Blade series helmer David Goyer has signed on to direct the X-Men spinoff film Magneto, for 20th Century Fox. Goyer will develop the 2004 screenplay written by Sheldon Turner. The script included Professor X, a soldier in the Allied Forces who helps liberate Nazi concentration camps who meets Magneto after the war. They find a bond with their mutant powers, but their moral differences drive them apart. The film would take place in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The plan was for the film to explore the “psychological roots” of Magneto, kinda like Hannibal Rising did for Hannibal Lecter. And we all know how that film turned out. I’m not sure if this spin-off prequel is a good idea.

Sir Ian McKellen’s participation will be limited. McKellen has said that he would portray the character in Magneto, using the de-aging technology that was applied to him and Patrick Stewart in X-Men: The Last Stand for some of the film. We assume it would either be done using flashbacks or at the end of the story.

Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, Magneto first appeared in X-Men #1 in September 1963. The character has been the X-Men’s primary antagonist since. Depicted as one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel Universe, he possesses the ability to control magnetism. He is also one of the most morally complex characters in comic book history. A Jewish Holocaust survivor, his actions are driven by the purpose of protecting the mutant race from suffering a similar fate. While his militant actions have made him unpopular with humans, many mutants have come to view him as a savior. He has led several teams against the X-Men, including the Brotherhood of Mutants and the Acolytes.