There’s Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCU

There's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCU

Summary

  • Bryan Cranston is a perfect fit for Professor X due to his range, talent, and endorsements from fans and other actors.
  • Cranston’s experience playing complex characters shows he can bring depth and maturity to the role of Charles Xavier.
  • Physically, Cranston is a match for Professor X with his past roles like Walter White and Phillip Lacasse.

As a devoted fan of both Breaking Bad and the X-Men universe, I wholeheartedly believe that Bryan Cranston would make an exceptional Professor Charles Xavier. With his remarkable acting skills, versatility, and undeniable charm, he has proven time and again that he can bring any character to life with unparalleled depth and nuance.


In the universe of X-Men, Professor X stands out as one of Marvel’s most intriguing characters ever crafted. His depth and complexity are immense, striking a chord with readers. He is not only the founder of the X-Men but also a character marked by brilliance yet burdened by flaws. Despite his golden heart, he can be overly arrogant, often failing to acknowledge his own mistakes. To top it off, his power is immense – if he focuses intensely, he has the potential to end lives worldwide.

For fans everywhere who hold the X-Men character dear, spanning generations, it has been a joy to witness this character evolve over decades through multiple movies and television shows, most of which have left us spellbound. Even more fortunate, we’ve had two exceptional live-action actors breathe life into the role, delivering performances that were nothing short of remarkable.

Many found Patrick Stewart to be the ideal pick for the role, embodying Charles Xavier flawlessly. Yet, when it came time for a younger incarnation of the character, we were equally fortunate to have James McAvoy step in. His exceptional portrayal introduced new dimensions to the character during his formative years as he evolved into the mutant leader fans recognized from the comics.

With the X-Men officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, discussions are now centered on who will step into the iconic role of Professor X, with Patrick Stewart’s version in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” being an exception. Amongst the various talented actors suggested, Bryan Cranston seems to be the top choice for many fans, owing to his versatility and potential to excel as the MCU’s Professor Charles Xavier.

Bryan Cranston Is the One Actor Who Can Replace Them Both

There's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCU

It’s incredibly challenging to envision anyone stepping into such a flawless pairing, but despite the numerous speculations and fan suggestions, one name seems to stand out above the rest.

Though Giancarlo Esposito’s association with the role has been increasingly strong, it’s another actor who might be an even more suitable choice for it – one who is personally acquainted with Esposito. In this case, that actor is Bryan Cranston. During their time working together on Breaking Bad, Cranston and Esposito delivered some of the most gripping thriller chess scenes ever seen on television.

To those familiar with Esposito from the renowned series, it’s hard to dispute his exceptional acting skills and believe he wouldn’t excel as Charles Xavier. However, when it comes to Breaking Bad fans, there isn’t a single soul who would contest that Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White was unsurpassed by any other actor in the series.

Bryan Cranston’s acting prowess demonstrated in that transformative role is undeniably convincing evidence of his suitability for the part of Professor X. Yet, there are additional compelling factors that make him an exceptional candidate for the role.

Cranston’s Experience Playing Complex Characters

There's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCU

Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White was undeniably his most intricate character thus far, but it certainly wasn’t his only one. His other roles, such as his Academy Award-nominated performance as Dalton Trumbo, a 40s Hollywood screenwriter, and his Tony Award-winning role as the unstable news anchor Howard Beale in the Broadway adaptation of Network, showcase time and again what an exceptional talent he is.

As I ponder the upcoming casting for Professor X, it’s clear that this seasoned actor could potentially infuse the character with intricate layers of complexity. His heartwarming performance as the father figure Hal in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ showcased a depth of good-natured and endearing quirks, suggesting he might be capable of breathing life into the sage and measured Professor X. Furthermore, his years of experience and wisdom align perfectly with the character’s philosophical and mature persona that the role often demands.

Cranston’s Physical Compatibility Is Undeniable

There's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCUThere's Only One Actor Who Should Play Professor X in the MCU

In terms of physically resembling Professor X, it’s clear that Cranston can convincingly portray the bald look given his role in Breaking Bad where he exuded a silent threat as a man who was bald. Additionally, we have fond memories of him playing a character in a wheelchair after his portrayal of quadriplegic Phillip Lacasse in The Upside.

Movies featuring Cranston provide a clear demonstration of his exceptional ability to connect with any actor he works alongside. Whether it’s a comedic partner, a more youthful counterpart, or formidable figures, Cranston consistently proves capable of maintaining his own screen presence and dominating the scene regardless of who he is paired with. This versatility has earned him immense respect from both fans and fellow professionals, culminating in admiration even from other esteemed actors.

Fan Approval and One Very Special Endorsement

One significant advantage Bryan Cranston has for potentially playing Charles Xavier is that X-Men fans have shown strong support for him in this role. With many fans already envisioning him as the character, his stardom, reputation, and fan approval make him an ideal fit for the part. This aligns perfectly with a comic book fantasy, even though he’s also been connected to other well-known comic characters as well.

Regardless of other considerations, one compelling reason for choosing Cranston as an excellent fit for Professor Charles Xavier is endorsed by another esteemed actor. The fact that Sir Anthony Hopkins, widely regarded as one of the best actors alive today, took the time to pen a fan letter to Bryan Cranston speaks volumes. This gesture followed Hopkins’ viewing of “Breaking Bad” and his strong urge to share his thoughts with Cranston. Here’s an excerpt from that letter:

“That kind of work/artistry is rare, and when, once in a while, it occurs, as in this epic work, it restores confidence. You and all the cast are the best actors I’ve ever seen. That may sound like a good lung full of smoke blowing. But it is not. It’s almost midnight out here in Malibu, and I felt compelled to write this email. Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.”

If such an endorsement isn’t the pinnacle of accolades, we’re not sure what is. Even for Cranston, who worked with the renowned Hopkins, it was a moment that underscored just how exceptional a once-in-a-generation talent he really is. To the rest of us, it served as another reminder to acknowledge his extraordinary abilities.

Currently, it remains uncertain which actors will portray Professor X and other key X-Men characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, there’s no doubt that the franchise would benefit significantly if Bryan Cranston were chosen to play Xavier.

Read More

2024-08-25 19:01