Ian McKellen Explains Why He Channeled Trump Hatred For This ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Scene
Sir Ian McKellen has shared a funny behind-the-scenes story from Avengers: Doomsday, revealing how he got into character while filming one of Magneto’s biggest scenes.
The actor spoke about the experience during an appearance at the Cinema in Piazza event in Rome, according to The Guardian. While discussing the upcoming Marvel movie, McKellen explained how directors Anthony and Joe Russo wanted him to bring more anger and intensity to a scene involving large-scale destruction.
McKellen is returning as Magneto in Avengers: Doomsday, marking another appearance for one of the most famous characters from the X-Men franchise. During the event, he recalled filming a sequence in which Magneto was causing major damage. “They got me at one point to destroy New Jersey,” McKellen told the audience.
The actor then explained that the directors felt he needed to look even angrier while performing the scene. They wanted the destruction to feel personal and emotional rather than simply powerful. “They told me to look more furious: make it look as if you hate what you’re destroying,” McKellen said.
To help himself get into the right mindset, the actor imagined a specific target. “So I stood there and I shouted: ‘Mar-a-Lago!’”
The comment drew attention because Mar-a-Lago is the private Florida resort owned by U.S. President Donald Trump. The property has been owned by Trump since 1985 and is often used as both a residence and a location for political meetings and events.
McKellen’s joke is not entirely surprising given his history of criticizing Trump. Over the years, the actor has openly spoken against several policies associated with the Trump administration, especially regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
Back in 2017, McKellen criticized the administration’s approach to LGBTQ+ protections and called the changes unnecessary. He later continued his criticism during an interview with The Times of London in 2024.
“I have not seen him live. But he’s one of the worst public speakers there has ever been. Whether he’s reading a script or not, it’s so patent what he is,” McKellen said at the time.
The Rome event was not only about Marvel, however. McKellen also spoke about another major franchise he will soon return to. The actor confirmed that he is preparing to head to New Zealand for work on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
McKellen will once again play Gandalf, a role he has portrayed for more than two decades. Several familiar faces are expected to return for the film, including Andy Serkis as Gollum, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, and Lee Pace as Thranduil.
Speaking about the new movie, McKellen hinted that audiences will see something different from previous Lord of the Rings stories.
“Tell a story that I don’t think Tolkien wrote,” he said while discussing the project.
For now, fans can look forward to seeing McKellen back in two of his most famous roles. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026, while The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is expected to be released on December 17, 2027.
McKellen appears to be enjoying both returns, and he clearly found a memorable way to channel Magneto’s anger during filming.
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