At New York Comic Con 2025, Laurence Fishburne turned heads when he boldly voiced his interest in portraying Professor Charles Xavier in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot.
Known for iconic roles in The Matrix trilogy and recent work on The Witcher, Fishburne spoke candidly about how deep Marvel fandom and timing have aligned to make this role especially meaningful for him now.
Fishburne explained that while his career included numerous wanted roles as a younger man, shifting seasons led him to see Professor X’s blend of leadership, intellect, and emotional depth as the perfect next challenge.
At 64, he emphasized that the character’s wisdom and mentorship align closely with his real-life maturity and perspective. The actor sees Professor X not just as a superhero but as a guiding teacher and tactical leader, roles he feels ready to embody with nuance and gravitas.
Marvel fans at the panel responded with cheers and applause, prompting moderator Josh Horowitz to humorously “greenlight” the idea on the spot.
Fishburne’s enthusiasm and respect for the character sparked excitement across social media and fan communities, breathing fresh life into debates about who might define the new MCU Charles Xavier.
Casting Conversations: What Fishburne Brings to Marvel’s Mutant Legacy
Laurence Fishburne’s public expression of interest arrives at a pivotal moment for the MCU , which is preparing to reboot the beloved X-Men series after completing its multiverse saga.
Fans remember Sir Patrick Stewart’s iconic portrayal and James McAvoy’s embodiment of a younger Professor X in Fox’s earlier iterations. Marvel’s new vision aims to differentiate itself through fresh storytelling and casting diversity.
Fishburne embodies a compelling blend of star power, acting prowess, and fan respect. His prior MCU role as Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp keeps him familiar to superhero audiences, even as he seeks to redefine himself with a weightier role.
Industry observers note that Marvel’s recent casting strategy favors reimagining classics with actors bringing profound life experience, and Fishburne fits this narrative.
Moreover, there’s growing speculation that Marvel plans to recast Professor X with a Black actor, marking a meaningful step in reflecting broader representation in iconic superhero roles.
Fishburne enthusiastically aligns with this shift, acknowledging the evolving cultural landscape and the responsibility of portraying characters with authenticity and dignity. His interest invites renewed excitement for the MCU’s mutant era, promising a blend of legacy and innovation.
What’s Next? Fans, Studios, and the Future of Professor X in the MCU
Marvel Studios has begun assembling creative teams and writing talent for the X-Men reboot, likely targeting production to start between late 2026 and early 2027.
Laurence Fishburne (Credit: NBC)
The casting for lead roles remains an open field, and Fishburne’s candid pitch places him firmly in conversations around the next Professor X. Though no official offers have been announced, the actor’s stature and fan backing strengthen his prospects.
For fans, Fishburne represents a mature, nuanced interpretation capable of anchoring an ensemble of young mutants. His long career of playing complex characters gives hope to those wanting a more cerebral, emotionally rich line to the mutant saga in the MCU.
Fishburne himself stays humble, describing his passion for “the next role” rather than definitive ambitions, underscoring his ongoing dedication to craft over celebrity.
Meanwhile, the MCU’s planned X-Men debut will also be a test of balance, honoring decades of comic and film legacy while offering bold new directions.
Fishburne’s hope to step into Professor X signals a promising chapter ahead, filled with opportunity to blend thoughtful performance and blockbuster spectacle. As Marvel fans eagerly await announcements, Laurence Fishburne’s name has become a beacon of possibility, excitement, and change.
Laurence Fishburne’s desire to play Professor X feels timely, deeply thoughtful, and perfectly aligned with the character’s ethos. His well-articulated vision for the role ignites curiosity about how the MCU might evolve its mutant mythology with fresh faces and perspectives.
The actor is ready if Marvel calls, and fans watch closely for the next big announcement in one of pop culture’s most anticipated reboots.
BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE World Tour has left a remarkable mark not only on fans but also on the city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The economic and cultural impact of their concerts has been officially recognized by the Kaohsiung City Government, revealing that the performances generated over NT$300 million (approximately US$10 million or 13.9 billion KRW) in tourism revenue.
