James McAvoy Reflects on Rare Bonding Moment with Legendary Actors

James McAvoy discovered a unique bond with his legendary X-Men co-stars. The connection was forged not on a movie set, but through the words of Shakespeare. This revelation came during a recent fan convention appearance.

The actor shared a behind-the-scenes story from his time preparing for X-Men: First Class. He found common ground with Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen in an unexpected way. Their shared theatrical experience became a key moment in their relationship.

A Backstage Moment of Theatrical Magic

The moment happened in a trailer during pre-production. McAvoy was getting hair extensions for his role as a young Charles Xavier. Patrick Stewart was cooking, and Ian McKellen was relaxing in a recliner.

McAvoy had recently finished a demanding West End run playing Macbeth. He mentioned this to his veteran co-stars. According to McAvoy, McKellen immediately suggested they “do a bit” of the play together, noting Stewart had also performed the role.

Building Respect Between Generations of Actors

What followed was a humbling experience for the younger actor. McAvoy admitted he couldn’t remember his lines just two weeks after the play’s end. Meanwhile, Stewart and McKellen effortlessly traded their favorite Macbeth passages.

This display of skill left a deep impression. McAvoy described it as witnessing “a different kind of actor, a different kind of machine.” The moment built immense respect and set the tone for their collaboration. It highlighted the deep theatrical roots connecting the three performers across different generations of the X-Men franchise.

The story underscores how shared artistic passion can bridge gaps. For McAvoy, the Shakespeare bond with his X-Men mentors was more meaningful than any on-screen rivalry. It was a lesson in legacy and craft.

Thought you’d like to know

Which X-Men movie did James McAvoy first appear in?

James McAvoy first played a young Charles Xavier in *X-Men: First Class* in 2011. The film was a prequel exploring the early friendship between Xavier and Magneto.

Have Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen actually performed Macbeth on stage?

Yes, both actors have famous stage histories with Shakespeare’s tragedy. Ian McKellen played Macbeth for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Patrick Stewart performed the role in a notable production.

What did James McAvoy say about being compared to Patrick Stewart?

McAvoy joked at Comic Con that fan compliments about being “better than Patrick” resonate deeply. He has always expressed great respect for Stewart’s iconic portrayal of Professor X.

Are Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen friends in real life?

Yes, their close friendship is well-documented and spans decades. Their chemistry off-screen greatly informed their on-screen dynamic as rivals Charles Xavier and Magneto.