Sir Ian McKellen, a towering figure in both cinematic and theatrical worlds, captivated an audience of 2,000 film enthusiasts at Rome’s Cinema in Piazza festival on Sunday night. The esteemed actor graced the open-air screening with advance footage from the highly anticipated superhero blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday, marking a significant return for his iconic X-Men character into the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film, slated for a December release, is positioned as the 39th feature in the MCU and a direct sequel to the record-breaking 2019 film Avengers: Endgame, which garnered an astonishing $2.8 billion at the global box office, solidifying its place as the second highest-grossing film of all time.
The presence of McKellen, alongside fellow veteran actor Sir Patrick Stewart, in Avengers: Doomsday has generated considerable buzz among fans, signaling a potential convergence of disparate cinematic universes and a reunion of beloved characters. The directors of Avengers: Endgame, Anthony and Joe Russo, are once again at the helm, promising a narrative that will likely build upon the epic scale and intricate storytelling that defined their previous collaboration. The inclusion of the X-Men, characters previously primarily associated with a separate film franchise, within the MCU framework represents a major strategic move by Marvel Studios, potentially broadening the narrative possibilities and fan engagement for future projects.
During his engaging address to the Roman audience, McKellen shared vivid anecdotes from his experience on the set of Avengers: Doomsday. He recounted a particular scene where he was tasked with a destructive act, stating, "They got me at one point to destroy New Jersey." In a moment that drew laughter and applause, he rose to his feet to re-enact the scene, explaining how the directors urged him to channel greater fury. "They told me to look more furious: make it look as if you hate what you’re destroying," McKellen recalled. With dramatic flair, he then bellowed, "Mar-a-Lago!" This improvised outburst, a pointed political jab directed at a prominent real-world landmark, injected a moment of unexpected levity and contemporary relevance into the discussion of a fictional blockbuster.
Beyond the blockbuster revelations, McKellen also took the opportunity to introduce one of his personal cinematic treasures: Jacques Tati’s 1953 comedic masterpiece, Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday. The 87-year-old actor reminisced about his formative years, describing watching the film as a 14-year-old with a companion. His voice softened with emotion as he confessed, "More than a friend, really. I was in love with him. We held hands through the whole film." This poignant personal reflection underscored the profound impact of cinema on individual lives and artistic development.
McKellen eloquently elaborated on the enduring appeal of Tati’s titular character, Monsieur Hulot, drawing parallels to other titans of silent and comedic cinema. "He’s a character every bit as powerful as Chaplin’s Tramp, or Buster Keaton or Roberto Benigni," McKellen asserted. He further highlighted Hulot’s influence, noting, "He’s the inspiration for Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean." The setting of the Cinema in Piazza festival, described by McKellen as "us all gathered together in the open air and a balmy evening to watch the film," perfectly encapsulated his sentiment, deeming it "a perfect way to watch this particular film." This sentiment speaks to the communal and timeless joy that classic cinema can still evoke.
A Resurgent Career and Multifaceted Engagements
Sir Ian McKellen is currently experiencing a remarkable career renaissance, marked by a diverse array of high-profile projects and public engagements. This period of renewed activity follows a challenging incident in 2024 when he sustained an injury after falling from the stage during a production of Player Kings. Despite this setback, McKellen has demonstrated remarkable resilience and continued artistic output.
This year alone has seen significant professional milestones. He garnered widespread critical acclaim for his performance in Steven Soderbergh’s latest film, The Christophers, earning rave reviews from critics. Simultaneously, McKellen has been involved in an innovative video stage installation in New York, showcasing his willingness to explore new artistic mediums.
His recent public activities further underscore his continued engagement with the arts and society. Last month, he officiated the opening of a new performing arts centre in County Durham, a significant cultural development for the region. In a powerful display of his commitment to social justice, McKellen joined a march advocating against the criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in Commonwealth countries, lending his prominent voice to a crucial global human rights issue. Last week, he further honored theatrical heritage by unveiling an English Heritage blue plaque at the former London residence of the legendary actor Sir Laurence Olivier, a fitting tribute to a fellow titan of the stage.
A Glimpse into Middle-earth’s Future
Adding another layer of excitement to his already packed schedule, McKellen revealed his imminent departure for New Zealand. There, he is set to reprise his beloved role as the wizard Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. This forthcoming film, produced by Peter Jackson and directed by Andy Serkis, who will also reprise his iconic portrayal of Gollum, promises to delve deeper into the rich lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. McKellen offered a tantalizing preview of the narrative, stating that the film "is going to tell a story that I don’t think Tolkien wrote," suggesting an expansion or reinterpretation of existing lore that is sure to intrigue fans of the franchise.
The Cinema in Piazza: A Beacon of Cultural Revitalization
McKellen’s appearance was a highlight of the Cinema in Piazza festival, a celebrated annual event that transforms Rome’s public spaces into vibrant hubs of cinematic celebration. Organized by the Piccolo America Foundation, this free series of open-air screenings and Q&A sessions is a testament to grassroots cultural activism. The foundation was established by a group of young activists who, in 2012, occupied an abandoned cinema to actively combat the gentrification threatening the city’s cultural landscape. Their initiative has since blossomed into a significant cultural event, attracting international stars and a diverse local audience. This year’s festival also features appearances from acclaimed directors like Edgar Wright and acclaimed actress Léa Seydoux, further cementing its status as a premier cultural gathering. The festival’s success exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives in preserving and promoting cinematic arts, offering accessible cultural experiences to a broad public.
The strategic inclusion of Avengers: Doomsday footage at such a prestigious and community-focused event speaks volumes about Marvel Studios’ broader outreach strategy. By connecting with established cinematic icons and engaging with diverse cultural platforms, the studio aims to broaden its appeal beyond its core demographic and foster a deeper appreciation for the artistic contributions within the superhero genre. The collaboration with McKellen, a performer whose career spans decades and genres, serves to bridge the gap between classic cinema and contemporary blockbusters, highlighting the continuity of storytelling and the enduring power of captivating performances.
The decision to integrate characters like the X-Men into the MCU narrative, facilitated by actors of McKellen’s caliber, is likely to be a significant factor in the future direction of the franchise. It opens up avenues for exploring multiversal concepts and introduces a rich tapestry of characters and storylines that were previously siloed. The success of Avengers: Doomsday could pave the way for further integration and potentially a more complex and interwoven cinematic universe, drawing from a wider range of source material and appealing to a more extensive fan base. McKellen’s involvement, therefore, is not merely an cameo but a potential cornerstone in this ambitious expansion of the MCU.
