Marvel Studios has officially confirmed that Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart will reprise their legendary X-Men roles in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in May 2026. The announcement was made during a live-streamed event revealing the film’s extensive ensemble cast.
The two veteran actors, who first played Magneto and Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men, will reunite on screen, marking McKellen’s first return to the role since X-Men: Days of Future Past. Stewart last appeared as a variant of Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, a cameo that teased Marvel’s growing multiverse storylines.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
Joining them is an array of established Marvel stars, including Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Letitia Wright (Shuri), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), and Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes). The Fantastic Four cast, led by Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal, is also onboard, alongside Deadpool & Wolverine’s Channing Tatum, who will finally don the mantle of Gambit after years of speculation.
One of the biggest surprises is the return of Kelsey Grammer as Beast. His brief cameo in The Marvels post-credits scene hinted at the X-Men’s growing presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Avengers: Doomsday appears to be cementing their role. Other returning X-Men actors include Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, and James Marsden as Cyclops.
A major revelation during the event was Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU, not as Iron Man, but as the film’s primary antagonist, Doctor Doom. This casting twist comes after years of speculation about his potential comeback following Avengers: Endgame. The film is being helmed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the directing duo behind Infinity War and Endgame, ensuring the project remains in experienced hands.
With production set to begin in London next month, speculation is rife that Avengers: Doomsday could be setting the stage for an eventual X-Men reboot within the MCU. As Marvel Studios continues to weave together its multiverse saga, the return of these beloved characters suggests a major shake-up in the superhero landscape.
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart reunite as Magneto and Professor X, bringing their iconic X-Men rivalry to the MCU in Avengers: DoomsdayInstagram/MarvelStudios
Marvel fans won’t have to wait long for more action, as Avengers: Secret Wars is slated to follow in 2027, promising even bigger crossovers and surprises. For now, the return of Stewart and McKellen signals a thrilling new chapter in the ever-expanding Marvel Universe.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.