Casting 30 of our favorite Marvel and DC Comics superheroes and villains
By Mark Lynch
22. Magneto
There have been two Magnetos in the movies and both of them were amazing. Ian McKellen’s older Magneto had all of the dramatic and motivational speeches with the unbelievable usage of his powers you’d expect from the Master of Magnetism. Michael Fassbender was flat-out great in everything he did. It was believable that he was Erik before he got old (despite looking forty years younger).
The next Magento is going to be judged harshly. They’ll have to combine the action of Michael Fassbender with the superior speaking and acting skills of Ian McKellen. Not an easy job, but Magneto is complicated character to play. It doesn’t matter if they portray him as young or old.
Our Dream Casting: Hugo Weaving
This was another difficult casting. I came across this pick by accident and it made sense. If you’ve ever seen V for Vendetta, then you understand. For those of you who haven’t, here’s why he’s perfect.
Hugo has mastered giving intense and moving speeches. In V for Vendetta, you couldn’t see his face, but you felt the emotions whenever he spoke. This is the epitome of Magneto. He motivates his followers with his powerful words.
Sure, Magento goes into battle as well, but he is all about inspiring mutants. Everything we saw from Ian McKellen is what we’d want and Hugo Weaving can deliver it. Weaving being bit older so it helps sell the look as well.