Fans Are Rallying for ‘9-1-1’ Star Anirudh Pisharody to Play Nightcrawler in ‘X-Men’
Casting iconic comic book characters is always a hot topic, and Marvel’s anticipated ‘X-Men’ reboot has sparked significant discussion this month. Since Marvel Studios began revealing casting choices at D23, fans have been analyzing each announcement, celebrating some selections while vocally advocating for others they believe should be included.
This excitement has been building across social media, where hashtags and fan-created mockups have turned into an unofficial casting call for roles yet to be confirmed by Marvel. Nightcrawler, the beloved teleporting mutant, has become one of the most discussed characters among fans.
Recently, a viral thread responding to Variety’s D23 casting announcement has positioned ‘9-1-1’ actor Anirudh Pisharody as the leading candidate for the role of Kurt Wagner. The hashtag #teamanirudh has gained traction as fans argue he is “the right choice” for Nightcrawler.
This buzz coincides with Marvel’s gradual introduction of its new mutant team. At D23, the studio confirmed Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Christopher Abbott as Professor X, and Maya Boyd as Storm, with Adam Driver cast as the villain Mister Sinister. Notably, Nightcrawler and several other key mutants were absent from this lineup, leaving fans to speculate about potential casting.
Pisharody is widely recognized for his role as Ravi Panikkar, a probationary firefighter who has become a reliable presence at Station 118 on ‘9-1-1,’ a character he has portrayed since Season 4. His visibility has increased over time, with appearances in ‘Never Have I Ever’ and the stage production ‘How I Met Your Masi,’ making him a familiar face to fans beyond the superhero realm.
He has also expressed his desire to enter the superhero genre for years. When discussing his acting aspirations, Pisharody mentioned his eagerness to portray a superhero, stating that he has been actively pursuing this opportunity through interviews, social media, and even by reaching out to Marvel directly, as reported in comments to Poptized. This enthusiasm has only intensified the push from fans advocating for his casting as Nightcrawler now that Marvel’s casting process is underway.
Nightcrawler holds significant importance in the franchise’s live-action legacy. Alan Cumming first portrayed the character in 2003’s ‘X2,’ and he is set to reprise the role in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ alongside other Fox-era veterans like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Rebecca Romijn. Kodi Smit-McPhee also depicted a younger version of Nightcrawler in the 2010s prequel trilogy, meaning that whoever steps into the role for the reboot will inherit a character with a passionate and opinionated fanbase.
This passion has been evident in the responses to the viral casting thread, with supporters and skeptics engaging in lively debates over who should take on the role. While some fans have suggested alternative candidates, Pisharody’s supporters have remained steadfast, highlighting his existing fanbase and expressed enthusiasm for a comic book role as compelling reasons for Marvel to consider him seriously.
Whether Marvel Studios is taking note of this online buzz remains uncertain, and no formal audition or offer has been reported. However, based on Marvel’s history with fan-driven casting movements, from viral petitions to social media campaigns that eventually succeeded, it’s clear that Pisharody’s fans are not planning to back down anytime soon.
As more ‘X-Men’ casting news is anticipated in the coming months, all eyes will be on whether Nightcrawler’s next chapter will go to a name already cherished by comic book enthusiasts.
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