Ian McKellen shared details about his return as Magneto, also known as Erik Lehnsherr, in the upcoming Marvel movie Avengers: Doomsday, revealing that the story features significant damage to New Jersey. The 86-year-old actor spoke about this development during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, highlighting the intensity of his character’s impact in the film.
Behind the Scenes of Magneto’s Fiery Return
During the interview, McKellen admitted to not fully understanding the complex plotlines of the Marvel films he appears in, but made a point to disclose,
“I don’t always understand the stories of these movies that I’m in,”
Ian McKellen
and added,
“But in this one, I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying that Magneto destroys New Jersey.”
Ian McKellen
Raising his hands as if using his powers, he apologized with a laugh,
“I’m sorry about that, New Jersey! My fault.”
Ian McKellen
To demonstrate the scene, McKellen stood up and mimicked Magneto’s magnetic abilities with enthusiasm. He described the director’s encouragement to portray more anger, explaining,
“I’m standing up pretending to do that, and the wind is blowing in my hair, and I’m putting on a fierce look, and I’m trying to be magnetic. And the director over the loud speaker says, ‘Ian, look more furious!’”
Ian McKellen
When his efforts didn’t seem intense enough, the director urged him to shout the harshest word he could think of. McKellen’s chosen outburst was unexpected:
“He said, ‘Shout something!’ I said, ‘What do I shout?’ He said, ‘Shout the worst thing you could possibly think of!’ So I said, ‘Mar-a-lago!’”
Ian McKellen
This reference was to the private residence of former President Donald Trump. Returning to his seat, McKellen humorously questioned,
“Will I be allowed back in the country?”
Ian McKellen
Colbert responded with uncertainty,
“I don’t think I’m the right person to ask for that.”
Stephen Colbert
Legacy of Magneto and Returning Cast in Avengers: Doomsday
McKellen originally portrayed Magneto in the X-Men trilogy, starring in the 2000 film X-Men, followed by X2: X-Men United in 2003, and 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand. He also appeared in later installments including 2013’s The Wolverine and 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. For Avengers: Doomsday, several original cast members are reprising their roles alongside McKellen. The returning actors include Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Alan Cumming playing Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Cyclops, and Kelsey Grammer as Beast.
Early Glimpse of Magneto’s Role in the Film
Fans were given their first look at McKellen’s Magneto in a teaser trailer released last month. In a somber voice, Magneto states,
“Death comes for us all. It’s all I know for sure,”
Ian McKellen
and continues with a reflective question,
“The question isn’t, ‘Are you prepared to die?’ The question is, ‘Who will you be when you close your eyes?’”
Ian McKellen
This dialogue hints at the darker themes Avengers: Doomsday explores as it prepares to premiere in theaters on December 18.
What Avengers: Doomsday Means for Fans and the Franchise
Ian McKellen’s return as Magneto signals a powerful revival of one of Marvel’s most complex characters. His demonstration of Magneto’s destructive force in New Jersey creates an atmosphere of tension and anticipation for audiences. With a star-studded cast reconnecting for this installment, the film promises to bring back familiar faces while introducing intense new conflicts. As Avengers: Doomsday approaches its release date, fans are eager to see how these intertwined destinies will unfold on the big screen.
