Marvel Studios' perfectMagnetocasting choice has just opened the door for his return as the Master of Magnetism in theMCU. As perhaps the most notable enemy of the X-Men in Marvel Comics, it seems inevitable that Erik Lehnsherr’s Magneto will be reintroduced to the MCU alongside the mutant superhero team. Magneto was previously a central figure in 20th Century Fox’sX-Menfranchise, and the same may be the case again, but Marvel Studios needs to getMagneto’s casting in the MCUabsolutely right if he’s to be an effective, terrifying and complex villain.
Magneto made his first appearance in Marvel Comics in 1963’sThe X-Men #1, and has persisted as the X-Men’s greatest foe, but also, more recently, a staunch ally, as he and Professor X are two sides of the same coin. Magneto is an incredibly commanding and formidable character whose almost-unlimited gift of the manipulation of magnetism and metal will change the power status of the MCU forever. Previously portrayed by Ian McKellen andMichael Fassbender in Fox’sX-Menfranchise,Magneto may be completely altered for the MCU, but, after recent comments, he could be far more familiar than many expect.
2000
2003
2006
2011
2013
2014
2016
2019
Michael Fassbender Is Open To Returning As Magneto
Michael Fassbender Has Changed His Tune On Bringing Magneto Back
Speaking toColliderin the wake of the successful release ofDeadpool & Wolverine, which brought Fox’sX-Menfranchise characters into the MCU proper, Michael Fassbender commented on the potential of him portraying Magneto again.“Never say never,“Fassbender notes, suggesting that he would be open to reprising the role in the MCU. While it’s very possible that Fassbender could return to portray his version ofMagneto from Fox’sX-Menfranchise, there’s also potential that he could be cast as the MCU’s official Magneto.
Well, you know, I loved working with Hugh [Jackman]. You know, he’s an absolute gentleman; he’s so talented, and I’m a big fan of Ryan [Reynolds] and what he’s done with theDeadpoolseries - probably my favorite out of all the, sort of, Marvel characters. So, yeah, you know, I’m always open to things, you know, I approach it always like that. Right now, I’m focused on [The Agency], and, you know, prepping for season 2, and getting ready for that. So, it’s just time, you know. Also, I’ve got two little boys, I wanna be available to them and be around, so right now my focus and energy is really gonna be onThe Agency, but never say never.
This is different from Michael Fassbender’s previous comments about possibly returning as Magneto. Speaking toInversein November 2023, Fassbender noted that he feels like"it’s done,“and revealed on theHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcast that he views his Magneto career as a"fantastic run.“Allthese comments seemed to underline the idea that Fassbender would never reprise the role, but the German-Irish actor has now suggested his return might be more likely than first thought, and it would be great if this was a permanent fixture.
Michael Fassbender Would Be The Perfect Magneto In The MCU
Michael Fassbender Was The Best Magneto In Fox’s X-Men Franchise
While many have called for aJewish actor to portray Erik Lehnsherr in the MCU, and Michael Fassbender doesn’t fit this criterion, he has already proven just how incredible his version of Magneto can be, and his German roots make him a worthy casting choice for the MCU’s official Master of Magnetism.Michael Fassbender first appeared as Magneto in 2011’sX-Men: First Class, and portrayed the character for eight years, meaning he already has a great deal of experience as the villain. Unlike Ian McKellen, however, Fassbender is still young enough to portray Magneto for several years in the MCU.
Casting Magneto’s Brotherhood Of Mutants For The MCU’s X-Men Saga
There are several perfect candidates to perfectly bring Magneto’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants to life as antagonists in the MCU’s X-Men projects.
While Ian McKellen was celebrated as Magneto in the originalX-Mentrilogy andX-Men: Days of Future Past’sfuture-set scenes, Michael Fassbender became a fan-favorite as the iconic villain.Fassbender delivered Magneto’s power and intimidating nature perfectly, while also perfectly demonstrating the villain’s more vulnerable and exposed sides. This would be brilliant to see inMagneto in the MCU, so Michael Fassbender is a clear candidate to portray the new version of the Master of Magnetism, particularly when many variants across the multiverse have already been played by the same actor.
Michael Fassbender’s MCU Magneto Can Be More Comic-Accurate Than His X-Men Franchise Counterpart
Marvel Studios’ Magneto Will Likely Be More Faithful To His Comic Counterpart
While Michael Fassbender delivered a remarkable and memorable performance as Magneto in Fox’sX-Menfranchise, this wasn’t the most comic-accurate interpretation.Fassbender’s Magneto was too much of a hero, but Fassbender reprising the role in the MCU could introduce Magneto as a formidable villain, while still keeping Erik Lehnsherr and Charles Xavier’s former friendship front-and-center.Magnetowill surely be crucial to theMCU’s upcomingX-Menprojects, and it would be fantastic to see Michael Fassbender explore new sides to his iconic Marvel villain.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
