Alan Cumming Discusses Changes in Nightcrawler Role for 'Avengers: Doomsday'

Synopsis

Alan Cumming reflects on the advancements in film makeup that have changed his portrayal of Nightcrawler in 'Avengers: Doomsday', emphasizing reduced application time and the evolution of tattoo application techniques since his original role in 'X2: X-Men United'.

Key Takeaways

Alan Cumming reprises his role as Nightcrawler.
Makeup advancements have reduced application time from four hours to 90 minutes.
Tattoo application has evolved from hand-drawn to stick-on.
Cumming considers 'X2: X-Men United' the 'gayest film' of his career.
David Hayter expressed pride in representing LGBTQ+ themes.

Los Angeles, April 8 (NationPress) Hollywood actor Alan Cumming is highlighting the contrasts he has observed over the decades in his portrayal of Nightcrawler for the upcoming film 'Avengers: Doomsday'.

The actor is reprising his role as Nightcrawler from 'X2: X-Men United' in the much-anticipated Marvel film, alongside fellow 'X-Men' stars Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, and Kelsey Grammer, as reported by 'Variety'.

Cumming noted that improvements in film makeup technology have significantly reduced the time required for him to transform into the blue-skinned, tattooed Nightcrawler.

“Isn’t it crazy? I’m thrilled and astonished,” Cumming remarked. “It’s been 23 years since I played a superhero. I’ve already undergone some makeup tests for the role, and what’s remarkable is that previously it took about four and a half hours to apply, but now it only takes 90 minutes.”

“In the past, all the tattoos were applied by hand,” he continued. “They hadn’t finalized them before filming began. Now, they simply stick onto my face. It’s a complete game changer. I’m returning as a 60-year-old superhero, and everyone has been incredibly nice.”

According to 'Variety', Cumming only depicted Nightcrawler once on screen, as he did not reprise his role in the 'X-Men' sequels like 'The Last Stand' or 'Days of Future Past'.

He gained viral attention last year for describing 'X2: X-Men United' as the “gayest film” he has ever worked on, stating, “It features a queer director and numerous queer actors. I love that something so mainstream and so entrenched in the comic book world is so queer.”

This revelation delighted 'X-Men' screenwriter David Hayter, who later told TMZ: “I’m so pleased we honored him well. He’s such an icon for gay rights.”

“Ian McKellen also truly acknowledged the allegory from a gay perspective,” he added.