The MCU’s multiversal reunion tour is well underway, and Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be Marvel Studios’ biggest nostalgia bomb yet. With a hefty portion of the original X-Men cast returning, fans have been playing cinematic bingo trying to predict which mutants will re-enter the fold.
But one name has officially crossed itself off the list.
No Resurrection For This Phoenix
Famke Janssen, who brought Jean Grey (and the Phoenix) to life across X-Men, X2, The Last Stand, plus cameos in The Wolverine and Days of Future Past, will not be returning for Avengers: Doomsday.
Her absence raised eyebrows when Marvel revealed its stacked cast list earlier this year. Many hopefuls clung to the possibility her name might be added later, perhaps in a surprise third-act cameo.
Then October happened. And the actress confirmed Marvel never asked.
Now, Janssen is speaking even more candidly about why she wouldn’t sign on regardless.
“I’ve Earned My Seat At The Table”
Appearing on Kristian Harloff’s YouTube channel, Janssen was asked whether she’d had any new conversations with Marvel and if she’d be open to appearing in the MCU.
Her answer was totally understandable.
Janssen explained that after decades in the industry, 80 films to be exact, she’s fallen in love with exploring roles behind the camera. Recently, she’s taken on executive producing duties, costume design, and even starred in a music video where she sings and dances. Working on Netflix’s Amsterdam Empire only pushed her further into creating on her own terms.
“I don’t tend to look back at anything I’ve done. I tend to look forward. And the position that I’m in right now… it’s hard for me now to just look back and worry about a part where I get a few lines. It just doesn’t seem that interesting to me.”
She continued:
“I’ve paid my dues. And so, now, to have a seat at the table and go, ‘I’m an executive producer, I have a say in this…’ It’s amazing!”
Translation: Been there, saved the world, died twice. Time for new adventures.
Why The MCU Isn’t A Fit, At Least Not Right Now
Janssen was honest about the MCU’s limitations. As a massive franchise with tight creative oversight, there’s not much room for the kind of input she’s grown used to.
“I would not be asked back on Doomsday, or somewhere else, with that type of input. That’s not what they want from me.”
She isn’t dragging Marvel, just acknowledging the reality. Mega-budget superhero films are machine-built, and actors aren’t typically sewing their own gowns or rewriting pages of the script between takes.
Not A “Never,” Just A “Not Like That”
Importantly, Janssen clarified she’s not closing the door completely.
“I’m not opposed to doing anything that’s just being part of a fun ensemble… But at this moment in time, I just finished a movie yesterday in Bulgaria… and I also designed my clothes on that one as well.”
Basically: If she’s going to put on a superhero costume again, she wants to stitch sequins into it herself.
Marvel Moving Forward
While Famke Janssen won’t be rising from the Phoenix ashes this time, Avengers: Doomsday still promises the return of multiple OG X-Men performers.
The event film is set for December 17, 2026, and between cast cameos, timeline chaos, and multiversal crossover madness, there’s still room for surprises, just not this particular red-haired telepath.
Should Jean Grey Sit This One Out?
The question now is:
Does the MCU even need Jean Grey for this era of X-Men storytelling, especially with fresh castings rumored for Marvel’s upcoming mutant saga?
Or does Janssen’s absence leave a psychic hole only the original Phoenix can fill?
What do you think about Famke Janssen turning down Avengers: Doomsday?
Should Marvel put Jean Grey on ice, or bring someone new into the flames?
Sound off in the comments!
