In a surprising turn of events, actress Famke Janssen has confirmed she will not reprise her iconic role as Jean Grey in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026. The announcement, shared via Marvel Updates on X on November 9, 2025, has sparked discussions among fans who had hoped to see the beloved X-Men character return to the screen.
Famke Janssen says she’s not interested in returning as Jean Grey in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’.
“It’s hard for me now to just look back and worry, or think about a part where I get a few lines. It just doesn’t seem that interesting to me.”
(Via: https://t.co/fdyYZYgy6q) pic.twitter.com/oRFp4k36NN
— Marvel Updates (@marvel_updat3s) November 9, 2025
Janssen, who portrayed the powerful telepath and Phoenix Force host across multiple X-Men films from 2000 to 2014, expressed a lack of interest in revisiting the role. In an interview cited by the post, she stated, “It’s hard for me now to just look back and worry, or think about a part where I get a few lines. It just doesn’t seem that interesting to me.” Her comments suggest a desire to move forward from the character, despite her significant contribution to the franchise’s legacy.
The decision comes as Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, prepares to integrate characters from the Fox X-Men universe into the MCU, following the Disney acquisition. While actors like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and James Marsden are confirmed to return as Professor Xavier, Magneto, and Cyclops respectively, Janssen’s absence marks a notable exclusion. She further clarified that Marvel Studios never approached her with an offer, dispelling rumors of a potential comeback.
Fan reactions on X have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over losing the original Jean Grey, while others speculate on new casting possibilities. The film, featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Victor von Doom, promises a multiverse-spanning narrative, but Janssen’s departure leaves a void for those who cherished her portrayal. As production continues, the MCU’s approach to the X-Men roster remains a focal point of anticipation and debate.
