MCU: Fan casting 7 key X-Men if Henry Cavill plays Cyclops

Giancarlo Esposito as Professor X

It's impossible to wrap up this list without tipping our hats to the phenomenal Giancarlo Esposito. Now, I hear the murmurs about race-bending characters, and it's a delicate subject, but if there's one character who transcends this issue, it’s Professor X. While many have eagerly fancast Esposito as a revamped Magneto, let's pivot those thoughts towards an equally compelling role.

Picture Esposito embodying Professor Charles Xavier. Yes, traditionally, Xavier hails from a different background, but Esposito’s unparalleled depth could bring a fresh, yet faithful, interpretation to this iconic leader. His track record of playing multifaceted characters speaks for itself. He's the master of blending authority with vulnerability, precisely what the role of Professor X demands.

We all know that Charles Xavier isn't just a mutant. He's a visionary from New York, committed to the peaceful coexistence of humans and mutants. What we love is Professor X's effort to prove that those like him can be more than just feared individuals — they can be heroes. After years of leading the team, we know the comics see him and Cyclops fallout. That's what we can see in the MCU.

Now, imagine Giancarlo Esposito delivering those powerful, heart-stirring speeches. Seeing him and Henry Cavill debating philosophical differences would be amazing. Esposito's ability to portray a character that is both commanding and empathetic could bring a different version of Professor to the big screen.