X-Men: 7 Best & 7 Worst Casting Decisions In The Franchise So Far

3. Sir Ian McKellen - Magneto

As previously noted, Sir Ian McKellen is the definitive Magneto, and it's impossible to think of anyone else in the role, just as it is to think of anyone else playing Gandalf in the Lord Of The Rings and Hobbits movies. In the end, both roles are completely owned by the classically trained actor, and it comes down to the majesty he brings to his performances. McKellen's presence is enough to command the attention entirely, and it is performances like his Magneto, particularly in the first X-Men that proves just why Hollywood was always so fascinated with the idea of casting classically trained European actors in villainous roles. In The Last Stand, Professor X's death depends entirely on McKellen's reaction, and there are relatively rare notes of vulnerability in his performance - particularly in that film - that hint at the complexities of the character. And in Days Of Future Past we see that come into full bloom: Magneto is still the powerful force, but he is jaded and scarred, and though it would have been nice to see how he got to that point, McKellen sells it so well that it isn't so much a hole as a missed opportunity to see more of him.