'X-Men Apocalypse' news: Magneto gains new abilities

X-Men: Apocalypse poster 20th Century Fox

Erik Lehnsherr aka Magneto (Michael Fassbender) is already one of the most powerful mutants in the "X-Men" film universe but as showcased in a concept art (via Entertainment Weekly), it appears he will become even more powerful than before. 

The concept art showcases Magneto testing his new powers, causing a scene of massive destruction. Beside him is the titular villain Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), Storm (Alexandra Shipp) and Psylocke (Olivia Munn).

Director Bryan Singer explains that Magneto's new powers are a gift from Apocalypse himself.

"One of Apocalypse's many powers is he can imbue other mutants with greater ones," Singer explained. "Magneto is demonstrating a small taste of what he can do now. Magneto is already enormously powerful... Now Apocalypse gives him powers far beyond what we've seen before."

The full extent of his new powers are still unknown but Magneto's primary ability is to manipulate any kind of metal. It is likely he will now be able to manipulate even heavier sets of metal and at farther distances, giving him more control over his domain. While unlikely, he may also gain new powers unrelated to his domination over metal material.

According to a report from Screen Rant, Magneto and the rest of Apocalypse's team might prove as the ultimate test against the new, younger team of X-Men. It is also possible that in the end, Magneto, Storm, Psylocke and Angel (Ben Hardy) might leave Apocalypse in order to aid the fledgeling heroes that save the world.

It is worth noting that the concept art showcasing Magneto is reminiscent of the concept art for "X-Men: The Last Stand." The film was originally envisioned as an "end of the world" type of destruction film before Singer left the project. It appears that the concept for massive destruction will instead be used in "X-Men: Apocalypse."

"X-Men: Apocalypse" opens on May 27, 2016.

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