Magneto
Magneto is a mutant leader seeking world domination.
In the comics: Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Magneto debuted – along with the X-Men – in X-Men #1 in 1963. Magneto is the name assumed by Max Eisenhardt, who is a Jewish Holocaust survivor. Max settled in Ukraine with a woman he escaped Auschwitz with, had a daughter and changed his name to Magnus. On manifestation of his mutant powers, however, he faced new persecution, leading to the death of his daughter and his wife’s decision to leave him while pregnant with twins. It transpires that these children are Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. He relocates to Israel, befriends Professor Xavier, and discovers the two hold opposing views about the role of mutants in the world.
In the movies: The character of Magneto has featured in no less than six live-action feature films – all associated with the X-Men. These portrayals see Magneto as a Holocaust survivor determined to enable mutant superiority over the human race. To achieve his goal, he is entirely willing to sacrifice innocent mutants and humans.
Powers: Magneto takes his name from his ability to manipulate electromagnetic fields – from objects as large as asteroids to matter on a molecular level. He can create and issue electromagnetic pulses, and as a result can generate a force-field around himself that renders him almost invulnerable to harm. He also uses a helmet that protects him from telepathic attack. Magneto, like most supervillains, benefits from a genius-level intellect.
Enemies: Though Magneto has occasionally fought alongside the X-Men as an ally, he is essentially their arch-nemesis. In addition to clashing regularly with that team, Magneto has faced Baron von Strucker, Hydra, the Avengers, the Inhumans, the Defenders, and Doctor Doom, among others.
Casting: In animation, Magento has been voiced by John Stephenson, Michael Rye, Earl Boen, David Hemblen, Christopher Judge, Tom Kane, Maurice LaMarche, Ron Halder, and Banjo Garcia. In live-action, he is currently portrayed by Sir Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender – depicting two different stages of his life – both of whom are confirmed for X-Men: Apocalypse in 2016.