Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart Explain Their Friendship

Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, who reprise their roles as Professor X and Magneto in the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past, have become the Internet’s favorite bromance. From selfies around New York wearing bowler hats to the wedding photos of McKellen officiating Stewart’s marriage ceremony, the two fellows have become the Bert and Ernie of the online world.

But why are these two acting legends such good pals? Yahoo Movies UK got James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, who once again play younger versions of Xavier and Magneto in the new movie, to ask them. Stewart took more of an earnest approach, explaining their friendship is rooted in “both our differences and our similarities.” While they have different educational backgrounds and sexual orientations, they are both, “passionate about Shakespeare and being in the theater and we went to the [Royal Shakespeare Company] to learn our jobs… and we are mutant superheroes!”

When McKellen was asked about their differences, he had a cheekier take: “He has a terrible hairy back.” But he too has a delightful take on their true friendship: Watch the video to hear.

X-Men: Days of Future Past opens Friday.