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Peter Maximoff
X-Men film series character
Evan Peters as Peter Maximoff in the film X-Men: Apocalypse (2016).
First appearanceX-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Last appearanceDark Phoenix (2019)
Based on
Quicksilver
by
Adapted by
Portrayed byEvan Peters
In-universe information
Affiliation
Family

Peter Maximoff is a fictional character appearing in 20th Century Fox's X-Men film series, portrayed by Evan Peters and based on the Marvel Comics character Quicksilver, a mutant with the ability to move at superhuman speed. The character appeared in the films X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), and Dark Phoenix (2019), and had a cameo appearance in Deadpool 2 (2018).[1][2][3][4]

Appearances

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Quicksilver first appears as a comic book character in X-Men #4 (March 1964) and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby.[5] The character initially appears as an antagonist to the X-Men, although before long he becomes a member of the Avengers and appears as a regular character in that title beginning with Avengers #16 in May 1965. He has made numerous other appearances in that title, and other related titles, sometimes as a member of the team, sometimes as an ally, and sometimes as an antagonist. In the early 1990s, an animated X-Men TV series for Fox Kids was successful enough to impress 20th Century Fox, leading producer Lauren Shuler Donner to purchase the film rights for the comic book characters, including Quicksilver, in 1994.[6][7]

In May 2013, director Bryan Singer announced that Evan Peters had been cast as Quicksilver in the X-Men films.[1] Peters played the character in the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past,[8] and its 2016 sequel, X-Men: Apocalypse.[9] In 2019, he reprised the role of Quicksilver in the sequel film Dark Phoenix.[10] Following The Walt Disney Company's purchase of 21st Century Fox, all X-Men-related characters were transferred back to Marvel Studios.

In X-Men: Days of Future Past, Maximoff is introduced as a mutant who can move, speak and think at supersonic speeds. Peters described Quicksilver as "very fast, he talks quick, he moves quick. Everything else is very slow compared to him, it's like he's always at the ATM waiting for the bastard in front of him to finish".[11] Costume designer Louise Mingenbach, who drew heavily from 1970s styles for most of the clothing seen in the 1973 scenes, had Peters wear 1981-inspired clothing; this was Mingenbach's way of showing Quicksilver's irreverence for the exact time and place.[12]

In X-Men: Apocalypse, the character takes on a much larger narrative role.[13] Maximoff is revealed to be the son of Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto, who is unaware of this son.[14] Peters stated of the film,

"I have learned that he's my father at this point ... It's like an adoptive child or any kind of child who has a strange father trying to ... He knows who he is now so he is trying to find him. He's been searching for him. It's been 10 years and he hasn't found him and then something happens".[14]

Peters also makes a brief cameo appearance as Maximoff in the live-action film Deadpool 2 (2018), along with other team members from Apocalypse.[15]

In Dark Phoenix, Peters described the character as more mature and subdued in the film, being focused on using his abilities for good as a member of the X-Men.[16]

Fictional character biography

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Early life

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Maximoff and his two sisters were raised by his mother, with Maximoff never having met his father. As a teenager, he uses his super speed to steal things.

Meeting the X-Men

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Further information: X-Men: Days of Future Past

In 1973, he is visited at his mother's home by a young Charles Xavier and Hank McCoy, along with a time-travelling Wolverine, who knows Maximoff from another point in time. They convince Maximoff to help them break Erik Lehnsherr out of his prison beneath the Pentagon. Maximoff does so by vibrating the glass roof of Lehnsherr's cell fast enough to shatter it, and when security guards confront them in a kitchen, Maximoff uses his super speed to disarm and disorient them before Lehnsherr can use his powers to harm the guards. Maximoff then parts with the other four before they board a plane for Paris.

Fighting Apocalypse

[edit]
Further information: X-Men: Apocalypse

In 1983, Maximoff sees news reports of Lehnsherr, now wanted as an international criminal, surfacing in Germany. Maximoff goes to Xavier's school, arriving just after the powerful mutant En Sabah Nur and his Four Horsemen kidnap Xavier, and after Alex Summers's attempt to stop them triggers an explosion that could destroy the mansion. Sensing the danger, Maximoff uses his super-speed to evacuate the building but fails to save Alex, who disappears in the explosion. During a conversation with Mystique, Maximoff reveals that he has learned the Lehnsherr is his father, and had left his mother before Maximoff was born. In the climactic battle, Maximoff fights and briefly appears to have the upper hand against En Sabah Nur, until the villain is able to trap one of Maximoff's legs in the sand and break the other. En Sabah Nur summons Psylocke to kill Maximoff, but it turns out to be Mystique in disguise, who attacks En Sabah Nur, prompting the rest of the Four Horsemen to turn against him. Later, as the X-Men watch Lehnsherr and Jean Grey rebuild the mansion, a cast-wearing Maximoff tells Ororo Munroe that he has decided not to tell Lehnsherr yet that he is his son, but that he will remain at Xavier's school. Later still, a recovered Maximoff is shown preparing to train with other X-Men to take on future threats.

