Out of the six main X-Men films, four have had Jean Grey play an integral part of the story.
Played by Famke Janssen in five of these films and an additional Wolverine centered outing, it’s clear she is probably best known in that role.
X-Men told us that Jean Grey, along with Storm and Cyclops, were among the first students in Xavier’s school. In the most recent X-Men movie, X-Men: Apocalypse, we have Sophie Turner in the role.
On a panel at Denver Comic Con Janssen went into detail about her time as Jean Grey.
“That was so amazing. I never knew – I don’t think any of us had any understanding of how popular our first movie was going to be and that it was gonna live on for 15 plus years,” Janssen said. “And then I certainly didn’t realize – I mean I knew Jean Grey could turn into Dark Phoenix, obviously, and that Phoenix rises from the ashes, but the fact that as Jean Grey or the Phoenix they’ve killed me, I’ve come back, I’m like a cockroach. They can’t get rid of me.”
She continues by praising her co-stars and explaining that she doubts she will return to the franchise.
“It’s the gift that keeps on, kept on giving,” Janssen said. “I think we’re done, but it was really great while it lasted and it lasted for a long time. It’s been nothing but a pleasure working not just as Jean Grey, which was such an honor because comics were so fantastic already, but then the entire cast who I got to play with, all my fellow actors, thespians who are so talented. It was just a wonderful experience. I’m very grateful.”
Having said that, at the end of the panel, she did hint at not turning down the opportunity to return as Jean if asked.
“Jean Grey is a part of me. I would definitely come back to play her whenever they ask me.”
So, never say never – but with Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart leaving the franchise for good earlier in the year (barring something crazy happening), it’s hard to see any of the original X-Men returning.
As we have Sophie Turner taking the reins going into Dark Phoenix, it would appear this is the direction Fox are going.
Jean Grey and Dark Phoenix will return to cinemas in November 2018.
Source:Denver Comic Con