James McAvoy NOT returning as Charles Xavier for Marvel

James McAvoy says he is "done" with the X-Men franchise.

The Scottish actor joined the Marvel comic book universe with the X-Men prequel, First Class. From there, he would continue as Charles Xavier in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse and X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

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He received acclaim for his performance as Professor X, who was also played in that universe by Patrick Stewart.

The X-Men are set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in one of the upcoming phases, and fans are desperate to find out who will play some of the more beloved characters.

And, it seems, Marvel will need a new Xavier.

"I'm very quick to say, 'No, I'm done.' Or 'I'm not that bothered about coming back.' Because you move forward," McAvoy previously told GQ.

He continued: "It was one of the most positive experiences I've had with a studio. I don't really (see them as just) money gigs. Days of Future Past I think is one of the better films that I've been involved in."

When asked if Marvel president Kevin Fiege had spoken to him about a return, McAvoy replied:

"I've definitely not got the call. And if I did I would definitely not be telling you."

The biggest problem with the X-Men prequels

Key to the plot in the first X-Men prequel, First Class, was the relationship between Charles Xavier / Professor X and Erik Lensherr / Magneto.

The chemistry between McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in those roles was one of the main points of critical praise for the movie.

However, the subsequent movies did not feature that dynamic as much, and McAvoy thinks that was a mistake.

"My biggest criticism of what we did throughout the four movies was that after the first movie, we didn't take advantage of the relationship between (them), which really formed the backbone of the first film. So it was like, why did we just eject that massive weapon?" he asked.