IAN MCKELLEN - SIR IAN MCKELLEN KEEN ON MAGNETO SPIN-OFF MOVIE

SIR IAN MCKELLEN KEEN ON MAGNETO SPIN-OFF MOVIE

Sir Ian McKellen has revealed he would happy to star in a film about Magneto, his character in the X-Men franchise.

Speaking ahead of the all-night screening of the comic book trilogy at the BFI Imax cinema in London, the actor said he would be enthusiastic to appear in a spin-off movie concerning the character.

"I think it's a very good series," he told the BBC News website.

"There is a script knocking around for a spin-off, but it will be a younger Magneto, so if I were involved it would just be topping and tailing the story."

Sir Ian first appeared as Magneto in Bryan Singer's X-Men in 2000, reprising the role for two sequels.

Magneto - real name Erik Lensherr - is a mutant capable of generating magnetic fields, which allow him to manipulate metal.

Were a Magneto spin-off produced, it would not be the only film to emerge from the Marvel Comics saga.

Hugh Jackman is to reprise his role as Wolverine in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, currently in post-production and due for a May 1st 2009 release in the US.

It was announced last month that Sir Ian is to star alongside American actor Jim Caviezel in an ITV remake of The Prisoner.

Caviezel, who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ will follow in Patrick McGoohan's footsteps as Number Six while Sir Ian is to play Number Two.

Sir Ian said of the updated version of the 1960s classic: "It is witty, intelligent and disturbing.

"I am very excited to be involved."