Ian McKellen reveals Magneto’s damage potential in Avengers: Doomsday.

After 26 years of embodying the master of magnetism, you’d think Ian McKellen would be tight-lipped about upcoming superhero projects. However, the X-Men veteran, who is set to join the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday, has let slip some intriguing details about Magneto’s role in the highly anticipated sequel, potentially stirring up some trouble for New Jersey.

In a recent chat on Jake’s Takes, McKellen shared his fondness for the character he has portrayed five times in the original X-Men series. “I didn’t realize how popular he was,” he admitted. “I thought he was the villain, but it seems people appreciate his attitude. It was a blast working with those younger actors who were so confident in their roles from various films.”

Reflecting on his debut as Erik Lensherr in the 2000 film, McKellen recalled, “I remember the camera behind me, my hands raised, and at that moment, two police cars in front of me were lifted by cranes. When I dropped my hands at a signal, the cars dropped. These were not special effects.” He then hinted at the kind of action we can expect in Avengers: Doomsday. “Nowadays, I think things will be a bit easier, though. I did destroy New Jersey the other day. Oh, I probably shouldn’t have said that.”

The destruction McKellen mentioned likely ties into the X-Men teaming up with heroes from Earth 616 after Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) makes his entrance into their reality. Following the release of the latest X-Men-focused trailer, it seems they have their own challenges, with Cyclops (James Marsden) battling Sentinels in an intense showdown. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until December 18, 2026, to see the aftermath of Magneto, some fellow X-Men, and the strongest heroes of Earth-616 joining forces in Avengers: Doomsday.