Marvel's new 'X-Men' film almost looked very different, with 'Ozark' star Tom Pelphrey revealing he came close to being cast as Professor X before the role went to Christopher Abbott. The near-miss offers a rare glimpse into Marvel Studios' search for the actor who will lead its next generation of big-screen mutants.
Pelphrey confirmed that he auditioned for Charles Xavier, while Abbott was ultimately chosen to play the iconic telepath in the first MCU 'X-Men' movie. The revelation has added an extra layer of interest to a project that was already drawing attention for its ensemble cast.
Tom Pelphrey's Close Call With Professor X
Pelphrey's link to the role had been the subject of speculation for weeks before Marvel officially unveiled its line-up at D23. Earlier reports had identified both Pelphrey and Abbott among the actors who tested for Charles Xavier.
The competition was reportedly substantial, with several other actors connected to the role during Marvel's casting process. But Pelphrey has now confirmed that he came particularly close to securing the part.
'Now, when one door closes, another door immediately opens, and it's really changed the way I feel about certain projects,' he said.
'If something doesn't work out and it isn't perfect for everyone involved, great, because it's probably perfect for someone else. That just means there's something more perfect coming for me.'
Missing out on Professor X appears to have been disappointing for the actor, although he has approached the situation with humour.
Pelphrey has joked about whether his physical appearance may have worked against him, including making light of his head while discussing the audition.
'I've also got a fat head. I have a watermelon,' he said. 'It is empirically a big fat head, and I don't know if we want to see it shaved.' That candid reaction has given fans a look at what it is like to compete for one of Marvel's biggest roles.
Christopher Abbott Takes on Charles Xavier
While Pelphrey ultimately missed out, Christopher Abbott emerged as Marvel's choice to play Charles Xavier. Abbott is known for performances in projects including 'Girls', 'The Sinner', 'Possessor' and 'The Wolf Man'.
His casting marks a new interpretation of Professor X after Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy previously portrayed different versions of the character in the earlier 'X-Men' franchise.
Marvel officially revealed Abbott as part of the new ensemble at D23, alongside Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue and Maya Boyd as Storm. Adam Driver was also announced as Mister Sinister. The new movie is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 5 May 2028.
Marvel Positions a New Generation of Mutants
The casting of Abbott comes at a notable moment for the MCU. Marvel's new 'X-Men' movie is expected to introduce a younger generation of mutant heroes after 'Avengers: Secret Wars', which is scheduled for December 2027.
Kevin Feige has indicated that Marvel sees major potential in the franchise, suggesting that the decades of 'X-Men' comics provide enough material for many future stories.
For Professor X, that could mean Abbott is being positioned as one of the central figures in Marvel's next major saga. The character is traditionally portrayed as the founder and mentor of the X-Men, a powerful telepath who establishes a school where young mutants can learn to control their abilities.
How closely the new movie follows that familiar origin remains unclear, as Marvel has kept much of the story under wraps.
What Pelphrey's Near-Miss Means for His Marvel Future
Pelphrey's audition does not necessarily mean his Marvel prospects are over. With the MCU continuing to expand its mutant universe, there are numerous characters he could potentially play in future projects. For now, however, the Professor X role belongs to Abbott.
The casting wrinkle adds another element to Marvel's upcoming reboot. While audiences will eventually see Abbott lead the new generation of mutants, they can now consider how different the film might have looked if Pelphrey had secured the role of Charles Xavier.
