. "You right away will read it." Despite her personal feelings on the matter, she emphasized that she's not being asked to return and that she's accepting the decision.
The Legacy of Jean Grey in the MCU
Janssen's portrayal of Jean Grey has left a lasting impact on both fans and the superhero genre. Her character was a central figure in the X-Men films, known for her powerful abilities and complex personality. While other X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden have confirmed their return for Avengers: Doomsday, Janssen has not been included. Many fans had hoped to see her back in the role, especially after previous reports suggested her involvement.
Although Janssen has expressed interest in returning as Jean Grey in the past, she has made it clear that she will not be in the upcoming film. "Marvel has never ever asked me to return," she stated. "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."
Speculation About a New Jean Grey
Marvel has not officially explained why fan-favorite characters like Jean Grey are being left out of Avengers: Doomsday. However, fans have speculated that Sadie Sink might be taking on the role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is set to release soon. If this theory holds true, it's possible that Sink could be the new face of Jean Grey in future MCU projects, including Avengers: Doomsday or other upcoming films. For now, though, nothing has been confirmed.
Avengers: Doomsday will see Robert Downey Jr. take on the role of Doctor Doom when it premieres on December 18, 2026. While much of the film's plot remains under wraps, Marvel is likely saving some surprises for Avengers: Secret Wars, which will release one year later on December 17, 2027.
Fans who are hoping to see Famke Janssen as Jean Grey in the future may want to revisit earlier X-Men films like X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand, where her performance as the character was critically acclaimed. Until then, the absence of Jean Grey in Avengers: Doomsday remains a point of discussion among fans and critics alike.
