Ian McKellen Welcomes Anthony Mackie to the Marvel Family on 'Avengers Doomsday'

Some on-set encounters become just as memorable as the scenes that make it to the big screen, and that’s exactly what happened when two generations of superhero royalty met for the first time. San Diego Comic-Con had many headline-making reveals this year, but a personal story from the set of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

This story features Anthony Mackie, who has spent over a decade building his Marvel legacy, starting from Sam Wilson’s introduction as Falcon to his current role as the new Captain America. Mackie is known for his candid and humorous interviews, often sharing behind-the-scenes moments that show how even seasoned MCU veterans can feel starstruck when meeting certain legends.

This time, the legend was Ian McKellen, the 87-year-old actor returning to the franchise as Magneto for ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’ Mackie shared their first meeting on set in an interview with SuperHeroHype, recalling how McKellen greeted him with a warm “Hello, son,” prompting Mackie to express how incredible it was to work with him.

The exchange only got sweeter from there. Mackie recounted that McKellen asked what role he was playing in the film, and when Mackie proudly stated he was Captain America, McKellen responded with genuine warmth, calling it wonderful and affirming that he deserved it.

Anthony Mackie recalls meeting Ian McKellen for the first time while filming ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’:

“I go to Ian McKellen, he goes, ‘Hello, son.’ I’m like, ‘Ian McKellen, sir. You’re amazing. It’s amazing to work with you.’ He goes, ‘So what are you doing in the film?’ and I’m… pic.twitter.com/TuNvwKPkSS

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For Mackie, whose transition into the Captain America role following Chris Evans’ departure has sometimes drawn mixed reactions from fans, receiving validation from an actor as esteemed as McKellen clearly meant a lot. It’s moments like these that humanize massive blockbuster productions, reminding audiences that even A-list stars can feel starstruck around each other.

McKellen’s return as Magneto carries significant weight, having originated the role back in 2000’s ‘X-Men’ and remaining one of the character’s most iconic portrayals. His presence in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ alongside Mackie’s Captain America highlights how monumental this crossover event is for the franchise.

Directed by the Russo brothers and set for release on December 18, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is uniting an enormous ensemble that includes McKellen’s Magneto and Patrick Stewart’s Professor X alongside the current MCU roster, all facing off against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. This scale allows for countless opportunities for unexpected and meaningful encounters between actors sharing a set for the first time.

Mackie joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe back in 2014’s ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ gradually progressing to his current role as the franchise’s leading man. Having someone like McKellen, whose Marvel legacy predates the modern MCU by over a decade, offer such validation feels like a full-circle moment for a character who has evolved significantly from his early days as Falcon.

Fans online have reacted enthusiastically to the story, viewing McKellen’s warm response as an unofficial stamp of approval for Mackie’s Captain America journey. Given the scrutiny surrounding the character’s transition since Evans stepped away, moments like this resonate with audiences seeking reassurance that the new era is in capable hands.

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