Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday: Using Ian McKellen To Correct The Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver Origin Story

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday has faced significant criticism for its handling of Wanda and Pietro Maximoff's origins. Their introduction, lacking the depth and nuance established in the comics, left many fans feeling unsatisfied. This article proposes a bold solution: casting the legendary Ian McKellen as a pivotal figure in their backstory, potentially rescuing this crucial element of the MCU and its connection to the X-Men universe. We'll explore how McKellen's presence could add depth, nuance, and ultimately, save the narrative of Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday.

The Problem with the Current Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver Origin Story

Inconsistent Portrayals: A Disconnect from the Source Material

The MCU's portrayal of Wanda and Pietro's origins deviates significantly from the rich tapestry of their comic book counterparts. This inconsistency undermines their character development and weakens the overall narrative.

• Lack of Magneto's Influence: In the comics, Magneto is a central figure in Wanda and Pietro's lives, shaping their understanding of the world and their powers. The MCU's omission of this crucial element leaves a significant gap in their backstory.
• Unexplained Power Acquisition: The sudden and unexplained manifestation of their powers in the MCU lacks the gradual development and emotional weight portrayed in the comics. This rushed introduction diminishes the impact of their abilities.
• Rushed Character Development: The MCU's portrayal feels hurried, failing to explore the complexities of their relationship with their father and the trauma they experienced.
• Disconnect from Established X-Men Lore: The lack of a clear connection to the established X-Men lore further isolates their story and diminishes their significance within the larger Marvel universe.

Missed Opportunities for Character Depth: Exploring Trauma and Sibling Bonds

The current portrayal fails to delve into the psychological trauma Wanda and Pietro experienced, leaving their motivations and actions underdeveloped.

• Lack of Exploration of Childhood Trauma: The absence of a detailed depiction of their childhood experiences severely limits our understanding of their motivations and emotional struggles.
• Underdeveloped Sibling Bond: The close bond between Wanda and Pietro is a defining aspect of their character arc in the comics. The MCU fails to adequately explore the strength and depth of this relationship.
• Missed Opportunities for Exploring Moral Ambiguities: Their moral complexities and struggles with their powers are barely touched upon, resulting in less compelling and nuanced characters.

Ian McKellen as a Solution: A Mentor Figure for Wanda and Pietro

Magneto's Presence, Without the Antagonism: A Nuanced Portrayal

Casting Ian McKellen as a reformed Magneto offers a unique opportunity to rectify these shortcomings. Instead of portraying him as the traditional villain, McKellen could embody a more complex and nuanced version, secretly guiding and mentoring Wanda and Pietro from the shadows.

• A Nuanced Portrayal of Magneto: McKellen's acting prowess would allow for a compelling portrayal of a Magneto grappling with his past actions and striving for redemption.
• A Focus on Mentorship and Redemption: This approach allows for an exploration of a powerful father-child dynamic without resorting to stereotypical villain tropes.
• A More Believable Path to Their Powers: Magneto's guidance could provide a more logical and believable explanation for the origin and development of their powers.

Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Manipulation: A Deeper Understanding of Their Abilities

McKellen's Magneto could also provide a crucial exploration of the ethical implications of manipulating mutant genes, enriching the narrative and adding intellectual depth.

• Explanation of Their Mutant Abilities: Magneto's scientific expertise could offer a detailed explanation of their powers, grounding them within the established lore of the X-Men universe.
• Exploration of Scientific and Ethical Dilemmas: This allows for a mature exploration of the scientific and ethical considerations surrounding genetic manipulation and the consequences of such actions.
• A More Responsible and Mature Handling of Genetic Manipulation: The story could address the potential dangers and ethical responsibilities associated with wielding such powerful abilities.

Strengthening the Connection to the X-Men Universe: Bridging the Gap

McKellen's inclusion organically bridges the gap between the Avengers and X-Men storylines, creating a more cohesive and compelling cinematic universe.

• Seamless Integration of the Maximoffs into the X-Men Lore: This approach creates a natural and logical connection between the two franchises, enriching the overall narrative.
• Creates Anticipation for Future Crossovers: The inclusion of McKellen as Magneto sets the stage for exciting future crossovers and collaborations between the Avengers and X-Men.
• Resolves Inconsistencies in the MCU Timeline: It provides a narrative framework to address the inconsistencies between the MCU's portrayal of Wanda and Pietro and their established comic book origins.

The Narrative Impact of McKellen's Casting

Elevated Emotional Depth: Enhancing Character Arcs

McKellen's acting prowess would elevate the emotional depth and complexity of Wanda and Pietro's story, creating more believable and relatable characters.

• More Believable Character Motivations: A deeper understanding of their past experiences would lead to more believable and relatable character motivations.
• Deeper Emotional Resonance: McKellen's performance would add a layer of emotional depth and nuance, creating a more powerful and engaging storyline.
• Improved Character Arcs: Their character arcs would be significantly enriched, leading to more satisfying and meaningful conclusions.

Increased Fan Engagement: Capitalizing on Iconic Casting

The casting of Ian McKellen would generate significant excitement and anticipation among fans, leading to increased engagement and positive media coverage.

• Positive Media Coverage: The casting of such an iconic actor would generate significant media attention and positive reviews.
• Increased Hype Around the Movie: The announcement would create a buzz among fans, leading to increased anticipation and excitement for the movie.
• Potential for Greater Box Office Success: The increased hype and positive media coverage could contribute to greater box office success.

Conclusion

Reimagining the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's origin story in Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday using Ian McKellen offers a powerful opportunity to rectify past narrative flaws and enrich the characters’ development. By incorporating a reformed Magneto as a mentor, the MCU can deliver a more nuanced, emotionally resonant, and ultimately satisfying story. This approach not only addresses past criticisms but also strengthens the connection to the broader X-Men universe, creating a more cohesive and compelling cinematic experience. Let's make this happen – demand a better Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday origin story for Wanda and Pietro with Ian McKellen!