The 'Breaking Bad' and 'Mandalorian' actor is churning the rumour mill quite obviously with his latest statement on casting within the MCU.
If the actor is to be believed, he's circling the X-Men role fairly rapidly. Giancarlo Esposito has confirmed that he's met with Marvel Studios about playing Professor X in the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the fan-favourite and deeply cherished comic book character.
Esposito has been known to play a more villainous character in pretty much all of his recent roles, so if he's to be believed, this would make for quite a pivot for the 64-year-old. He most recently played the part of Moff Gideon in seasons one and two of Disney+'s Star Wars spin-off 'The Mandalorian' but is more widely known for playing Gustavo Fring in 'Breaking Bad' and the prequel series 'Better Call Saul'.
Here's what Giancarlo Esposito said regarding the recent Professor X casting rumours: "So, I have not worked for Marvel yet. I've been in a room with them and talked with them, and to answer your question, I think what they do is on the lines of that mythological journey that Joe Campbell talked about, who happened to be a friend of George Lucas that George Lucas put into his stories. They do the same thing."
However, it was this next piece of information that has everyone talking: "So, there's been talk of Magneto, there's been talk of Dr. Freeze, there has been talk of, who else are they talking about over there? Oh, Doom! And there is Professor X. Pick one? I'm going to go for something that is a little bit different. I'm going to go and put it out in the universe that it is Professor X."
Here's the actor discussing his potential Marvel future during a panel at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.
@countdowncitygeeks #giancarloesposito announces which character he may play in the#marveluniverse! #superherocarshowandcomiccon #fyp #foryourpage #celebfanfest #comiccon2022 #marvel #countdowncitygeekcast #sanantoniotx ♬ original sound - countdowncitygeeks
There's a lot to unpack here. First of all, we can ignore the Dr. Freeze comment and take it off of the bingo card, because this is DC (and were happy enough to remember Arnie in that role, for all of its campness).
Next, Esposito's mention of Dr. Doom is one to remember. According to the latest line-up of MCU releases up until 2026, this major Marvel villain is probably set to make his big debut before the release of 'Avengers: Secret Wars' in the upcoming 'Fantastic Four' film. The latter release still doesn't have any names attached - so would Marvel really cast Professor X of The X-Men before revealing this cast?
Well, as we've seen from their recent cinema releases, anything is possible within the MCU.
Regarding his Moff Gideon role in 'The Mandalorian', Esposito says the "chances are high" for his return in a future season.
@countdowncitygeeks @Giancarlo Esposito hints at a return for #mandalorian season 3! Says “the season will be off the CHAIN!” #starwars #mando #giancarloesposito #moffgideon #celebfanfest #superherocarshowandcomiccon #sanantoniotx #fyp #foryourpage #comiccon ♬ original sound - countdowncitygeeks
