Michael Fassbender’s Magneto is one of the most iconic portrayals of a comic book character for a reason. The actor has done justice to the character in more ways than one, embodying the very essence of his motivations and actions. There are several reasons why audiences love his version as much as they do, however, the most significant is the fact that the actor understands his character the best.
Several interviews can attest to this fact about his portrayal. One such example would be the time Fassbender was asked about his favorite scene of his character from his first film. The actor’s answer showcases exactly why he should revive the role in the new era of the MCU’s Mutant Saga.
Michael Fassbender’s Favourite Magneto Scene
In the first half of X-Men: First Class, there is quite a memorable scene for Michael Fassbender’s Magneto that has stayed iconic for the years to come. The scene opens with the character entering a bar, walking up to the bartender, and ordering a beer. However, it ends in a bloody brawl, with everyone on the ground and at least two of them having been exposed as Nazis.
The scene was impactful in several ways, as it showcased the anger that Erik holds within himself, and how far he is willing to go to get what he wants. It also showcases the glimpse of a broken and battered child, who had everything taken away from him by a regime that he could do nothing about. This early understanding of his character made the audience feel extremely conflicted about him.
Understanding that although his actions were violent, they did not come from a malicious origin. Due to this, it has been regarded as one of the most iconic moments for his character in the first film. Considering this, it is not surprising that Fassbender also feels similarly, as he revealed during an interview with IGN.
One’s fairly early in the film, when you are introduced to him and he’s on this sort of hunt. He’s on a trail blaze of Nazi killing. He’s trying to tighten the screws to pinpoint where Shaw is.
The actor mentioned he loved the cathartic expression he must have felt when he hurt those people. Even though it was morally wrong, he understood that Erik Lehnsherr was too far gone to care about niceties and manners. He had his world taken away from him so he shall return the same to those who hurt him.
Michael Fassbender Should Come Back
Considering just how great of an understanding Michael Fassbender has of Magneto, it is difficult to imagine someone else filling the place he left, even though he had the same challenge with Ian McKellen. The actor brought the right amount of vengeance to his performance, not being overtly violent and unhinged to steer audiences away from him and alter the age rating of the film.
At the same time, his performance did not feel like a kids’ version of a menacing character. He knew exactly how to pull off a performance that would make children fear him and adults understand him. With this in mind, fans have been quite worried about who will be filling his shoes in the new Mutants Saga of the MCU. Since more and more characters are entering the franchise, Magneto’s introduction is inevitable.
However, Disney has been known to nerf iconic characters into caricatures of their former selves. Considering the fact that the X-Men’s story revolves around Erik Lehnsherr and Charles Xavier, there is little room for error when it comes to these characters.
Although bringing back pieces of the past has been criticized by fans to the highest degree, there are some risks that just might pay off. Bringing back Fassbender to play the role of an integral character in the next phase of the franchise, a character that he has already played to perfection, would be one of the best decisions made by Kevin Feige.
Additionally, if James McAvoy into the equation would only add to the franchises’ appeal, being similar to the return of Hugh Jackman as the Wolverine.
