Despite her iconic portrayal of Jean Grey / Phoenix in the X-Men films, Famke Janssen remains unsure about what Marvel has in store for the X-Men saga. Having originated the role in the 2000 film, Janssen continued to embody the powerful mutant in subsequent films such as X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand. She even made appearances in The Wolverine and X-Men: Days of Future Past. However, in a recent interview with ComicBook, Janssen expressed uncertainty about returning to the role, citing the unexpected nature of her previous comebacks.
Reflecting on her past experiences in the X-Men franchise, Janssen admitted, “I didn’t expect to come back after dying as Jean Grey.” Her return as the Phoenix in The Last Stand, as well as her appearances in flashback scenes in The Wolverine and Days of Future Past, were all surprises to her. Despite this, she does not rule out the possibility of appearing in future X-Men films, such as Deadpool & Wolverine. Janssen’s openness to the idea of reprising her role hints at the enduring impact of her character on the franchise.
In more recent X-Men films, Sophie Turner took on the role of a younger Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse and X-Men: Dark Phoenix. With Turner’s portrayal gaining critical acclaim, the future of the character remains uncertain, especially with Janssen’s ambiguous stance on returning to the role. The dynamic between the two actresses and their interpretations of Jean Grey adds a layer of complexity to the character’s evolution in the X-Men universe.
Boy Kills World: A New Chapter
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding her X-Men future, Janssen has ventured into new projects, such as her role in Boy Kills World directed by Moritz Mohr. The film, which also stars a talented ensemble including Bill Skarsgård and Jessica Rothe, premiered at TIFF last September and is set to release in theaters on April 26. Janssen’s involvement in this project showcases her versatility as an actress and her willingness to explore diverse roles beyond the superhero genre.
With Sam Raimi, Zainab Azizi, and other accomplished producers on board, Boy Kills World promises to be a compelling cinematic experience. The collective talent behind the film, coupled with Janssen’s dedicated performance, hints at a project that is set to make a mark in the industry. As Janssen’s career continues to evolve, showcasing her range and depth as an actress, audiences can look forward to witnessing her in a diverse array of roles that challenge and captivate.
Famke Janssen’s uncertainty about her future in the X-Men universe opens up a world of possibilities. While her past contributions to the franchise have been significant, her willingness to embrace new opportunities and explore different genres speaks to her versatility as an actress. As fans eagerly await her next move, Janssen’s legacy as Jean Grey / Phoenix remains immortalized in the annals of superhero cinema.