8 Actors Who Were Sadly Wasted In X-Men Movies

The X-Men franchise has always managed to nab high quality performers, from proper thespians like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in the original trilogy to younger, upcoming talent like Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and James McAvoy in the prequel films.

2) Ben Foster

Recommended Videos

angel-xmen

Ben Foster isn’t a household name, but he is an intense performer, with a gift for portraying psychologically-interesting characters (for instance, his turn as a serial killer in 3:10 to Yuma). Given that, he was fascinating choice to play Warren Worthington III AKA Angel, another founding X-Man, in The Last Stand.

Needless to say, just like Page, Foster had little to do in the role. He did have a minor arc, as Warren comes to terms with being a mutant and defies his father, but it isn’t a particularly taxing storyline for the actor to portray. It would have been interesting to see more from Warren in another movie, but he unfortunately, he was yet another casualty of the change in direction for the series.

1) James Marsden

Cyclops

Found at the top of the list of common fan grievances about the X-Men movies is the underuse of Cyclops. In the comics, Scott Summers is the long-standing leader of the team. Other characters might be more interesting, but he’s so staunchly brave and heroic that you have to like him.

In the films, however, Scott is merely the gooseberry in the love story of Logan and Jean. He doesn’t even get to lead the team, with that duty often being taken on by Wolverine, Storm or even Magneto and Mystique. James Marsden is a great actor when he’s given the right material (he’s particularly gifted at comedy), but he gets nothing to grapple with as Cyclops here.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article ‘My day is ruined’: This furry surprise is every foodie’s grossest nightmare come to life
Screenshots of a post from TikTok user @funkyfrogbait
Read Article Oliver Stone’s 10 Best Films
platoon-1986
Read Article 5 Marvel characters Emma Corrin could be playing in ‘Deadpool 3’
Read Article ‘The Rings of Power’ EP promises a darker, grittier, and scarier second season
the lord of the rings sauron
Read Article What is the new student debt relief plan? How to sign up for student loan forgiveness, explained
Protest for student debt relief
Related Content
Read Article ‘My day is ruined’: This furry surprise is every foodie’s grossest nightmare come to life
Screenshots of a post from TikTok user @funkyfrogbait
Read Article Oliver Stone’s 10 Best Films
platoon-1986
Read Article 5 Marvel characters Emma Corrin could be playing in ‘Deadpool 3’
Read Article ‘The Rings of Power’ EP promises a darker, grittier, and scarier second season
the lord of the rings sauron
Read Article What is the new student debt relief plan? How to sign up for student loan forgiveness, explained
Protest for student debt relief
Author
Christian Bone
Christian Bone is a Staff Writer/Editor at We Got This Covered and has been cluttering up the internet with his thoughts on movies and TV for over a decade, ever since graduating with a Creative Writing degree from the University of Winchester. As Marvel Beat Leader, he can usually be found writing about the MCU and yet, if you asked him, he'd probably say his favorite superhero film is 'The Incredibles.'