Famke Janssen said in a recent conversation with Nerdtropolis at Spacecon 2026 that Marvel “made a mistake” in not bringing her back as Jean Gray in December’s Avengers: Doomsday.
“I’m very bad at keeping secrets, and I always tell everyone I’m the worst actor in the world. It’s all in my face, and you’ll be able to read it in a second,” Janssen said. “I think they made a mistake. But who am I? It’s just little me that thinks so.”
Janssen first appeared as telepath Jean Gray (also known as Phoenix) in 2000’s X-Men, and later reprized the role in 2003’s X2: X-Men United and 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand. She also had brief appearances as Gray in 2013’s Wolverine and 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Janssen’s absence from Doomsday is notable considering Marvel is bringing back many of his X-Men co-stars for the film. Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler) and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique) are all set to return.
In an October 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Janssen said that in every interview she does, she is asked about Jean Grey’s future in the MCU.
“It’s interesting,” Janssen said. “I didn’t know it was such an important part. Every time I do an interview, it comes up and it’s the only thing I say that gets printed.”
“I’m honored that this character resonated with people,” she added. “It’s been so long, but I’m glad people are still talking about her. I’m sure every time a new movie is made, it’ll be like Doomsday.” …There will be another one. ”
