Sir Ian McKellen Slips Up, Reveals Massive ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Spoiler
Ian McKellen may have revealed more than he meant to while talking about his return to the Marvel universe. During a recent interview, the veteran actor appeared to drop a major spoiler connected to Avengers: Doomsday, one of Marvel’s most closely guarded projects.
The moment happened during a conversation with Jake Hamilton on the YouTube show Jake’s Takes. While speaking casually about his recent work, McKellen suddenly said that he destroyed New Jersey the other day. Almost right away, he seemed to realize he had gone too far and added, I probably shouldn’t have said that.
Ian McKellen accidentally reveals that Magneto destroys New Jersey in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’
— Avengers Updates (@AvengersUpdated) January 31, 2026
“Oh, I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
(via @JakesTakes) pic.twitter.com/ezQzQf2nrs
The comment quickly caught the attention of fans online. Even though it sounded like a slip, the line suggested a large-scale event involving Magneto, the character McKellen plays. Hamilton did not follow up or ask for details and instead moved the interview forward. Many viewers saw that as a respectful choice, since Marvel actors are known for strict rules around spoilers.
The interview continued with McKellen talking about stepping back into the role of Erik Lehnsherr for the first time since 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. He shared how much he enjoyed working again with Patrick Stewart, who returns as Professor X. The two actors have shared the screen for years across multiple X-Men films and are closely linked to those roles.
After the clip spread online, fans began to speculate about what the New Jersey comment could mean. Some pointed to the MCU series Ms. Marvel, which established that Kamala Khan lives in New Jersey and also revealed that she carries the X-Gene. That connection led to theories that Magneto could be searching for new mutants. While Iman Vellani has not been officially announced as part of the Avengers: Doomsday cast, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has said that not all cast members have been revealed yet.
Avengers: Doomsday is expected to bring together a massive group of characters from across the Marvel universe. Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are among several returning favorites.
Outside of Marvel, McKellen remains very active. In January 2026, he performed a limited stage show in London called Stories, Stage & Shakespeare to support the Orange Tree Theatre. He also recently appeared in An Ark, a mixed-reality theater project in New York that blended live performance with digital effects.
McKellen is also preparing to return to another famous role. He has confirmed that he will play Gandalf again in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Filming is expected to begin in May 2026, with Andy Serkis directing. The project is reported to use digital de-aging so returning actors match their earlier appearances.
Avengers: Doomsday is directed by the Russo Brothers and is set for release on December 18, 2026. The cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn. Whether McKellen’s comment was a real spoiler or a harmless slip, Marvel fans are now watching closely for what happens next.
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