Makeup and costuming are important parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it’s a relief to hear that one of the biggest complaints about that process has actually been changed for at least one important actor in Avengers: Doomsday. While practical effects are encouraged at Marvel, many of the images in the films are still created through computer animation. However, it sounds to me like much of this important costume will be created in practical effects that have been fixed for the upcoming film.
Several different X-Men characters are returning for Avengers: Doomsday, and this is an exciting prospect. Seeing the return of characters like Magneto and Professor X creates some incredible opportunities for the new film. There is even hope that many of the original X-Men costumes will be updated for the film. With processes changing, and with updates to how the makeup and costuming are done, it seems that updating these elements is important in the new film, and that many of their designs could be updated as well.
X2: X-Men United’s Nightcrawler Design Took Hours To Apply To Alan Cumming
The Makeup Was Part Of The Reason Cumming Did Not Return For The Last Stand
Alan Cumming joined the X-Men franchise in X2: X-Men United, where he played the teleporting blue mutant Nightcrawler. The character was a standout in the film, especially in its shocking opening sequence, where Nightcrawler was seen attempting to ᴀssᴀssinate the President of the United States of America in the White House. Following the character’s inclusion, many were surprised to see that he did not return in X-Men: The Last Stand, and part of this reason was because of the arduous makeup process.
To play Nightcrawler, Cumming had to undergo the makeup process for several intensive hours. Blue paint had to be applied to his body, and the markings all over his skin had to be drawn on manually. On TODAY with Jenna & Friends, Cumming recently revealed that it took four-and-a-half hours to apply the makeup during the production of X2. Fortunately, it appears that some meaningful changes have since occurred. With that in mind, it looks like the production of Doomsday will be quite different.
Alan Cumming’s Comments About The Makeup Changes For Avengers: Doomsday Make His Return Even More Exciting
Cumming Has Confirmed That The Process Will Be Much Quicker Now
During his appearance on TODAY with Jenna & Friends, Alan Cumming addressed his return to the role of Nightcrawler in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, reflecting on the significance of his Nightcrawler return after several decades. Cumming revealed that “now it’s only 90 minutes” to apply the Nightcrawler makeup, after completing some production tests. After much time and focus, it seems that the process of creating Nightcrawler has become far more planned-out and thoughtful than it was previously.
Cumming acknowledged this, detailing how before, “all of the tattoos were done by hand because they hadn’t decided on them before we started filming, and now they’re on this little thing–they stick on.“ With this in mind, it seems that there is a great deal of consideration done in pre-production in how to create the characters in the new film. This makes sense; with a cast that includes several teams, including the X-Men, the Thunderbolts, and the Fantastic Four, in addition to the Avengers, the scale of the production and the organization required must be enormous.
Why Getting Nightcrawler’s Costume And Makeup Right Is So Important For Doomsday
The Upcoming Avengers Film Is Incredibly Important
While the appearance of Nightcrawler might be virtually the same as how he looked in X2, it is comforting to know that the process will be easier for Cumming. It is exciting to see him return to the role he played so well before, and it’s good to know that he will have a much easier time playing the role. Bringing back several X-Men characters, and tying in all of these universes, feels like a great way to lead toward the end of the Multiverse Saga.
Kevin Feige is bringing back all the Marvel stars he worked with throughout his entire career, and seeing Cumming eager to return means a great deal for the new film. Alongside so many X-Men stars, it is important that the execution of Nightcrawler be excellent in the film. Fortunately, it seems that this is likely to be the case. Returning to the role after so many years, it is comforting to know how much the process of Cumming’s makeup has changed, and how much better that will be for the final film.
Avengers: Doomsday was already a big deal, but hearing about the characters and performers that are being brought back has only added to the anticipation for the movie. Alan Cumming’s return as Nightcrawler is one of many big returns to the franchise, and I’d argue that it’s one of the most exciting. It’s good to know that developments have been made in the makeup process for the film, and there will still be practical effects involved in Nightcrawler’s construction and appearance for the new movie.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Release Date
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July 31, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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