# Sir Ian McKellen Delivers Powerful Shakespearean Monologue on The Late Show
**London, 5 February 2026** – Sir Ian McKellen has captivated international audiences following a poignant appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*. During the interview, the 86-year-old veteran of stage and screen delivered a 400-year-old monologue from the play *Sir Thomas More*, using Shakespeare’s words to address contemporary issues regarding the treatment of immigrants. The performance, which has since gone viral, was described by viewers as a “stunning” appeal to human empathy.
## Magneto Returns: Avengers Spoilers Revealed
Beyond his theatrical performance, McKellen confirmed his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Magneto in the upcoming film *Avengers: Doomsday*, scheduled for release this December. During a recent podcast and his subsequent interview with Colbert, the actor accidentally disclosed significant plot details, suggesting his character is responsible for a “rampage” that results in the destruction of New Jersey.
McKellen remarked on the experience of working with a new generation of Marvel actors, noting that while he once viewed Magneto as a villain, he has come to realise that audiences “rather like his attitude.”
## Upcoming Projects and BBC Documentary
The actor is also set to collaborate with the BBC for a new documentary titled *L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes*. McKellen will portray the iconic British artist Laurence Stephen Lowry in a production described as a “compelling” look at the painter’s life and legacy.
Despite a recent minor injury sustained during a performance of *Player Kings*, which led to a brief cancellation of shows, McKellen is expected to return to the stage this week, continuing a career that has remained “non-stop” since 1961.
## Key Facts and Career Achievements
Sir Ian McKellen remains one of the most decorated actors in British history, holding a unique position in the “canon” of English performers.
| Category | Details |
| :— | :— |
| **Full Name** | Sir Ian Murray McKellen |
| **Date of Birth** | 25 May 1939 |
| **Place of Birth** | Burnley, Lancashire, England |
| **Education** | Cambridge University |
| **Major Awards** | 7 Laurence Olivier Awards, 1 Tony Award, 1 Golden Globe |
| **Oscar Nominations** | 2 (Gods and Monsters, The Lord of the Rings) |
| **Notable Film Roles** | Gandalf (LOTR), Magneto (X-Men), James Whale |
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Which Olivier Awards has Ian McKellen won?
McKellen has earned Laurence Olivier Awards for his roles in *Pillars of the Community* (1977), *The Alchemist* (1978), *Bent* (1979), *Wild Honey* (1984), and *Richard III* (1995), among others.
### Is Ian McKellen returning to the X-Men franchise?
Yes. Sir Ian McKellen has confirmed he will reprise his role as Magneto in *Avengers: Doomsday*, which is slated for a December 2026 release.
### What was the Shakespeare monologue he performed on Colbert?
He performed “The Strangers’ Case” from the play *Sir Thomas More*. The text, attributed to William Shakespeare, defends the plight of refugees and was used by McKellen to criticise “mountainous inhumanity” in modern political discourse.