Who Was The Better Magneto: Sir Ian McKellen Or Michael Fassbender?

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Magneto is among the most well-known villains in the X-Men series. In the movie industry, he was first played by Ian McKellen before being substituted by Michael Fassbender for the prequel movies. While both the actors did an excellent job in their capacities, fans have long debated who was the perfect choice. This is a hard choice. McKellen’s Magneto is a quietly convincing character. He has a frightening confidence and surety as the older character, whereas Fassbender’s younger Magneto is propelled more by rage, resulting in outbursts. Both performers portray the renowned X-Men villain in compelling but very distinct ways. Thus let us dive into the big question: Who was the better Magneto:

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1) Point 1 to Sir Ian McKellen: The Original Magneto

Ian McKellen as the older Magneto in X-Men Days Of Future Past
Ian McKellen as the older Magneto in X-Men Days Of Future Past.

Magneto had been a popular comic book character for years before the X-Men ever made it to the movies. However, Ian McKellen‘s selection seemed like the most effective manner to present a live-action version of the role. McKellen helped to define the image of Magneto that many people associate with the character. While Fassbender eventually did a lot to make the character his own, McKellen’s deep and riveting portrayal definitely influenced him.

2) Point 1 to Michael Fassbender: The More Powerful One

Michael Fassbender as the new Magneto in X-Men Days of the Future Past.
Michael Fassbender as the new Magneto in X-Men Days of the Future Past.

Both Magnetos flexed a lot of strength in their individual movies, however, Fassbender‘s rendition is thought to be the more powerful of the two. While McKellen’s Magneto has his moments, Fassbender’s abilities are absolutely too spectacular to be overlooked. As a result, Fassbender’s tremendously powerful mutant gets the nod in this department.

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3) Point 2 to Sir Ian McKellen: Relationship with Professor X

The founder and leader of the X-Men, who shared a good bond with Magneto.
The founder and leader of the X-Men: Professor X, played by Patrick Stewart.

This section is clearly linked to McKellen’s Magneto being the senior one, but it’s worth mentioning. Professor X and Magneto have an extensive and intricate relationship. As we manage to see early versions of these people in the original movies, we relate with a fuller insight into their bond. Fans personally preferred this deeper connection.

4) Point 2 to Michael Fassbender: The Better Character Development

Michael Fassbender as Magneto in X-Men: Apocalypse.
Michael Fassbender as Magneto in X-Men: Apocalypse.

Michael Fassbender’s Magneto was able to initiate a significant degree of personal development due to his age and the fact that he had a collection of movies to work through. While it isn’t necessarily important to learn about the origins of popular villains, Fassbender makes it more interesting character with whom fans can sympathize as well as fear. In the films, we see him undergo enormous transformations, and many fans appreciated seeing this fresher, more complicated Magneto.

And the tie-breaker point goes to …drumroll…

5) Point 3 to Michael Fassbender: The Better Purpose

Michael Fassbender as Magneto in X-Men: First Class and Prometheus.
Michael Fassbender as Magneto in X-Men: First Class.

McKellen’s duty is straightforward: protect the temple at all costs. Fassbender’s purpose, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. After learning that Mystique’s assassination of Bolivar Trask will set in motion forces that will destroy their species completely, Fassbender is determined to go to any length to prevent this. While he desires Trask’s death, he is more concerned with proving to humanity that mutants are not to be taken lightly. He may be collaborating with Xavier and Wolverine, but he does not reflect their goals.

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Written by Alfeeya Pathan

Articles Published: 342

Alfeeya Pathan is an entertainment news writer at FandomWire. With over 4 years of experience in writing and a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication, Alfeeya has honed her skills in writing compelling news for reader's.