Ian McKellen, reprising his iconic role as Magneto in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, may have revealed a major spoiler involving the destruction of New Jersey. At 86 years old, McKellen is the oldest actor to return in a Marvel film, marking 26 years since his debut in the original X-Men and 12 years after his last appearance in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Known for Magneto’s dramatic displays of power, McKellen suggested that Avengers: Doomsday will feature an even grander spectacle involving his character.
Ian McKellen Shares Insight on Filming Avengers: Doomsday
During an interview with Jake’s Takes, Ian McKellen reflected on working alongside younger actors in the film. He described the experience warmly, acknowledging the respectful atmosphere on set despite his veteran status. McKellen hinted at the scale of his character’s role in the movie by admitting,
“I did destroy New Jersey the other day. Oh, I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
“It was fun working with all those younger actors who were so confident about the parts they played in many other movies. Patrick and I came in as old-timers, but they were very respectful and allowed us to have comfortable seats,” Ian McKellen, Actor
“I did destroy New Jersey the other day. Oh, I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
The Role of New Jersey in Magneto’s Storyline
Ian McKellen’s remark about destroying New Jersey follows a trend of actors revealing significant set details from Avengers: Doomsday. Alan Cumming has already shared that his Nightcrawler character will battle Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, while Kelsey Grammer teased an interaction between his Beast and Reed Richards as well. These glimpses suggest that Magneto’s rampage in New Jersey will be a pivotal moment in the film.
The official X-Men trailer features Cyclops unleashing a powerful optic blast amid the ruins of the Xavier Institute while under siege by Sentinels. Rumors suggest that Doctor Doom controls these Sentinels, potentially making New Jersey the battleground where Magneto attempts to resist Doom’s forces. Although Magneto may cause significant destruction in New Jersey, he might ultimately be unable to halt Doctor Doom’s plans, prompting him to seek the help of his longtime ally Professor X in Upstate New York. The possibility of a clash between Magneto and Doctor Doom, both legendary villains of Marvel Comics, is a highlight fans eagerly anticipate.
New Jersey’s Significance Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The choice of New Jersey as the setting for Magneto’s destructive display carries added importance in the MCU. It is the home of Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel, one of the first identified mutants in this cinematic timeline, as well as the location of Westview, the key setting from WandaVision. Given that in Marvel Comics Wanda Maximoff was previously depicted as Magneto’s daughter until 2014, there is speculation that the MCU may explore this connection. Magneto’s arrival in New Jersey could involve him seeking Wanda’s variant in this timeline, possibly leading to conflict as he inadvertently destroys Westview and faces opposition from MCU heroes. This storyline could deepen the crossover between mutant and Avengers narratives, expanding the stakes beyond just a battle with Doctor Doom.
Notable Cast Members in Avengers: Doomsday
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
With such a diverse cast including heroes both old and new, Avengers: Doomsday promises a complex, eventful storyline. The inclusion of iconic X-Men figures alongside returning Marvel characters indicates a convergence of powerful forces and high-stakes drama.
Ian McKellen’s revelation about Magneto’s actions in New Jersey foreshadows significant destruction and conflict in Avengers: Doomsday. This development enhances anticipation for one of Marvel’s most ambitious ensemble films, where familiar characters confront formidable villains amid a sprawling, interconnected universe. As more details emerge, fans will be closely watching how these storylines involving Magneto, Doctor Doom, and key MCU heroes unfold.
