Ian McKellen Reveals How He Channeled Trump Hatred for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Scene

Sir Ian McKellen recently shared a humorous behind-the-scenes anecdote from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, detailing how he got into character for one of Magneto’s most intense scenes.

During an appearance at the Cinema in Piazza event in Rome, as reported by The Guardian, McKellen discussed the upcoming Marvel film and how directors Anthony and Joe Russo encouraged him to infuse more anger and intensity into a scene featuring large-scale destruction.

Returning as Magneto in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, McKellen is reprising one of the most iconic roles from the X-Men franchise. He reminisced about filming a sequence where Magneto wreaks havoc, stating, “They got me at one point to destroy New Jersey,” while addressing the audience.

The directors felt that McKellen needed to convey even more fury during the scene. They aimed for the destruction to feel both personal and emotional, rather than just powerful. “They told me to look more furious: make it look as if you hate what you’re destroying,” he recounted.

To tap into the right mindset, McKellen imagined a specific target. “So I stood there and I shouted: ‘Mar-a-Lago!’”

This remark garnered attention since Mar-a-Lago is the private Florida resort owned by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has owned the property since 1985, using it as both a residence and a venue for political gatherings.

McKellen’s joke is not surprising given his history of critiquing Trump. Over the years, the actor has openly opposed several policies linked to the Trump administration, particularly those affecting LGBTQ+ rights.

In 2017, McKellen criticized the administration’s stance on LGBTQ+ protections, deeming the changes unnecessary. He reiterated 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 remarked at the time.

The Rome event also touched on other major franchises. McKellen confirmed he is preparing to head to New Zealand for ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’.

Once again portraying Gandalf, a role he has held for over two decades, McKellen mentioned that several familiar faces are expected to return, including Andy Serkis as Gollum, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, and Lee Pace as Thranduil.

Discussing the new film, McKellen hinted that audiences can expect something different from previous ‘Lord of the Rings’ narratives.

“Tell a story that I don’t think Tolkien wrote,” he said while discussing the project.

Fans can look forward to seeing McKellen reprise two of his most beloved roles. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, while ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ is anticipated for release on December 17, 2027.

McKellen seems to be relishing both returns, and he certainly found a memorable way to channel Magneto’s anger during filming.

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