James McAvoy Reflects on Bonding with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen on ‘X-Men’ Set
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James McAvoy recently opened up about a unique bonding experience he had with acting legends Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen on the set of ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. The Scottish actor, known for his roles in various films and plays, shared an insightful anecdote during his appearance at New York Comic Con.

McAvoy revealed that he had the opportunity to spend quality time with Stewart and McKellen, who portrayed Professor X and Magneto, respectively, in the X-Men franchise. Despite expecting a casual hangout session, McAvoy found himself engaged in an unexpected activity with the esteemed actors.

During a break in filming, McAvoy recounted entering the trailer to find Stewart cooking and McKellen relaxing. The conversation soon turned to theatre, particularly Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, as both Stewart and McKellen began reciting their favourite lines from the play.
As someone who had recently completed a run of ‘Macbeth’ in London’s West End, McAvoy was taken aback when invited to join in on the impromptu recital. However, he struggled to recall the lines, while Stewart and McKellen effortlessly exchanged excerpts, showcasing their theatrical prowess.
The camaraderie between the actors extended beyond the shared recitation of Shakespearean dialogue. McAvoy expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to connect with Stewart and McKellen, highlighting the rare crossover between the two generations of X-Men casts.
Having worked alongside Michael Fassbender, who portrayed Magneto in the later X-Men films, McAvoy valued the chance to meet their predecessors from the original cast. This crossover provided a unique bonding experience, bridging the gap between the different iterations of the beloved superhero franchise.
Stewart and McKellen’s return to the X-Men series for ‘Days of Future Past’ brought together old and new faces, creating a dynamic blend of talent on screen. The mutual respect and friendly banter between McAvoy and Stewart off-screen mirrored their characters’ complex relationship in the film.
Reflecting on interactions with fans, McAvoy shared a lighthearted moment from Comic Con where he joked about fans praising him over Stewart. The playful rivalry between the actors added an extra layer of camaraderie to their professional relationship.
As fans eagerly anticipate future projects involving these talented actors, McAvoy’s account of his time spent with Stewart and McKellen offers a glimpse into the bond shared among colleagues in the entertainment industry. The enduring legacy of the X-Men franchise continues to unite actors from different eras, creating memorable moments both on and off the screen.
In conclusion, James McAvoy’s experience of reciting ‘Macbeth’ with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen showcases the power of shared interests and camaraderie in fostering connections among actors. Their collaborative spirit transcended the boundaries of time and character roles, leaving a lasting impression on McAvoy and fans alike.