The concerts attracted more than 120,000 attendees over two days at the National Stadium, making BLACKPINK the highest-grossing international pop act in Kaohsiung’s history.
This level of engagement highlights how K-pop acts like BLACKPINK are more than entertainment; they serve as catalysts for tourism, commerce, and citywide economic activity.
Revitalizing Local Industries
The impact of BLACKPINK’s tour extended far beyond the stadium. The Kaohsiung Economic Development Bureau reported that street shops, night markets, department stores, and hotels saw significant boosts in sales and customer engagement during the concerts.
Night markets such as Ruifeng, Liuhe, and Jilin remained vibrant until 1 or 2 a.m., with sales surging by more than 30% compared to normal days.
The influx of fans also benefited transportation networks. According to the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC), subway ridership reached record highs, with 323,601 passengers on Saturday and 281,511 passengers on Sunday, making these two days the busiest in the year.
These statistics underscore the direct correlation between major K-pop events and economic activity, demonstrating the broader role artists play in city economies beyond entertainment.
Citywide Preparations and Cultural Celebrations
Kaohsiung spared no effort in welcoming BLACKPINK and their global fanbase. The city illuminated six iconic landmarks with BLACKPINK’s signature pink lights, including the Aihe River, Dagang Bridge, Kaohsiung Port Passenger Center, Kaohsiung Popular Music Center, Kaohsiung Station, and Formosa Boulevard Station.
This visually striking gesture symbolized the city’s enthusiasm and appreciation for the group, transforming Kaohsiung into a living tribute to K-pop culture.
Additionally, a K-pop dance competition was organized in the central business district, drawing local participants and fans alike.
Temporary luggage storage was set up at major subway stations to accommodate visiting fans, ensuring a smooth concert-going experience.
The cultural impact even reached political leaders. Former President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai both participated in the festivities, sporting pink hair in celebration of BLACKPINK’s arrival.
Mayor Chen actively promoted the event on social media, posting: “BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA, the whole city is cheering for you.”
These gestures highlight how deeply BLACKPINK’s influence permeated the local culture and public engagement.
Blackpink (Credit: YouTube)
Historic Achievements and Records
BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE tour set multiple historic milestones in Kaohsiung. The group sold over 190,000 tickets across 2023 and 2025, making them the first artist to bring two consecutive world tours to the city.
They also hold the record for the most shows ever held at the National Stadium by a K-pop act (four shows in total).
Their achievements reinforce BLACKPINK’s global dominance and the group’s unparalleled appeal in both domestic and international markets.
By returning for a second tour run in Kaohsiung, BLACKPINK also became the first K-pop act to hold multiple world tours in the same city, proving their lasting influence and strong fanbase.
Economic and Cultural Significance
The success of BLACKPINK’s concerts illustrates the powerful intersection of music, tourism, and city branding.
Concerts like these generate substantial revenue for local businesses, stimulate transportation networks, and position cities like Kaohsiung as international cultural destinations.
Moreover, BLACKPINK’s presence highlights the global appeal of K-pop, emphasizing its ability to draw massive international audiences and foster cross-cultural exchange.
Fans traveling from around the world contribute not only to ticket sales but also to the broader economy, including hospitality, food services, and retail.
The concerts also promote the city’s cultural identity, as seen in coordinated citywide decorations and fan-centric activities.
This synergy of entertainment and urban promotion benefits local communities and establishes Kaohsiung as a vibrant, globally recognized hub for music tourism.
BLACKPINK’s Enduring Influence
BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE tour in Kaohsiung has proven that the group is more than a musical sensation; they are a transformative force capable of shaping both economic and cultural landscapes.
From revitalizing local businesses to setting new records and engaging political leaders, their impact is multifaceted and long-lasting.
As BLACKPINK continues to tour and release music globally, cities around the world can anticipate economic boosts, cultural enrichment, and unprecedented tourism growth whenever the group performs.
Kaohsiung’s record-breaking experience is a testament to BLACKPINK’s power as global superstars, and their ability to create experiences that resonate far beyond the concert stage.
BLACKPINK is not just “in your area” — they are shaping the world wherever they go.
