Former Magneto actor Michael Fassbender addresses the rumors of Denzel Washington being eyed for the iconicX-Mencharacter in theMarvel Cinematic Universe. Whilethe MCU timelineis currently focusing on The Multiverse Saga, Phase 7 is reportedly set to mark the beginning of the X-Men era in the beloved franchise. As anX-Menreboot film is in development, the MCU will have numerous mutants to recast, following Fox’s originalX-Menuniverse.
On the latest episode ofHappy, Sad, Confused, host Josh Horowitz spoke briefly with Fassbender about his Magneto chapter during the Fox-Marvel era while also looking ahead to the future. During their conversations,Fassbender was informed about the rumblings that Washington is being looked at for the role of Magneto, and the actor shared the following response:
Josh Horowitz: They’re going to cast somebody as Magneto - you got to pass the baton at some point.
Michael Fassbender: I think it’s great, I’m excited to see who does it.
Josh Horowitz: The latest crazy rumor, I don’t think this is real by the way, but Denzel.
Michael Fassbender: As Magneto? I mean, brilliant, he’s a heavyweight.
Josh Horowitz: If you’re going to pass the baton to someone-
Michael Fassbender: I don’t even think I could pass the baton [laughs]. He’s incredible!
What Michael Fassbender’s Magneto Recasting Comments Mean For The X-Men Reboot
It has been more than half a decade since he last portrayed Magneto inX-Men: Dark Phoenix, andFassbender’s comments suggest that he is ready to see the character reimagined for the next generation. Even if theX-Menprequel movies never got a proper conclusion, Marvel Studios will focus on new actors taking on these roles through the MCU. The only way Fassbender could potentially play Magneto again is through The Multiverse Saga by crossover over from his universe into Earth-616, which would likely only be for a cameo.
When it comes to the idea of Washington being cast as Magneto,it is crucial to remember that Marvel Studios have not confirmed those rumors, leaving them as unconfirmed reports. It’s also highly unlikely that Washington is being considered for Magneto, as the actor has previously revealed that Ryan Coogler is writing a role for him intheBlack Panther 3movie. Unless the nextBlack Pantherinstallment is where the MCU intends to introduce Magneto to the audience, Washington’sX-Menrumors thus currently appear to be unfounded.
Denzel Washington’s Magneto Casting Rumors Explained
While Marvel Studios have yet to reveal any direction forthe MCU version of Magneto,Washington’s original casting rumor first emerged on July 26, 2025, during an episode ofThe Hot Micpodcast, with John Rocha and Jeff Sneider. One of the major topics on the episode was the news and rumors surrounding Marvel Studios’X-Menmovie reboot. At the time, several actors had been reported for various mutant characters, although no confirmation has emerged at the time of this story’s publication.
During the segment, the duo began discussing how Washington has openly talked about being inBlack Panther 3, with the world speculating about who he is playing in the film.Sneider proceeded to say that he thinks it’s a possibility that Washington could be playing none other than Magneto inBlack Panther 3, which still remains a rumor at this point. It was never discussed, however, how Magneto would fit into the story ofBlack Panther 3, or why that would be the movie where he first gets introduced to the audience.
There is noBlack Panther 3release dateyet, as the project is still in development. The only acknowledgment there is about Washington’s ties toBlack Panther 3is throughproducer Nate Moore, who stated in an interview withScreenRantin February 2025, that"If that manifests, which we’re gonna try, I think it will probably be somebody from canon,“without stating whether this would be an X-Men character. IfBlack Panther 3or theX-Menreboot is being eyed for Phase 7, it’ll be a few years until fans see Magneto in the MCU, regardless of who is cast.
Our Take On Michael Fassbender’s Magneto Recasting Comments
Hearing Fassbender’s support for the future of Magneto, whether it is with Washington or not, is promising, as it’s always fun to hear an actor support whatever is next for the character they previously played, even if the casting process forthe MCU’sX-Menmoviehas yet to begin. Since the film currently doesn’t even have a director or release date, it might be quite a while until Marvel Studios starts tapping stars as the various mutants, assuming they don’t appear in earlier MCU films beforeX-Men. Hopefully, more updates on theX-Menreboot will emerge sooner rather than later.
Marvel’s X-Men
Marvel’s X-Men is the tentative title for the future debut of the legendary Marvel mutant superhero team in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
