Sir Ian McKellen’s portrayal of X-Men villain Magneto is simply too iconic. Rousing speech before a battle might be Magneto’s way of doing things. Sir McKellen, however, is more like another X-Men character than his own. The advice he gave to X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman is proof enough of how unlike Magento he is.
If anything, Sir Ian McKellen might be more similar to Charles Xavier, commonly known as Professor X, in the way he occasionally acts as a mentor for up-and-coming actors.
Sir Ian McKellen’s Invaluable Advice To Hugh Jackman
In an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Hugh Jackman revealed how receiving Sir Ian McKellen’s counsel on his first day of filming the X-Men had a lasting impact on him. Jackman revealed that he was a bundle of nerves when shooting the first film. He said:
“I was very nervous on the first film. I started three weeks in. It was my first movie. And there was a lot going on, and there were a lot of people.”
Incidentally, Sir McKellen was also a guest on the show, and gesturing towards him, Jackman further added:
“I remember you pulling me aside and saying ‘This is a time that’s going to be uncomfortable, it’s going to feel overwhelming, but you’re in good hands and everything is going to be okay.’ It was the first day, and you saying that to me, I never, ever forgot it.’”
Sir McKellen’s reply to Jackman’s sharing the anecdote so fondly made everyone laugh. He had jokingly said:
“Don’t think I was in love with you.”
This interaction between Magneto and Wolverine is unfathomable on some level and actually proves Sir McKellen is akin to Professor Charles Xavier in spirit. Xavier spent years mentoring mutant superheroes just like The Lord of the Rings star mentored Jackman.
Sir Ian McKellen’s Advice Became Hugh Jackman’s Guiding Light
McKellen’s guidance shaped Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine. It influenced the Canadian actor to take his character beyond physicality and ferocity. Sometimes all it takes is someone to tell one that it will be alright for them. The Hobbit star became that person for Jackman. And infused in him a certain sense of belief. Through this belief, Jackman could bring some compassion and humanity to such a tough character.
Having Sir Ian McKellen impart wisdom and offer his counsel is a gesture of great significance. And what he told Jackman on his first day as Wolverine is something everyone needs to hear at various times in their lives.
Wolverine made the X-Men film franchise what it went on to become. And in some way for that, Sir Ian McKellen deserves to be thanked.
Hugh Jackman will be seen as Logan again on July 26, 2024 in Deadpool 3.
