Marvel Studios’ perfect Magneto casting choice has just opened the door for his return as the Master of Magnetism in the MCU. As perhaps the most notable enemy of the X-Men in Marvel Comics, it seems inevitable that Erik Lehnsherr’s Magneto will be reintroduced to the MCU alongside the mutant superhero team. Magneto was previously a central figure in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men franchise, and the same may be the case again, but Marvel Studios needs to get Magneto’s casting in the MCU absolutely right if he’s to be an effective, terrifying and complex villain.

Magneto made his first appearance in Marvel Comics in 1963’s The X-Men #1, and has persisted as the X-Men’s greatest foe, but also, more recently, a staunch ally, as he and Professor X are two sides of the same coin. Magneto is an incredibly commanding and formidable character whose almost-unlimited gift of the manipulation of magnetism and metal will change the power status of the MCU forever. Previously portrayed by Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender in Fox’s X-Men franchise, Magneto may be completely altered for the MCU, but, after recent comments, he could be far more familiar than many expect.

Michael Fassbender Is Open To Returning As Magneto

Michael Fassbender Has Changed His Tune On Bringing Magneto Back

Speaking to Collider in the wake of the successful release of Deadpool & Wolverine, which brought Fox’s X-Men franchise characters into the MCU proper, Michael Fassbender commented on the potential of him portraying Magneto again. “Never say never,” Fassbender notes, suggesting that he would be open to reprising the role in the MCU. While it’s very possible that Fassbender could return to portray his version of Magneto from Fox’s X-Men franchise, there’s also potential that he could be cast as the MCU’s official Magneto.

Well, you know, I loved working with Hugh [Jackman]. You know, he’s an absolute gentleman; he’s so talented, and I’m a big fan of Ryan [Reynolds] and what he’s done with the
Deadpool
series – probably my favorite out of all the, sort of, Marvel characters. So, yeah, you know, I’m always open to things, you know, I approach it always like that. Right now, I’m focused on [
The Agency
], and, you know, prepping for season 2, and getting ready for that. So, it’s just time, you know. Also, I’ve got two little boys, I wanna be available to them and be around, so right now my focus and energy is really gonna be on
The Agency
, but never say never.

This is different from Michael Fassbender’s previous comments about possibly returning as Magneto. Speaking to Inverse in November 2023, Fassbender noted that he feels like “it’s done,” and revealed on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast that he views his Magneto career as a “fantastic run.” All these comments seemed to underline the idea that Fassbender would never reprise the role, but the German-Irish actor has now suggested his return might be more likely than first thought, and it would be great if this was a permanent fixture.

Michael Fassbender Would Be The Perfect Magneto In The MCU

Michael Fassbender Was The Best Magneto In Fox’s X-Men Franchise

While many have called for a Jewish actor to portray Erik Lehnsherr in the MCU, and Michael Fassbender doesn’t fit this criterion, he has already proven just how incredible his version of Magneto can be, and his German roots make him a worthy casting choice for the MCU’s official Master of Magnetism. Michael Fassbender first appeared as Magneto in 2011’s X-Men: First Class, and portrayed the character for eight years, meaning he already has a great deal of experience as the villain. Unlike Ian McKellen, however, Fassbender is still young enough to portray Magneto for several years in the MCU.

While Ian McKellen was celebrated as Magneto in the original X-Men trilogy and X-Men: Days of Future Past’s future-set scenes, Michael Fassbender became a fan-favorite as the iconic villain. Fassbender delivered Magneto’s power and intimidating nature perfectly, while also perfectly demonstrating the villain’s more vulnerable and exposed sides. This would be brilliant to see in Magneto in the MCU, so Michael Fassbender is a clear candidate to portray the new version of the Master of Magnetism, particularly when many variants across the multiverse have already been played by the same actor.

Michael Fassbender’s MCU Magneto Can Be More Comic-Accurate Than His X-Men Franchise Counterpart

Marvel Studios’ Magneto Will Likely Be More Faithful To His Comic Counterpart

While Michael Fassbender delivered a remarkable and memorable performance as Magneto in Fox’s X-Men franchise, this wasn’t the most comic-accurate interpretation. Fassbender’s Magneto was too much of a hero, but Fassbender reprising the role in the MCU could introduce Magneto as a formidable villain, while still keeping Erik Lehnsherr and Charles Xavier’s former friendship front-and-center. Magneto will surely be crucial to the MCU’s upcoming X-Men projects, and it would be fantastic to see Michael Fassbender explore new sides to his iconic Marvel villain.

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