Dark Phoenix

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Further information: Dark Phoenix (film)

In 1992, Maximoff accompanies several other X-Men on a mission to aid a damaged space shuttle, teleporting to the out-of-control vessel with Nightcrawler and using his super speed to rescue the astronauts on board. During the mission, however, Jean Grey is struck by an energy which amplifies her psychic powers but disturbs her emotional equilibrium. Later, when the X-Men confront a confused and distraught Grey, Maximoff almost reaches her before she is able to knock him away with her powers, seriously injuring him. He recovers shortly afterwards.

Behind the scenes

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For X-Men: Days of Future Past, Australia-based Rising Sun Pictures created a sequence considered by many reviewers the centerpiece of the film's effects, where Quicksilver uses his super speed in the Pentagon kitchen. Depicting how, to a speedster, actions in real time come down to a virtual standstill, objects float around in slow motion. After doing a LIDAR scan of the kitchen set, the digital recreation added many computer generated props—cooking gear, cutlery, vegetables and water released by a fire sprinkler system—rendered in near microscopic detail regarding placement and lighting, particularly because the footage had to work in 3D. To simulate Quicksilver running on the walls, Evan Peters and a stunt double were filmed in both the set being suspended by a harness and on a treadmill that stood in front of a chroma key green screen. Only Peters' legs were digitally replaced.[17][18][19] Director Bryan Singer shot all of Quicksilver's scenes in 3,600 frames per second to demonstrate his super-speed.[20][21] Despite the sequence only having 29 effects shots,[22] it required nearly seven months of work from RSP's team of 70 artists.[23] The sequence won two 2014 Visual Effects Society Awards, for Outstanding Effects Simulations in a Photoreal/Live Action Feature Motion Picture, and for Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a Photoreal/Live Action Feature Motion Picture.[24]

Rising Sun Pictures also provided the effects for Quicksilver's time-stopping, quick motion effects in the mansion rescue scene in X-Men: Apocalypse,[25] which was also nominated for a Visual Effects Society Award.[26]

Reception

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Screen Rant described the character as "one of the most beloved characters from the Fox X-Men movies", whose "super-speed was represented with unique and often humorous slow-motion sequences, resulting in Quicksilver becoming a fan-favorite amongst X-Men's repertoire of mutants".[27] For his performance in X-Men: Apocalypse, Peters was nominated in the 2016 Teen Choice Awards as a "Choice Scene Stealer".[28] Critic Richard Roeper wrote of that film that the "signature scene" of the film is the one in which "Quicksilver (Evan Peters) uses his super-duper-duper-duper speed to save dozens of students, all to the tune of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by the Eurythmics", describing the scene as "a beautiful, funny, exciting, altogether magical sequence — as entertaining as anything I've seen at the movies in a long time", and closing with the recommendation that "[y]ou owe it to yourself to see Quicksilver do his thing".[29]

The X-Men film series version is one of two live-action adaptations of Quicksilver, the other appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sokovian experimental subject Pietro Maximoff, who is the twin brother of Wanda Maximoff.[30] In 2021, Peters appeared in the MCU television series WandaVision as Westview resident Ralph Bohner, who posed as Pietro (and exhibited Pietro's speedster abilities) under Agatha Harkness' control. This was a reference to Peters' role as Peter.[31] Peters also appeared briefly as Bohner in episode six of the 2024 follow-up series, Agatha All Along.[32]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Peter Maximoff

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from Grokipedia
Peter Maximoff is a fictional mutant superhero known as Quicksilver in 20th Century Fox's X-Men film series, portrayed by actor Evan Peters as a young American with superhuman speed abilities who serves as the estranged son of the powerful mutant Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr). Introduced as a wisecracking teenager living a mundane life in a suburban home during the 1970s, Maximoff discovers his mutant heritage and joins the X-Men to aid in key historical interventions against threats to mutants. His character arc explores themes of family reconciliation and identity, evolving from a reluctant ally to a committed member of the team amid timeline-altering events. Maximoff first appears in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), where his high-speed antics during a dramatic prison break sequence highlight his kinetic prowess and playful demeanor. He returns in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), confronting his father's villainous turn and solidifying his role in the fight against ancient mutant Apocalypse, and later features in Deadpool 2 (2018) as a time-displaced operative and in Dark Phoenix (2019) during a cosmic crisis threatening the team. Unlike his comic book counterpart Pietro Maximoff, this version adapts the speedster for a distinct cinematic universe, emphasizing 1980s pop culture references and a more irreverent personality that has made his scenes fan favorites.

