James McAvoy fondly recalls a special moment with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen during the filming of X-Men: Days of Future Past. Portraying the young Professor Charles Xavier, McAvoy was struck by how the seasoned actors demonstrated a unique level of craft and professionalism.
At New York Comic Con, McAvoy shared an anecdote from the set where he visited Stewart and McKellen’s trailer. Stewart was cooking while McKellen was relaxing, when the conversation shifted to Shakespeare.
“I’d only finished two weeks before and couldn’t remember a single line. Meanwhile, those two were quoting their favorite bits from Macbeth back and forth. I was like, ‘Wow — it’s a different kind of actor, a different kind of machine.’”
This encounter highlighted for McAvoy the exceptional dedication and skill that Stewart and McKellen bring to their craft, merging theatrical mastery with cinematic presence.
“A different kind of actor, a different kind of machine.”
Author’s summary: James McAvoy admires Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen’s extraordinary theatrical talent and effortless professionalism, which deeply inspired him during X-Men filming.