The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to bold moves, but a recent rumor about its upcoming X-Men reboot has sent shockwaves through the fandom. Reports suggest Marvel Studios is considering race-swapping Professor Charles Xavier, the telepathic founder of the X-Men, traditionally depicted as a white British academic. The rumor, amplified by industry scooper Jeff Sneider on May 17, 2025, has drawn sharp criticism from Beau DeMayo, the former showrunner of X-Men ’97, who accused Marvel of hypocrisy and pandering. With names like Colman Domingo and David Oyelowo floated for the role, the debate has exposed deep tensions over representation, fidelity to source material, and the X-Men’s legacy as a metaphor for marginalized communities. As Marvel prepares to integrate mutants into the Multiverse Saga post-Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, is this rumored casting a visionary step forward or a misstep that risks alienating fans? Let’s dive into the controversy and its implications.
The Rumor: A New Face for Professor X
The rumor of a race-swapped Professor X emerged amid growing buzz about Marvel’s X-Men reboot, which is expected to launch after the Multiverse Saga concludes. Industry insider Jeff Sneider, speaking on The Hot Mic podcast, revealed that Marvel is eyeing Black actors for Charles Xavier, with Colman Domingo—a versatile actor known for Euphoria and Zola, who voiced a race-swapped Norman Osborn in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man—reportedly high on the list. David Oyelowo, acclaimed for Selma, was also mentioned as a contender. Sneider suggested this move aims to differentiate the MCU’s Professor X from previous portrayals by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy in Fox’s X-Men films, especially since Stewart is confirmed to return as a variant in Avengers: Doomsday.
The casting speculation comes alongside rumors of Denzel Washington as Magneto, Xavier’s longtime friend-turned-rival, hinting at a deliberate shift in the X-Men’s racial dynamics. Kevin Feige, Marvel’s president, has teased that mutants will play a significant role in the MCU’s future, stating in November 2024, “The whole story of Secret Wars leads us into a new age of mutants and of the X-Men”. With Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier in talks to helm the reboot and Michael Lesslie penning the script, Marvel appears to be laying the groundwork for a bold reimagining of the franchise.
Beau DeMayo’s Accusations: Hypocrisy and Pandering
The rumor drew a scathing response from Beau DeMayo, the former showrunner of Disney+’s X-Men ’97, who was fired by Marvel in March 2024 following an internal investigation. DeMayo, a Black creative, took to X to criticize the potential race swap, arguing it undermines the X-Men’s core allegory. Responding to a post highlighting Magneto’s Holocaust survivor backstory and Xavier’s privileged upbringing as integral to their identities, DeMayo wrote, “That’s all I gotta say — oh, and that @MarvelStudios rush to get #Xmen into #AvengersDoomsday continues to suggest this studio has no respect or awareness for/of what the #xmen stand for beyond fan-pandering cameo-fodder”. He further accused Marvel of exploiting Black creatives for optics, stating, “@MarvelStudios should also learn to respect and protect their Black creatives before trying to exploit their skin color to appear progressive, especially when their vaunted ‘Parliament’ is a bro-country club of white executives with ZERO Black producers”.
DeMayo’s comments build on his earlier criticisms of Marvel’s casting practices. In January 2025, he called out the studio for race-swapping white villains like Kang, Norman Osborn, and Electro into Black characters, arguing it “reads ‘funny’” and feels inauthentic. His accusations of hypocrisy stem from a belief that Marvel’s diversity efforts prioritize surface-level representation over meaningful storytelling, potentially diluting the X-Men’s metaphor for marginalized groups. DeMayo’s firing, reportedly tied to allegations of misconduct (which he denies, claiming it was due to a pride-related post), adds a layer of personal grievance to his critique, but his voice carries weight given his role in crafting X-Men ’97, a critically acclaimed revival praised for its fidelity to the X-Men’s themes.
The Case for Race-Swapping Professor X
Proponents of a race-swapped Professor X argue it could enrich the character and align with the X-Men’s civil rights allegory. In comics, Xavier’s dream of mutant-human coexistence has been likened to Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision, though this comparison is debated. Casting a Black actor like Colman Domingo could ground Xavier’s idealism in the lived experience of racial marginalization, making his mission to bridge divides more poignant. A 2024 article on LevelMan.com suggested that Xavier’s tendency to position himself as a “good mutant” to appease humans mirrors the experiences of some Black individuals navigating systemic prejudice, arguing that a Black Xavier could highlight these dynamics.
Race-swapping could also differentiate the MCU’s X-Men from Fox’s films, which faced criticism for sidelining diverse characters like Storm in favor of white leads. With the MCU emphasizing inclusion—evidenced by leads like T’Challa, Kamala Khan, and Riri Williams—a Black Professor X could signal a commitment to diverse storytelling. Posts on X and Reddit reflect enthusiasm for this approach, with one user writing, “A Black Professor X makes sense for the metaphor. Mutants are about oppression, and Colman Domingo would kill it”. The MCU’s precedent of race-swapping characters like Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo) supports the feasibility of this move, as these changes were largely well-received.
From a narrative perspective, Xavier’s core traits—telepathy, leadership, and a belief in coexistence—aren’t inherently tied to his whiteness. While his privileged upbringing shaped his worldview, privilege isn’t exclusive to race, and a Black Xavier could still embody wealth and optimism while facing unique challenges as a mutant. A 2018 piece on LRMonline argued that many comic book characters, like Spider-Man, aren’t defined by race unless it’s central to their origin, suggesting Xavier’s story could adapt to a new racial context without losing its essence.
