When Ian McKellen was selected to play Magneto in Bryan Singer’s groundbreaking 2000 superhero film X-Men, reactions among comic book fans were mixed. Although McKellen was undeniably one of the most acclaimed actors globally at that time, his physical stature at 5’11” did not match the image fans had of Magneto, who was traditionally portrayed as a powerful and muscular figure, contrasting with Patrick Stewart’s more pacifistic Professor Charles Xavier.
Director Bryan Singer had previously worked with McKellen on his adaptation of Stephen King’s novella Apt Pupil. This existing rapport made McKellen an obvious casting choice for Singer, yet many Marvel enthusiasts expected a more imposing actor for the militant mutant leader. Before taking on Magneto, McKellen was best known for villainous roles like Richard III, where despite a commanding presence, he did not fit the typical physical mold for Magneto.
How McKellen Adapted Physically to Portray Magneto’s Strength
In the 2017 documentary McKellen: Playing the Part, the actor reflected on his performance as Magneto with some skepticism about his suitability for the role. He confessed,
“I thought at the time I wasn’t very good as Magneto, and I’ve had that confirmed,”
and added,
“If you look at the comics, Magneto is usually drawn from a low vantage point, his legs wide apart, a superhuman body of muscles and power … then there’s me, Ian McKellen.”
Typically, actors bulk up for physically demanding roles by training intensely or using enhancements, but McKellen was already in his 60s. Instead, the film’s costume and props teams compensated with padding around his chest, thighs, and calves, creating the needed muscular illusion. This physical transformation allowed McKellen to embody Magneto’s intimidating presence despite his natural physique and age.
The Emotional and Ideological Connection Behind McKellen’s Performance
McKellen’s dedication to the role extended beyond physical adjustments, as he deeply identified with Magneto’s ideological stance. As an openly LGBTQ+ activist, McKellen connected with the character’s militant defense of his people’s differences and rights. He explained,
“In any civil rights movement, there’s an argument between that and the Magneto character,”
continuing,
“[Magneto] says we’ll fight to the bitter end, we’re proud of our differences and may be violent in our defense. Our difference makes us superior. Maybe that’s like an extreme version of a Malcolm X leader.”
The Lasting Impact and Mixed Feelings Toward the X-Men Franchise
While McKellen’s portrayal of Magneto was praised by many, revisiting the X-Men films evokes difficult memories due to the sexual misconduct allegations against Bryan Singer and Brett Ratner, the director of X-Men: The Last Stand. Despite these controversies, McKellen and Patrick Stewart remain widely regarded as perfectly cast, delivering compelling performances as Magneto and Professor Xavier. For many fans, including those who longed for a quality live-action adaptation of the comics from childhood, the 2000 film fulfilled that dream.
