James McAvoy addresses Christopher Abbot replacing him as Professor Xavier

James McAvoy is happy to pass the baton to Christopher Abbot.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 11, McAvoy, 47, reacted to Abbott, 40, taking over the role of Professor Xavier in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men reboot.

“Good luck to him! Good luck, good luck, good luck,” McAvoy cheered. “I just wish them well and good luck.”

McAvoy first played the younger Xavier in 2011’s X-Men: First Class, returning for Days of Future Past, Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix. His version of the character appeared alongside Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult and Evan Peters.

Marvel’s new film will feature Abbott alongside Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Maya Boyd as Storm and Kit Connor as Cyclops. Asa Germann has also joined as Angel.

Directed by Jake Schreier, the film is scheduled to arrive in theatres May 5, 2028.