With so many X-Men characters in the 20th Century Studios films, it’s safe to say that many mutants will be left out. For example, Shawn Ashmore told us that he won’t be returning in Avengers: Doomsday. The actor first portrayed Bobby Drake, aka Iceman, in X2 (X-Men 2).

As for another X-Men actor, Caleb Landry Jones, who played Banshee in X-Men: First Class, said that he would be open to returning as Banshee in the MCU during the red carpet premiere of Dracula. The character was killed off-screen in X-Men: Days of Future Past, but with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the multiverse, anything is possible.

“Yeah, I’d be down to fall out of a window again,” Jones said about returning as Banshee and referencing his scene in X-Men: First Class. “I’m positive that my wife and I will be in the theaters to go see [Avengers: Doomsday], absolutely. Probably on opening day, if there’s still a ticket.”

Audiences can see Caleb Landry Jones as Count Dracula in Luc Besson’s Dracula, which is now playing in theaters nationwide.

About Dracula

Synopsis: When a 15th-century prince (Caleb Landry Jones) witnesses the brutal murder of his wife (Zoe Bleu), he renounces God and damns heaven itself. Cursed with eternal life, he is reborn as Dracula, an immortal warlord who defies fate in a blood-soaked crusade to wrench his lost love back from death, no matter the cost. On the verge of reuniting, Dracula is hunted by a relentless priest (Christoph Waltz), sworn to end his immortal reign.

The film is written, directed & produced by Luc Besson. It stars Caleb Landry Jones, Christoph Waltz, Zoë Bleu, Guillaume de Tonquedec, Matilda de Angelis, Ewens Abid and Raphael Luce.

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One of the fan-favorite characters in the X-Men universe is Bobby Drake, aka Iceman. Will fans get to see the omega-level mutant in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

“So this is the weird part of it,” Ashmore tells Nerd Reactor. “It’s like, if I was, I couldn’t say that I was, but I’m not. There’s been no contact. I’m not cast in it. I mean, I’ve been getting that since the last Deadpool movie. Everyone’s like, ‘Are you in it?’ And I’m like, ‘No.’ And they’re like, ‘Okay [winks].’ But no, no, I’m actually not. And again, I’m always open to coming back and playing that character. But yeah, so far, no, no contact.”

You can check out the video interview below:

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo are the directors, with Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely attached as writers.

Avengers: Doomsday will be released in theaters on May 1, 2026.

Shawn Ashmore can be seen in The Rookie and the horror film It Feeds, which stars Ashley Greene (Twilight) and releases in theaters on April 18, 2025.

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Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom

Robert Downey Jr. is no stranger to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He brought Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, to life in a way that redefined the character and laid the foundation for the entire MCU. Moreover, his portrayal of Iron Man has been praised for its charisma, wit, and depth, making him a fan favorite for over a decade.

Now, with the announcement that Downey Jr. will play Victor Von Doom, fans are buzzing with excitement and speculation. The transition from hero to villain is a bold move, and many are eager to see how Downey Jr. will bring his unique flair to the character of Doctor Doom. Furthermore, known for his complex and multifaceted nature, Doom requires a nuanced performance, something Downey Jr. is well-equipped to deliver.

The casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom is a thrilling development for the MCU. So, as we eagerly await Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the anticipation for Downey Jr.’s performance continues to build. This bold casting choice promises to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to Doctor Doom, potentially redefining him for a new generation of Marvel fans.

Doctor Doom’s Impact in Secret Wars

To understand Victor Von Doom’s significance in these upcoming films, we must delve into his pivotal role in Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 “Secret Wars.” This storyline is one of the most ambitious and impactful arcs in Marvel Comics history, showcasing Doom’s complex character and immense power.

In “Secret Wars,” the Marvel multiverse teeters on the brink of collapse due to incursions—catastrophic events where universes collide and face destruction. In a desperate attempt to save what remains, Doctor Doom, Doctor Strange, and Molecule Man confront the Beyonders, the mysterious entities responsible for the multiversal destruction. Through sheer willpower and cunning, Doom seizes the Beyonders’ powers, becoming a god-like figure known as God Emperor Doom.

With his newfound omnipotence, Doom creates Battleworld, a patchwork planet composed of remnants from destroyed universes. He rules this new reality with an iron fist from his throne in Doomstadt, the capital of Battleworld. Both revered and feared, Doom maintains a delicate balance of power among the diverse domains and their inhabitants.

Doom’s reign in “Secret Wars” highlights his complex relationships and moral dilemmas. Despite his god-like status, he grapples with insecurities and a desire for validation. His interactions with other key characters, such as his former ally Doctor Strange, his right-hand enforcer Sheriff Strange, and his arch-nemesis Reed Richards, reveal the depth of his character. Doom’s jealousy and rivalry with Richards, in particular, drive much of the narrative tension, culminating in a climactic showdown that reshapes the multiverse.

Discover all the latest at San Diego Comic-Con 2024.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on May 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars hits theaters on May 2027.

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