Could Ian McKellen's Avengers: Doomsday Appearance Fix Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver's MCU Backstory?

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Current MCU Backstory Issues

The MCU's portrayal of Wanda and Pietro Maximoff's origins significantly deviates from the established Marvel Comics lore, leaving many fans feeling unsatisfied. Instead of their parentage being revealed as the powerful mutant Magneto, the MCU initially presented them as victims of Hydra experiments, minimizing their mutant heritage and their connection to a crucial figure in the X-Men universe.

• Lack of depth in their initial introduction: Their initial introduction in Avengers: Age of Ultron lacked the emotional weight and nuanced backstory their comic book counterparts possess.
• The absence of Magneto creates a narrative void: The absence of Magneto, their father, creates a significant narrative void, robbing Wanda and Pietro's story of its inherent emotional complexity and dramatic potential.
• Fans’ disappointment with the simplified, altered backstory: Many fans expressed disappointment with this simplified and altered backstory, feeling it diminished the characters and missed opportunities for compelling storytelling.
• The potential for improved character development with a more accurate origin story: A more accurate portrayal of their origins, including Magneto's role, could unlock significant opportunities for deeper character development and exploration of their complex relationship with their father.

Introducing Ian McKellen's Magneto: A Potential Solution

Casting Ian McKellen, renowned for his powerful and nuanced portrayal of Magneto in the X-Men film series, would be a game-changer for the MCU. His ability to bring depth and complexity to the role is undeniable. McKellen's Magneto isn't just a villain; he's a complicated, morally grey character capable of both immense cruelty and surprising tenderness.

• McKellen's established authority and gravitas as Magneto: McKellen embodies the character's power and magnetic presence, bringing an undeniable authority to the role that no other actor could match.
• Potential for a nuanced portrayal of a father-daughter relationship with Wanda: McKellen’s acting prowess could make the complex and often fraught relationship between Magneto and Wanda incredibly compelling. The potential for conflict, understanding, and even begrudging affection would add significant emotional depth.
• Enhanced emotional impact on audiences due to his acting skills: McKellen’s talent would elevate scenes involving Wanda, Pietro, and Magneto, bringing an emotional resonance currently lacking in their MCU depictions.
• The opportunity to explore complex themes of family and betrayal: Introducing Magneto opens doors for exploring complex themes of family, betrayal, and the nature of power, enriching the narrative significantly.

Avengers: Doomsday – The Perfect Setting

An Avengers: Doomsday scenario presents the perfect narrative framework to introduce Magneto and finally give Wanda and Pietro the origin story they deserve. The high stakes of a world-ending event provide a powerful backdrop for the intensely personal drama of their family.

• The apocalyptic setting enhances the emotional weight of the family drama: The high stakes of a global threat amplify the emotional weight of Wanda and Pietro’s personal struggles and their complicated relationship with their father.
• An event of this magnitude justifies Magneto’s arrival and intervention: A Doomsday scenario provides a plausible reason for Magneto's intervention, even if his motivations are complex and potentially selfish.
• Opportunity for intense scenes showcasing Magneto’s power and influence: The scale of a Doomsday event allows for spectacular displays of Magneto’s power, creating visually impressive scenes while furthering the narrative.
• The potential for character growth and redemption for Magneto: The Doomsday scenario offers opportunities for Magneto's character arc, potentially leading to moments of redemption or at least a more nuanced understanding of his motivations.

Narrative Possibilities

Several narrative paths could be explored. Perhaps Magneto is initially unaware of Wanda and Pietro's existence in this alternate MCU reality, only discovering their presence during the chaos of the Doomsday event. Alternatively, his involvement in their creation or experimentation by Hydra could be revealed, creating a more direct and emotionally charged connection. This could even explore if he was manipulated or unwittingly participated.

Conclusion

Incorporating Ian McKellen's Magneto into an Avengers: Doomsday storyline could significantly improve the MCU's portrayal of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's backstory, addressing the current narrative inconsistencies and adding much-needed emotional depth. By leveraging McKellen's exceptional acting skills and the high-stakes setting of a Doomsday event, the MCU could finally deliver the satisfying and complex origin story that Wanda and Pietro deserve.

Do you think Ian McKellen's Magneto could finally provide the satisfying origin story that Wanda and Pietro deserve? Share your thoughts in the comments below on how an Avengers: Doomsday scenario featuring Ian McKellen as Magneto could reshape the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver MCU narrative. Let's discuss the potential of this exciting possibility and the impact it could have on future MCU storylines! Let’s talk about Ian McKellen as Magneto in the MCU!