Sir Ian McKellen Accidentally Spoils Huge Moment in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Ian McKellen may have accidentally spoiled a key moment from Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday. The legendary actor, known for playing Magneto, let slip a line during an interview on Jake Hamilton’s YouTube channel, Jake’s Takes. McKellen said that he destroyed New Jersey the other day and quickly added, I probably shouldn’t have said that.
Fans immediately took notice, and the clip spread quickly online. Hamilton did not press for more information, which many viewers praised as a smart move, since Marvel actors are usually restricted from revealing plot details.
Ian McKellen accidentally reveals that Magneto destroys New Jersey in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’
— Avengers Updates (@AvengersUpdated) January 31, 2026
“Oh, I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
(via @JakesTakes) pic.twitter.com/ezQzQf2nrs
The interview also focused on McKellen returning to the role of Erik Lehnsherr for the first time since 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. He shared that it was exciting to work with Patrick Stewart again, who reprises his role as Professor X. The two actors have a long history together, appearing in the original X-Men films as well as Days of Future Past.
After McKellen’s New Jersey comment, fans began speculating about possible connections to Ms. Marvel. In the Disney+ series, Kamala Khan, played by Iman Vellani, lives in New Jersey and is confirmed to have the X-Gene. Some viewers think Magneto might be searching for her, though Vellani’s appearance in Doomsday has not been officially announced. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has confirmed that several cast members are still unannounced.
Avengers: Doomsday will also bring back many familiar faces from the MCU.
Outside of Marvel, McKellen has stayed busy. In January, he performed a small stage show in London called Stories, Stage & Shakespeare to raise funds for the Orange Tree Theatre. He also appeared in An Ark, an experimental mixed-reality theater project in New York.
Looking ahead, McKellen will return as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, starting production in May. The film will reportedly use digital de-aging technology so he and Elijah Wood can appear as their younger selves.
Avengers: Doomsday is directed by the Russo Brothers and stars Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and McKellen. It is scheduled for a December 18, release, leading into 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars. Even at 86, McKellen continues to balance major film roles with stage work, showing no signs of slowing down.
McKellen’s slip was a harmless mistake but it’s already fueling fan theories and excitement. Marvel fans are likely to debate the implications for months before the movie comes out. Do you think Magneto’s actions in New Jersey are targeting Kamala Khan, or could it be something bigger like a multiversal event? Share your thoughts in the comments.
