Ian McKellen’s ‘New Jersey’ Remark Ignites ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Plot Fears

LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen has inadvertently ignited a new wave of speculation regarding the highly anticipated and already controversial plot of Marvel Studios’ upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday. During a recent interview, McKellen made a seemingly offhand remark about “destroying New Jersey,” a comment that has quickly fueled concerns among fans and industry observers about the film’s narrative direction, especially after an insider’s warning of potential fan backlash.

McKellen’s comments, made during an appearance on Jake’s Takes, came as he was reminiscing about the evolution of practical effects in filmmaking. “Nowadays, I think things will become a little bit easier — though I did destroy New Jersey the other day. Oooh, I perhaps shouldn’t have said that…” McKellen stated, according to a report by SuperHeroHype. This seemingly innocent slip immediately resonated with Marvel comic book lore, particularly the infamous Ultimatum storyline.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Plot Draws Insider Concern

The veteran actor’s remark arrives amidst growing anxiety surrounding the creative choices for both Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release in December 2026, and its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, expected in 2027. Industry tipster Daniel Richtman recently took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express significant reservations about the films’ direction. Richtman stated he had “mixed feelings” and warned that “certain decisions” in the plot could leave people “REALLY angry,” without divulging specific details.

This insider warning has amplified existing fan speculation, which includes rumors of Doctor Doom having a wife and child, a potential role for Steve Rogers in causing multiversal incursions, and the possibility of major character deaths. The combined insights suggest that directors Joe and Anthony Russo, alongside writer Stephen McFeely, are preparing to take substantial narrative risks that may not be universally well-received by audiences.

McKellen’s Comment Echoes ‘Ultimatum’ Storyline

The immediate link drawn between McKellen’s “destroying New Jersey” comment and the Ultimatum comic storyline is particularly troubling for many fans. In that notorious arc, a grief-stricken Magneto uses Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, to reverse Earth’s magnetic poles, resulting in catastrophic global devastation, including the drowning of Manhattan and the deaths of numerous heroes. The Ultimatum storyline is widely remembered for its bleak tone, shocking character fatalities, and divisive reception among comic book readers, making it a controversial source for adaptation.

While it remains unconfirmed whether McKellen’s comment was a direct reference to a plot point or merely a playful, unrelated remark, the timing and context have certainly added fuel to the fire. His recent public appearances, including a scheduled interview on Stephen Colbert, indicate a period of active media engagement, making such a spontaneous comment more plausible.

The Stakes for Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios has historically navigated fan expectations with a mix of fidelity to source material and bold new interpretations. However, the scale and significance of the upcoming Avengers films, which are positioned as the culmination of the Multiverse Saga, mean that any perceived misstep carries immense weight. The potential for a narrative that could alienate a segment of its dedicated fanbase, as suggested by Richtman and now implicitly by McKellen’s comment, presents a significant challenge for the studio.

The confluence of an insider’s stark warning and a veteran actor’s suggestive slip underscores the high-stakes creative environment surrounding Marvel’s next cinematic tentpoles, signaling that the studio may be preparing to deliver a storyline that prioritizes bold narrative choices over universal fan appeasement.