Alan Cumming has a way of making you feel both on edge and completely at ease. On The Traitors, his flamboyant entrances and razor-sharp quips signal that chaos is imminent—a challenge, a banishment, or a midnight murder. But in conversation, the man behind the kilt is surprisingly grounded, swapping the show's dramatic tartan for a cozy sweater and sharing his thoughts with a mix of wit and humility.
For many, Cumming is a nostalgic figure—perhaps best remembered as the eccentric Fegan Floop in Spy Kids—but his career spans far beyond that. With Emmys, Tonys, and Olivier Awards to his name, plus a reputation as a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ and animal rights, he's a true industry titan. Yet, he remains refreshingly candid, admitting that he still gets nervous before performances and offering unfiltered takes on everything from reality TV to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Traitors: More Than Just a Game
Cumming describes The Traitors as a psychological experiment, not just a reality competition. Contestants are isolated in a Scottish castle, cut off from the outside world, and forced into a high-stakes game of deception. "It's got an element of Lord of the Flies—they're all in this bubble together," he explains. The pressure cooker environment reveals human nature at its most raw, with alliances forming and betrayals unfolding in real time.
One of the show's most fascinating aspects is how players gravitate toward those they perceive as similar to themselves. Careers often become a talking point early on, but Cumming dismisses the idea that certain professions guarantee success. He points to Abby, the astrophysicist from the current season, whose theories have been consistently off the mark, and notes that "gamers" from shows like The Challenge have been targeted simply for their reputations. "It's more about having instincts that don't necessarily have to do with gaming," he says.
While some fans have clamored for a version of the show that hides the Traitors' identities, Cumming believes that would ruin the experience. "The whole point is that we know who the baddies are and you can watch everybody trying to work it out," he says. That sense of superiority, he argues, is essential to the show's appeal. "We don't get to see people lying with impunity in real life, but here we do."
Returning to the MCU as Nightcrawler
Beyond the castle walls, Cumming is gearing up for his return as Nightcrawler in Avengers: Doomsday. The actor, who first played the blue-skinned mutant in X2: X-Men United, is excited to reprise the role. "It's like putting on an old pair of gloves," he jokes, though he's careful not to reveal any plot details. Fans are already buzzing about the film, especially with Doctor Doom claiming the spotlight in new posters, and the recent sneak peek during the World Series only heightened anticipation.
Cumming's casting is part of a wave of exciting additions, including Sandra Hüller in a secret role. He's also aware of the film's massive scale, calling it "superhero soup"—a mix of characters and storylines that could easily overwhelm. But he trusts the filmmakers to balance it all, and he's eager to see how Nightcrawler fits into the larger narrative.
Hollywood's Uncertain Future
When asked about the state of the industry, Cumming doesn't sugarcoat it. "There's a lot of uncertainty," he admits. With streaming platforms constantly shifting strategies and theatrical releases struggling to find audiences, he acknowledges that the business is in flux. Yet, he remains optimistic about the power of storytelling. "People will always want to be entertained, but the way we deliver that is changing."
He also hints that another memoir might be in his future. "I've lived a lot of lives," he says with a chuckle. "There are plenty of stories left to tell." Whether he's hosting a reality show, saving the world as a mutant, or writing about his adventures, Alan Cumming proves that he still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
