Tramell Tillman Reportedly Reprises William Metzger as First X-Men Movie Villain

Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men movie has reportedly identified its first villain, according to a report from The Direct. The reboot will feature Tramell Tillman reprising his role as the anti-mutant William Metzger.

Tillman first plays Metzger, the head of Damage Control, in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which opens in theaters on July 31. The same outlet reports that Tillman signed a multi-project deal with Marvel, covering his return for the X-Men film. This would create an early link between the Spider-Man franchise and the new mutant era led by Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier.

Who is William Metzger?

In the comics, Metzger is a relatively obscure character created in 1999, where he led an Anti-Mutant Militia. His brief history gives Marvel Studios a mostly blank slate to develop their own story. The report notes the studio has big plans for the character, positioning him as a grounded, non-superpowered foe focused on mutant persecution.

What about other villains?

The report also addressed recent rumors surrounding Adam Driver. While some speculation suggested Driver could play Magneto, The Direct's sources indicate he is in consideration for the villainous role of William Stryker. Like Metzger, Stryker is a non-powered antagonist, an anti-mutant preacher introduced in the 1982 graphic novel X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.

Starting with these types of villains suggests Marvel's reboot will begin on a more grounded note, saving heavy hitters like Apocalypse for later films. Schreier confirmed this spring that development is well underway, with a fresh script draft in the works from Beef creator Lee Sung Jin and The Bear showrunner Joanna Calo. Marvel Studios has not announced a release date, cast, or plot details, but updates are expected at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25.