Ian McKellen offers his first thoughts about returning as Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past
As McKellen makes the press rounds in support of his return as Gandalf in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, he's also offering his thoughts on reprising Erik Lehnsherr for this upcoming sequel.
"What a gas! I mean, Patrick Stewart and I have just been playing "Waiting for Godot" throughout England and in the West End of London. So, we've stayed in touch. We can't believe it [laughs]. I thought these were Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy's parts, but -- no, no -- we're back. We'll give them a run for their money."
The actor doesn't know too much about the story, despite it being based on a popular comic book run from the early 80s.
"I mean, I haven't read the script, so I don't know how much we've got to do. But, to be back in that world, and for Bryan Singer to be doing it -- with all the success he's had in the meantime -- it's wonderful. Wonderful."
Ian McKellen also commented on Michael Fassbender's turn as Magneto in X-Men: First Class.
"I thought he was exactly that: first class. Excellent. [Laughs] I thought he was better than me. But, we weren't quite playing the same character because he was so much younger than me. And the scope of Magneto, one day a Jewish actor will play it. Clearly, he's Jewish. We first meet him in at Auschwitz and there's scope for all sorts of people to pay Magneto. But, I was just the lucky guy who got to play him first."
X-Men: Days of Future Past comes to theaters July 18th, 2014 and stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman. The film is directed by Bryan Singer.
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the MovieGhost
My grandfather wasn't near as much into them as much as my uncle was @narrator. He might have liked them some, but aside from my uncle and myself, we were the only ones into Harley's and such.
What have you thought of SoA, Season by Season up until now?
6 months agoby @the-movieghostFlag
the Narrator
That's a unique way to look at the show, @the-movieghost, and a good reason to stay attached. I take it your grandfather was a biker, or was at least a fan of the lifestyle?
6 months agoby @narratorFlag
the MovieGhost
I've been following Sons ever since it's beginning back in 2008 @narrator. Funnily enough, I almost didn't watch the Pilot's premier on FX, but my Uncle had passed around that time, so I looked at Sons as more of a way to remember him as opposed to just another TV show.
6 months agoby @the-movieghostFlag
the Narrator
Thanks, @the-movieghost. I started in on the show a few years ago, during season 3 I believe. I enjoyed it, but couldn't follow it as well as I'd like, so I pushed it aside. I eventually got my friend to lone me the earlier seasons and have been digging it ever since. Fantastic show. Yourself?
6 months agoby @narratorFlag
the MovieGhost
You want to talk "greatest" @narrator? Then toss your name in the hat for having THAT as your Av. I LOVE Sons of Anarchy! How long have you been a fan?
6 months agoby @the-movieghostFlag
the Narrator
This guy's the greatest. Such a huge friend to fans and peers alike. Can't wait.
6 months agoby @narratorFlag
Mutant
long live Ian and Patrick
6 months agoby @zenderFlag
Zak Lee Ferguson
@Dark-White-Knight your a babe! :P :L hahaha
6 months agoby @Zak-Lee-FergusonFlag
Zak Lee Ferguson
MODEST is for sure @shuabert
i thought that i could imagine Fassbender turning aronud and sooner or later becoming Ian's portrayal!
6 months agoby @Zak-Lee-FergusonFlag
Josh
This is exciting. McKellan is too modest. He is first class. I can't wait to see him and Fassbender play the same character in the same film, and with Singer bringing the two universes together.
6 months agoby @shuabertFlag
gumperman
Awesome news!
6 months agoby @gumpermanFlag
Dbzfan91
Loved X-Men First Class and very excited to see these guys returning for the sequel to a prequel that will connect all the dots lol
6 months agoby @dbzfan91Flag
ROFLitschristian
I've had the biggest nard-on since this news was released. Here's to what's shaping to be the best X-Men yet!
6 months agoby @ROFLitschristianFlag
Dark-White-Knight
All hail Gandalf
6 months agoby @Dark-White-KnightFlag
Bawnian©-Dexeus
Like a Magnus
6 months agoby @bawnian-dexeusFlag