In a major double announcement from the worlds of awards and blockbuster cinema, Scottish actor Alan Cumming is set for a spectacular 2026. He has been confirmed as the host for the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards and will also make a thrilling return to the Marvel universe.
Taking the Helm at BAFTA's Biggest Night
The entertainment industry portal Deadline reported that Alan Cumming will preside over the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on February 22, 2026. The event is scheduled to be held at the iconic Royal Festival Hall in London. Cumming, a celebrated stage and screen performer who won an Olivier Award for 'Cabaret', is no stranger to the BAFTA stage, having hosted the organisation's television awards last year.
He steps into the role following fellow Scottish actor David Tennant, who hosted the film awards for the past two consecutive years. Expressing his excitement, Cumming hinted he plans to bring a dose of playful "mischief" to the proceedings. Emma Baehr, BAFTA's executive director of awards and content, praised the host's "sharp wit, warmth and vibrant energy".
The awards process is already in motion, with the first round of voting having opened on December 5. Film enthusiasts can expect the longlists to be revealed on January 9, 2025, followed by the official nominations announcement on January 27, 2025.
A Superhero Return in Avengers: Doomsday
Simultaneously, Cumming is gearing up for a massive return to superhero cinema. He is confirmed to reprise his fan-favourite role of Kurt Wagner, aka Nightcrawler, in the upcoming Marvel Studios film 'Avengers: Doomsday'. Cumming first portrayed the teleporting mutant in the 2003 film 'X2: X-Men United' and has not played the character since.
This marks a significant reunion, as he will share the screen again with his original X-Men co-stars in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The ensemble includes:
- Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier / Professor X
- Ian McKellen as Magneto
- Rebecca Romijn as Mystique
- James Marsden as Cyclops
A Star-Studded Marvel Ensemble
Marvel Studios recently unveiled the colossal cast for 'Avengers: Doomsday', which merges established MCU heroes with new faces from the recently integrated X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises. According to the studio's social media announcement, the cast features a powerhouse lineup:
The core Avengers team includes Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Letitia Wright (Black Panther), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), and Winston Duke (M'Baku).
Adding to the excitement, actors from the anticipated 'Thunderbolts' movie—Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), and Wyatt Russell (US Agent)—are also on board. Furthermore, Channing Tatum will finally make his Marvel debut in the film, after being attached to a solo 'Gambit' project for years.
The First Family of Marvel, the Fantastic Four, will be represented by Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as The Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as The Human Torch.
'Avengers: Doomsday' is slated for a global theatrical release on May 1, 2026. It will be followed by its sequel, 'Avengers: Secret Wars,' scheduled for May 7, 2027.
For Alan Cumming, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year, placing him at the centre of both cinematic celebration and superhero spectacle.
