X-Men movie writer David Hayter reveals the oddly low-key origin behind one of Magneto’s best powers

The helmet isn’t just there to look cool

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It’s not quite the Mandela Effect. How about the Magneto Effect? Turns out, Magneto’s helmet having the ability to block Charles Xavier’s telepathic powers actually hasn’t been aroundallthat long. Instead, its origins lie in a behind-the-scenes interaction during the production of 2000’s X-Men movie.

“This happened because the director said one day, ‘Why couldn’t Xavier just make Magneto go to sleep or something?’” the movie’s writer – and OG Solid Snake voice actor – David Hayter wrote on Twitter in reply to an incredulous post about how Magneto’s telepathy blocking helmet wasn’t around until the movies.

Hayter continued, “No one had an answer. So we decided it was the helmet.”

This happened because the director said one day, “Why couldn’t Xavier just make Magneto go to sleep or something?”No one had an answer. So we decided it was the helmet.#XMen https://t.co/6Ggq3EURPRJanuary 17, 2024

So what many may have considered a key decades-old ability for Magneto (played by Ian McKellen across three movies and by Michael Fassbender in theDays of Future Pasttimeline of films) is actually a 21st Century invention.

And, yes, before you mention it: Juggernaut’s helmet in the 1990s X-Men animated seriesalsoblocked telepathic powers. But we’re talking about Magneto only here. It just took the leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants some time to catch up, clearly.

What next for the X-Men? Hugh Jackman’s Wolverineis getting suited upin this summer’s Deadpool 3, while the MCU is slowly but surely integrating mutants via other means. First, Ms. Marvelwas namechecked as one, whileThe Marvels’ post-credits scenebrings in the Fox X-Men movies into MCU canon by introducing Kelsey Grammer’s Beast.

For more, check out our guide onupcoming Marvel moviesandhow to watch the X-Men movies in order.

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I’m the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you’ll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

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