In Marvel's X-Men comics, Nightcrawler was quickly established as one of the team's most likable recruits. Beneath his nominally demonic visage was a deep well of compassion and faith. And, in many ways, Nightcrawler is the best example of an X-Man -- an immigrant who embraces his new home while never forgetting his Germanic roots. When done right, he's the beating heart of the mutant franchise and a metaphor for the entire concept.
However, in Nightcrawler's previous live-action appearances, he was portrayed as a more somber character, with much of the focus paid to his appearance and his faith rather than to his personality. A new take on the character should highlight his charming aspects that quickly made him a favorite in the comics. There's even a German performer who might have the perfect combination of comic timing and quiet confidence to bring Kurt to the big screen.
Flula Borg Has the Versatility to Play the MCU's Nightcrawler
Flula Borg first made a name for himself as a dancer and online personality on YouTube before transitioning to film and television. He's appeared in a variety of productions, ranging from vocal performances on shows like Archer, Tangled: The Series and Teen Titans Go! (as Doom Patrol's Robotman) to a brief but memorable appearance as Javelin in The Suicide Squad.
The DCEU film highlights his willingness to play a joke character with a certain amount of pathos. Borg also has the physique to appear in the superhero genre and possesses a natural charm that got highlighted during his brief scenes with Harley. But more than anything, Borg is a performer, which would lend itself well to the character.
Borg's Age & Background Make Him Well-Suited for Nightcrawler
Borg's dance experience could lend itself well to Nightcrawler's fluid sense of motion, and his natural showmanship could translate easily to Nightcrawler's history as a circus performer. As a German actor playing an overtly German character, Borg also brings a global edge to the character and could bring some unique authenticity to his performance.
Borg's age could even play into his take on the character -- who could be recast not as a student at the Xavier Institute but as a teacher and active member of The X-Men. And instead of focusing on a younger Nightcrawler who wrestles with his status as a mutant, an initially older Nightcrawler could be more in line with the helpful, confident and charming hero that recently took center-stage alongside Captain America in Marvel's Judgment Day crossover.