James McAvoy Reflects on Bonding with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen on X-Men Set

At the New York Comic Con, James McAvoy shared his memorable experiences while filming *X-Men: Days of Future Past* in 2014, particularly his interactions with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. McAvoy, who portrayed Professor X from 2011 to 2019, recounted a unique bonding moment with the two veteran actors, who played the same character in earlier X-Men films. He described an afternoon spent in a trailer where Stewart was cooking and McKellen was relaxing. This informal setting led to an impromptu recitation of lines from Shakespeare's *Macbeth*, a play McAvoy had recently performed on the West End.

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Despite having just completed his run in *Macbeth*, McAvoy found himself struggling to recall the lines as Stewart and McKellen effortlessly exchanged their favorite passages. He expressed a sense of humility, noting the difference in experience and skill between himself and the two seasoned actors. “I couldn't remember a single line, and these two are like banging back and forward [their] favorite bits from Macbeth,” McAvoy remarked, highlighting the impressive command Stewart and McKellen had over the material.

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McAvoy also reflected on the significance of being one of the few actors to bridge the gap between the original and newer casts of the X-Men franchise. Alongside Michael Fassbender, who played Magneto in the 2010s films, McAvoy felt fortunate to interact with the original cast members, including Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, and Anna Paquin, who returned for *Days of Future Past*.

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The camaraderie between McAvoy and Stewart has evolved into a playful rivalry over the years. At the Comic Con, McAvoy humorously noted that when fans tell him he is better than Stewart, it resonates deeply with him. This lighthearted competition has been reciprocated by Stewart, who has made jokes about their dynamic, including a quip about “burying” McAvoy when asked about stepping into his shoes. Despite the banter, Stewart has publicly expressed his respect for McAvoy, acknowledging him as a talented actor.

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• “I couldn't remember a single line, and these two are like banging back and forward [their] favorite bits from Macbeth,” — James McAvoy, Actor

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• “I have enormous respect for James McAvoy. He’s a great actor.” — Patrick Stewart, Actor

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James McAvoy's reflections on his time with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen reveal not only the personal connections formed on set but also the respect and admiration shared among actors across generations. Their interactions underscore the rich history of the X-Men franchise and the unique experiences that come with portraying iconic characters.

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