X-Men: Days of Future Past brings the ensemble cast of First Class and the original trilogy together, promising an ultimate mutant (old and young) face-off against a common enemy.
To stop a catastrophe in the future, Wolverine is sent back in time to alter the past. Playing a major role in this ambitious time-travel adventure is the mutant leader, Magneto. Oscar nominees Michael Fassbender and Sir Ian McKellen, reprise their roles as the young and old versions of the character. The duo spoke to us about bringing the iconic character to life once again.
This time around, Magneto is a far cry from the bitter leader of the faction that want mutants to take over the human race, a role Sir Ian last played eight years ago in The Last Stand (2006). Says he, “Magneto is a bit more temperate in this film than he’s been in the past. The old rivalry, the old antagonism has gone and he’s changed. He’s come to a point where he has to do what’s right for everyone, and he realises he needs his allies,” he says.
Adds McKellen, “It was easy to get back to playing Magneto – getting into those clothes, boots, and them putting me up on wires, because he still has his powers.” Michael Fassbender who plays the young Eric Lehnsherr/ Magneto stated, “Sir Ian is a legend. I was surprised and happy at the same time at how well both timeframes interweave. Bryan (Singer; the director) has realised it excellently.”
