Summary
- Sir Patrick Stewart has been cast in an exciting new comic book TV show, potentially overshadowing his return as Professor X in the MCU.
- The upcoming Netflix adaptation of Vault Comics’ Barbaric features Stewart as the voice for Axe, promising a unique fantasy experience with dark comedy.
- While Stewart’s portrayal of Professor X has been iconic, the MCU needs to handle his character carefully to avoid diminishing his legacy.
Sir Patrick Stewart has been cast in an upcoming comic book TV show that could be better than the possible return of Professor X in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The beloved actor Sir Patrick Stewart has appeared in some of the biggest movie franchises of all time, including Star Trek, X-Men, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Charlie’s Angels. Because Marvel sold the X-Men rights to 20th Century Fox in 1994, Stewart’s version of Charles Xavier wasn’t considered part of the MCU; however, in March 2019, Disney acquired Fox. Suddenly, Marvel could incorporate Patrick Stewart’s Professor X into their movie empire.
This came to fruition in the 2022 movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where Sir Patrick Stewart played a variant of Professor X who dies at the hands of Scarlet Witch. He’s also rumored to return again in the upcoming movie Deadpool and Wolverine, though details have remained under lock and key. Despite the excitement surrounding his potential return as Charles Xavier, Patrick Stewart was just cast in another comic book adaptation, which has the potential to be more exciting than another Professor X cameo.
Patrick Stewart’s Upcoming Barbaric Show Could Be A Great Comic Book Adaptation
Stewart Is Cast As The Voice For Axe In Barbaric
On July 11, 2024, news broke that Netflix is adapting Vault Comics’ Barbaric into a TV show starring Sam Claflin as Owen the Barbarian and Patrick Stewart as Axe. The comic series follows a barbarian named Owen who gets cursed to help others and do the right thing with the help of his sentient weapon, Axe, who is bloody thirsty and angry. If the show is as good as the comics, Barbaric has the potential to land among Patrick Stewart’s best movies and TV shows.
Barbaric was one of 2021’s best comic books because of its unique take on fantasy and its dark comedy tone. The characters are also complex, well-developed, and relatable. Owen might have to help others, but that doesn’t change his surly, tired, jaded attitude. Moreover, Owen and Axe have a strong dynamic. Netflix has all the makings of a great comic book adaptation. The streaming giant just needs to pull together a creative team that can execute the brilliance of the comic book. The prospects look excellent with two powerhouse actors and Oscar-nominated writer Sheldon Turner onboard.
Patrick Stewart Doesn’t Need Another Professor X Return After Divisive MCU Appearance
Sir Patrick Stewart is undoubtedly one of the best comic book actors of all time. His reign as Professor X helped bring the X-Men into the Hollywood mainstream, and his performance deserves all the accolades. However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe needs to be extremely careful with how it uses Sir Patrick Stewart lest it ruin an incredible thing. His performances were superb before his divisive MCU cameo, but his Doctor Strange role felt out of place. The character’s presence felt like fan service rather than having a legitimate purpose.
Personal love for the character aside, Marvel would be better off making Wolverine and Deadpool Stewart’s last appearance as Professor X in the MCU. At least with that movie, the mutant leader has a clear connection to the story. If that potential cameo is executed well, Sir Patrick Stewart’s version of Professor X can go out on a high note rather than overstaying his welcome.
