Ian McKellen sparked excitement and controversy earlier this week when he claimed that his character Magneto destroys New Jersey in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. The iconic actor, known for his role in the X-Men series, surprised fans with this revelation, drawing attention from Marvel’s anti-spoiler teams. McKellen reiterated this spoiler during a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he not only confirmed the scene but also humorously acted it out.
Behind the Scenes of the Spoiler Moment
During his appearance on Colbert’s show, McKellen described the moment in detail. He explained how he was standing, striking a signature Magneto pose with outstretched arms as the wind blew through his hair. The director instructed him over loudspeakers to look “more furious,” which McKellen performed with gusto, even gnashing his teeth. When told to shout the worst thing he could think of, McKellen jokingly shouted “Mar-lar-go!” and pondered aloud whether that might get him banned from the U.S.
“I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying Magneto destroys New Jersey,”
McKellen said on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
“He says, ‘Shout the worst thing you could possibly think of!’ so I said ‘Mar-lar-go!’ Will I be allowed back in the country?”
Ian McKellen, Actor
Upcoming Projects and Fond Memories
Beyond Avengers: Doomsday, McKellen confirmed he will be filming The Lord of the Rings prequel, Hunt for Gollum, in New Zealand next summer, likely in July. Fans had speculated about his return as Gandalf, and McKellen’s comments have now solidified those hopes. The interview also touched on McKellen’s memories of meeting Christopher Lee, who played Saruman in the original Lord of the Rings films. McKellen recalled a dinner where Lee mentioned reading the novels annually and confessed he had always believed he should play Gandalf himself. Whether Lee’s remark was serious or playful remains uncertain.
“He was a very nice man indeed and I think that was a joke, but maybe not.”
Ian McKellen, Actor
What the Spoiler Means for Fans and the Franchise
McKellen’s candid moment adds a surprising layer of intrigue for Marvel fans eagerly awaiting Avengers: Doomsday. While spoilers often risk diminishing a film’s impact, the actor’s playful reenactment keeps the mood light despite the intense plot hint. With shooting underway and McKellen balancing work on multiple major projects, audiences can anticipate seeing his powerful performances again soon. The humorous jab about possible U.S. travel restrictions only highlights how even seasoned actors must navigate the high-stakes environment of blockbuster secrecy. The coming months will reveal how the Avengers saga unfolds and whether the New Jersey destruction scene becomes a pivotal cinematic moment.
Ian McKellen reenacts a moment from the set of ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’ with the Russo Brothers.
(via https://t.co/D1jqq5kKih) pic.twitter.com/W475EWcOyo
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) February 5, 2026
