Understanding Professor X in Legion

Legion has introduced a unique take on the iconic character of Professor X, offering a different narrative than that of the X-Men movie series. This article delves into how Harry Lloyd's portrayal of Xavier compares to Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy's versions, exploring the depth and discrepancies in their characters.

Harry Lloyd's Turn as Professor X

Playing Professor X in Legion is a significant role for Harry Lloyd. As an actor, Lloyd has received praise for his performance. However, the portrayal of Professor X in Legion is notably different from the versions depicted in X-Men films and comics. Where Xavier is usually portrayed as confident and focused, Harry Lloyd's character is portrayed as unsure and in a period of discovery.

Discrepancies from Previous Versions

Sequences in Legion show that Professor X's life before the events of the show are quite different from the comics or movies. His background suggests that he was in the English Army during World War II and fought a Nazi with his powers, making him older than Magneto. Moreover, prior to his encounter with the Shadow King, he had no knowledge of other mutants, which contrasts with his upbringing with Raven in the movies.

However, his relationship with Gabrielle is quite similar to the comics. The story focuses on Professor X's new role as a father, exploring his uncertain journey in becoming a part of his people's story. This portrayal resonates well with the audience's desire for a nuanced and heartfelt depiction of a character who has been often portrayed as a jerk in recent years.

Comparing the Versions

While Legion provides an interesting take on Professor X, it is worth noting that movies such as X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Apocalypse have portrayed him in ways that are similar to the comics. When X-Men: First Class was released, it was seen as a retooled version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. However, it is important to appreciate the differences in each version of Professor X.

Conclusion

The origin story for Professor X in Legion stands out as one of the most faithful to the comics. It presents a unique version of a character who is still coming to terms with his responsibilities and identity. Fans of the character can embrace Legion's version with an open mind, ready to follow the story as it unfolds.