Sir Ian McKellen won't be returning to the 'X Men' franchise.

The 76-year-old-actor - who had previously played the role of Magneto in the sci-fi movies - has confirmed that he won't be returning to the role in the much-loved Marvel series.

When asked if the rumours that he will be joining the cast on the latest film were true, Sir Ian said: ''I haven't heard that, I don't think I am, no, no, they are currently making the film and I'm not in it.

''You want to be in movies people want to see, I always thought the 'X Men' stories were superior to my taste, to any other fantasy movies.''

Opening up about how he feels about not being a part of the 'X Men' family anymore, the star said he's glad he isn't getting ''caught up in blockbusters''.

He told Digital Spy: ''I was very happy to be a part of the films but I have other things to be doing.

''I've just done 'Mr. Holmes', I just done some filming for a sitcom, a film for BBC TV with Anthony Hopkins, so there are compensations for not getting caught up in blockbusters.''