Key takeaways:
• Michael Fassbender described the fundamental differences between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto during an interview.
• He portrayed Magneto as a character driven by revenge, contrasting with Xavier’s softer side.
• Fassbender admires Sir Ian Mckellen’s portrayal of Magneto, but decided to paint a new canvas with the character, not only following McKellen’s footsteps, but also incorporating elements from comic books and the film’s script.
Unpacking Michael Fassbender’s Take on Magneto
Michael Fassbender stepped into the role of Erik Lehnsherr, famously known as Magneto, in the 2011 movie X-Men: First Class. This marked a reboot or rather, a prequel to the original 2000 film that cast Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto. Fassbender analyzes his character, shedding light on the conflicts and differences between Magneto and his friend-turned-antagonist, Charles Xavier.
Fassbender’s Unique Perspective on Character Dynamic
During an interview with IGN, Fassbender is asked to talk about the dynamic between Xavier and Magneto, characters played by James McAvoy and himself respectively. Fassbender humorously suggested Xavier was driven by his attraction to humans, perhaps hinting at the relationship between Xavier and Moira MacTaggert in the film. In contrast, Fassbender painted Magneto as a character fueled by vengeance and a strong pro-mutant stance.
Drawing Inspiration from McKellen, Yet Striking a New Path
When asked about stepping into Magneto’s shoes after McKellen, Fassbender openly expresses his admiration for the veteran actor’s performance in the X-Men franchise. But he didn’t want to simply recreate McKellen’s portrayal of the character; instead, he was keen to “paint a new canvas.”
Fassbender Goes Beyond the Silver Screen
Beyond McKellen’s interpretation, Fassbender drew inspiration from the comic books that gave life to the X-Men and the very script of the film that depicted Magneto as a mutant bent on revenge. This illustrates Fassbender’s commitment to understanding his character and portraying him in a way that reflects his motivations and goals.
The Path Ahead for Magneto
Fassbender’s portrayal of Magneto added a fresh take on the iconic character, creating a Magneto who is deeply driven by vengeance and the protection of mutant rights. As fans of the franchise, we learned more about the character than ever before, aiding our understanding of the longstanding conflict between Magneto and Xavier.
X-Men: First Class remains accessible for stream on Disney+. Michael Fassbender’s insights into the characters provide an interesting perspective for both new viewers and long-standing fans to revisit the movie in a new light. He took on Magneto’s mantle with great flair and left his unique mark on the character. Whether or not more X-Men films are on the horizon, Fassbender’s performance as Magneto continues to be celebrated in the world of comic book film adaptations.
