Ian McKellen says he imagined destroying Trump's Mar-a-Lago during ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ scene
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Ian McKellen has revealed that he imagined destroying Mar-a-Lago while filming a major action sequence as Magneto in 'Avengers: Doomsday,' recalling the moment during an appearance at an open-air film festival in Rome.
The Oscar-nominated actor shared how he used the reference to channel the intensity the directors wanted from his iconic Marvel character. His return as Magneto marks one of the most anticipated aspects of the franchise, which brings several members of Fox’s original X-Men cast into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ian McKellen reveals how Mar-a-Lago inspired Magneto scene
McKellen is reprising Magneto, one of Marvel’s most powerful and complex villains, in a project that marks a significant moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, 'Avengers: Doomsday' will also feature veteran Patrick Stewart, who returns as Professor Charles Xavier.
During his appearance in Rome, he recalled filming a destructive sequence for the film, saying, “They got me at one point to destroy New Jersey.” The actor stood up and reenacted the scene for the audience, explaining that the Russo brothers wanted him to appear even angrier as he used his powers.
“They told me to look more furious—make it look as if you hate what you're destroying,” said McKellen. To help motivate himself during the scene, he came up with his own inspiration.
“So I stood there and I shouted: ‘Mar-a-Lago!’ ” he said, referring to President Donald Trump’s Florida estate. For Marvel fans, the arrival of Magneto and Professor X in the MCU represents the realization of years of anticipation following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
He first portrayed Magneto in 2000’s 'X-Men' and remained one of the franchise’s defining figures across multiple films. His return alongside Stewart, 85, signals a new chapter for Marvel’s mutant characters as they officially join the expanding storyline.
Ian McKellen balances Marvel return with Gandalf comeback
McKellen’s return to Marvel comes during a busy period in his career. After recovering from a fall onstage while performing in 'Player Kings' in 2024, he recently appeared in Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh’s 'The Christophers.'
Marvel is not the only major franchise bringing him back. He revealed in Rome that he will soon travel to New Zealand to reprise the character Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.' The film is being produced by Peter Jackson and directed by Andy Serkis, who will also return as Gollum.
According to McKellen, the new movie will “tell a story that I don't think Tolkien wrote.” In a separate interview with Big Issue, the actor also spoke about the possibility of continuing as the character in future films.
“I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I’ll be playing him,” McKellen said adding, “When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So they better be quick!”