The Case Against: Fidelity and Hypocrisy Concerns
Critics, including DeMayo, argue that race-swapping Professor X risks undermining the character’s established identity and the X-Men’s nuanced allegory. In comics, Xavier’s privileged, white, British background contrasts with Magneto’s Holocaust survivor origins, creating a dynamic that reflects competing philosophies on oppression. Changing Xavier’s race could alter this balance, especially if Magneto is also race-swapped (e.g., Denzel Washington), potentially diluting the historical specificity of their conflict. A Quora post echoed this sentiment, arguing that Magneto’s Jewish identity is non-negotiable due to its role in his worldview, and Xavier’s whiteness enhances their ideological tension.
DeMayo’s accusation of hypocrisy points to a broader issue: Marvel’s tendency to race-swap white characters rather than spotlight existing mutants of color, like Storm, Bishop, or Monet St. Croix. A 2019 article on TheGeekiary.com criticized this approach, noting that repurposing Professor X and Magneto as mutants of color feels like a shortcut that sidesteps the X-Men’s diverse roster. Fans on X expressed similar frustration, with one post stating, “Why not give Storm or Bishop the focus instead of changing Xavier? It feels like pandering”. This sentiment aligns with DeMayo’s claim that Marvel’s diversity efforts prioritize optics over authenticity, especially given his critique of the studio’s lack of Black producers.
Some fans also worry about backlash. The MCU has faced criticism for race-swapping secondary characters like Electro and Kang, with detractors accusing Marvel of “woke” pandering. A Black Professor X, as a central figure, could amplify this backlash, particularly among fans protective of the comics’ original vision. A 2024 IMDb post argued that Xavier’s whiteness is tied to his role as a privileged manipulator who uses his wealth to train young mutants, a dynamic that might feel less resonant with a race-swapped portrayal.
Beau DeMayo—the ousted showrunner of X-Men ’97 and himself a Black man—appears to be among those slamming the move. Responding to an X post that pointed out how Magneto’s backstory as a survivor of wartime atrocities and Professor X’s background as a privileged British academic were integral to their original identities, DeMayo didn’t mince words.
The X-Men’s Legacy and Marvel’s Challenge
The X-Men have long served as a metaphor for marginalized groups, tackling themes of prejudice, identity, and resistance. Created in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the team was inspired by the civil rights movement, with Professor X and Magneto loosely modeled on Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, though this analogy oversimplifies their complexity. The franchise’s diverse roster—Storm, Bishop, Jubilee, Sunspot—has made it a beacon for representation, but Fox’s films were criticized for underutilizing characters of color, relegating Storm to supporting roles. Marvel’s reboot offers a chance to correct this, but the rumored race swap has sparked debate over whether it honors or undermines the X-Men’s legacy.
Marvel’s recent struggles add pressure to get the reboot right. Projects like Thunderbolts ($278 million) and Captain America: Brave New World ($415 million) have underperformed compared to the MCU’s Infinity Saga peak, and fan fatigue is evident in the backlash to Ironheart’s trailer. The X-Men, with their built-in fanbase and cultural resonance, are a potential lifeline, but missteps in casting or storytelling could deepen skepticism. Posts on Reddit emphasize the need for the reboot to lean into the civil rights metaphor without oversimplifying it, warning against reducing Xavier and Magneto to a “MLK vs. Malcolm X” cliché.
Can Marvel Navigate the Controversy?
If Marvel proceeds with a race-swapped Professor X, the studio must tread carefully. Casting a powerhouse like Colman Domingo could elevate the role, but the narrative must justify the change by exploring how Xavier’s race shapes his perspective on mutant oppression. Pairing him with a Magneto of color, potentially Denzel Washington, could create a dynamic that resonates with modern audiences, provided their backstories retain emotional weight. Alternatively, Marvel could pivot to existing mutants of color, giving Storm or Bishop leading roles to address representation without altering legacy characters.
The backlash, while vocal, isn’t universal. Some fans on X and Reddit support the race swap, citing the MCU’s success with reimagined characters like Nick Fury. Marvel’s world-class casting department has a track record of defying skeptics, as seen with Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm. However, DeMayo’s critique of Marvel’s leadership—particularly the lack of Black producers—suggests systemic issues that could undermine even the best intentions. Addressing these concerns, both in casting and behind the scenes, will be crucial to restoring fan trust.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the MCU
The rumor of a race-swapped Professor X is more than a casting debate—it’s a litmus test for Marvel’s ability to balance innovation with respect for the X-Men’s legacy. Beau DeMayo’s accusations of hypocrisy highlight the risks of prioritizing optics over substance, while supporters see a chance to reimagine Xavier in a way that deepens the franchise’s themes. As Marvel gears up for its X-Men reboot, the studio faces a delicate task: crafting a vision that honors the comics, resonates with diverse audiences, and silences critics in an era of heightened scrutiny.
Whether Colman Domingo or another actor takes on Professor X, the decision will shape the MCU’s mutant era. For now, the controversy underscores the passion of the X-Men fandom and the high stakes of bringing these beloved characters to a new generation. Marvel’s next move will determine whether this rumored race swap becomes a bold triumph or a cautionary tale.
