‘X-Men' Reboot Rumor: 2 A-Listers Emerge as Favorites for New Professor X and Magneto
As X-Men '97 is in the midst of its successful Season 2 run and Marvel fans ramp up anticipation for the epic arrival ofAvengers: Doomsday later this year, the buzz continues to circulate regarding the confirmed new live-action X-Men standalone film in the pipeline. Most recently, the rumor mill has churned out two names to become the new Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto.
Fans of these Marvel heroes (sometimes villains) have their fair share of wishes about the overall upcoming character reboots, especially considering how critical movie fans have been of the previous X-Men films. However, two points of agreement about the original trio of X-Men movies were that Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto were perfect casting choices. So much so that it will be very hard for anyone to step into their shoes in a real comparable way (although James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender respectfully tried).
All that being said, the new A-listers being attached to the roles of Professor X and Magneto in the upcoming reboot are drawing quite the feedback online. However, Marvel has not confirmed what's being circulated.
Whispers about Patrick Wilson, Adam Driver, & X-Men
Let's start with Patrick Wilson. Several social media accounts, including Geek Vibes Nation, report that the star is in the running to portray Professor X in the upcoming X-Men movie. It appears the recent rumor on social media was perpetuated by the website Knight Edge Media. Wilson is quite the accomplished actor in Hollywood, earning a Golden Globe for Fargo and an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Angels in America. He's also a familiar face from his roles in projects like Watchmen, Aquaman, and The Founder.
Then there's Adam Driver. Social media accounts like Cosmic Marvel and MCU Film News are reporting that Driver has been selected to be the new Magneto. Driver has received Emmy nominations for his role in Girls and Golden Globes for White Noise, Marriage Story, and BlacKkKlansman. He also received Oscars for the latter two films.
Are Patrick Wilson and Adam Driver Good Casting Choices?
The answer to this is subjective and premature without seeing Wilson or Driver in the roles. However, based on the work I've seen of both, I would actually be behind these castings for X-Men should they ring true. I'm saying this as someone who loves the Stewart and McKellan portrayals. My only question would come with the chemistry between Wilson and Driver. Again, that's yet to be seen.
Once more, these rumors are just that. There's been no official word from Marvel or parent company Disney about such X-Men castings.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 6:36 PM.