[dropcap size=small]P[/dropcap]atrick Stewart has confirmed that neither he nor Ian McKellen will appear in Bryan Singer’s upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse.
Stewart delivered the heartbreaking announcement during a yet-to-air episode of Larry King Now, and was reported via Yahoo Movies. When asked whether he would return for X-Men: Apocalypse, Stewart responded:
[dropcap size=small]“[/dropcap]No. Nor Sir Ian McKellen, either. I was learning quite a lot more about it last night, and it is going to be looking very much at the earlier lives of all our characters. And so I don’t think we’ll be making an appearance.”
While audiences were lucky to see Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen reprise their roles as Professor Xavier and Magneto for X-Men: Days of Future Past, this was only made possible because of the film’s time travel plot. Apocalypse will continue with the First Class cast in a 1980’s setting, with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Xavier and Magneto, respectively.
However, much like Xavier’s various inspirational messages of optimism, there is still hope. Stewart and/or McKellan could still possibly make appearances in the upcoming X-Men spinoff films, including Channing Tatum’s Gambit or Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. There also still exists the possibility that our favorite elder statesmen could return in a later X-Men sequel.
Here’s to hoping!
X-Men: Apocalypse hits theaters on May 27, 2016.
