James Marsden is officially back as Cyclops in Avengers: Doomsday, and he used his latest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to finally come clean about it after previously denying he was involved.
During the interview, Kimmel called Marsden out for “lying” the last time he was on the show, and Marsden admitted he did it because Marvel secrecy left him trying to avoid getting into trouble.
Marsden said he can talk about it now because fans have already seen it (watch below), confirming that he is returning as Scott Summers and that the new costume is based on Cyclops’ original comic book look, which marks a big shift from the black leather uniforms used in Fox’s earlier X-Men movies.

James Marsden Says He Lied To Avoid Marvel Trouble
Jimmy Kimmel opened the segment by joking that he felt “confusion and betrayal” after Marsden denied his involvement the last time he appeared on the show.
Marsden admitted he is not a great liar and said he had to play dumb because with Marvel projects, actors can’t really say anything before the studio is ready.
He even joked that he was trying to avoid “litigation” from Marvel by keeping quiet.

Cyclops Gets A Comic-Accurate Costume
One of the bigger takeaways from the interview is that Marsden says Cyclops is finally getting a costume closer to the comics.
He explained that the original X-Men movies had the team dressed in black leather suits that were tight and restrictive, which made it hard for the actors to move and did not exactly make him feel like a superhero.
Marsden recalled filming the first movie with Hugh Jackman near the Statue of Liberty and said both of them were tripping over a small retaining wall because the costumes were so restrictive.
He said the new Doomsday suit feels completely different, adding that putting it on felt “very cool” and made him feel proud.
The Visor Still Comes With One Big Problem
The new costume may look better, but Marsden also said there is still one downside to playing Cyclops.
He explained that the visor makes it hard for him to see, joking that he “can’t see again” while wearing it.
Watch the video:
Cyclops Joins Avengers: Doomsday
Marsden’s return is part of Marvel bringing back multiple members of the original X-Men cast for Avengers: Doomsday.
The movie is currently set for release on December 18, 2026.