Creation and concept

Origins in the X-Men film series

Peter Maximoff was introduced in the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past as a younger iteration of the Marvel Comics character Quicksilver, depicted as a teenager living in the suburbs during the 1973 timeline of the story. This version portrays him as a mischievous, music-obsessed mutant recruited by the X-Men for a high-stakes operation, marking his debut in the Fox X-Men film series as a fresh take on the speedster archetype. The character's name was adapted to "Peter Maximoff" rather than the comic book "Pietro Maximoff" to better suit an American suburban teenager, as explained by screenwriter , who noted that "a real teen kid would go by Peter" in this context. This change emphasized a more relatable, defiant personality with a distinctive speech pattern, diverging from the source material while retaining the Maximoff surname tied to his family background. In the film series, Maximoff's role as the son of Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr) adapts the comic book family dynamics to fit the franchise's altered timeline, with the parentage subtly hinted at in Days of Future Past and explicitly revealed in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) through a poignant confrontation during the events of 1983. This revelation underscores the character's ties to Magneto's legacy, positioning him as an unwitting heir in the mutant conflict. Conceived as a supporting figure for a single, pivotal mission, Maximoff's debut centers on a groundbreaking slow-motion sequence during the Pentagon kitchen rescue, where his super-speed is showcased through innovative visual effects involving practical stunts, wire work, and CGI to depict bullets and chaos in exaggerated time dilation.

Differences from comic book Quicksilver

In the X-Men film series, the character known as Peter Maximoff represents a significant adaptation of the comic book Quicksilver, originally named Pietro Django Maximoff, with changes designed to align with the cinematic universe's narrative and setting. The name alteration to "Peter Maximoff" reflects an Americanized identity suited to the character's suburban background and his established lineage as the son of Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto), avoiding the Italian connotations of "Pietro" that might clash with Magneto's German-Jewish heritage. This shift also facilitates the film's acceleration of comic retcons confirming Magneto as his father, presenting it earlier in the storyline without the comics' prolonged ambiguity. Peter Maximoff's personality diverges markedly from the comic version's portrayal as an arrogant, impatient, and often conflicted figure who frequently switches allegiances between heroic teams like the X-Men, Avengers, and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. In contrast, the film iteration is depicted as a laid-back, mischievous teenager with a passion for music—particularly 1970s rock—and a suburban family life, using his abilities more for playful mischief and personal gain than ideological battles. This lighter, more relatable characterization emphasizes humor and relatability, transforming the typically serious Eastern European speedster into a fun-loving anti-hero without the comics' deeper ties to villainous groups or familial resentments. The timeline of Peter Maximoff's introduction places him as a young teenager in the 1970s setting of X-Men: Days of Future Past (1973), marking his debut as a novice mutant recruited for a specific mission, unlike the comic Quicksilver, who first appears as an adult in The X-Men #4 (March 1964) as a founding member of the Brotherhood alongside his sister. This younger placement allows the films to explore his growth across decades, from 1973 to the 1990s in later entries, contrasting the comics' depiction of him as an established speedster navigating adult conflicts by the mid-20th century. Family dynamics further highlight adaptations, particularly regarding his twin sister Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch), whose shared backstory is central to the comics but largely absent in the early X-Men films. While comic Quicksilver shares an inseparable twin bond with Wanda, born in Eastern Europe and raised by Romani foster parents before discovering their mutant powers, the film version's sibling relationship is minimized; Peter references a sister in X-Men: Apocalypse (1983) during a family rescue, but unlike the comics, this sister is not established as Wanda, and the twin relationship is not explored. The portrayal of powers and vulnerabilities omits key comic elements to focus on accessible, entertaining applications. Comic Quicksilver's abilities stem from experimental exposure to at Wundagore Mountain under the , leading to super-speed but also vulnerabilities like uncontrollable seizures after later enhancements with mutagenic Isotope E. In the films, Peter is a natural-born with no such traumatic origin or physiological drawbacks; his speed is instead showcased through dynamic, non-lethal sequences—like bullet-dodging rescues and kitchen antics—prioritizing visual spectacle and heroism over the ' grittier, sometimes debilitating limitations.

Powers and abilities

Superhuman speed and agility

Peter Maximoff possesses the mutant ability to move at superhuman speeds, far exceeding the limits of normal physiology, which allows him to perceive and react to the world in a manner that effectively slows time for others. This power enables him to achieve supersonic velocities, creating visual afterimages and bullet-time effects in action sequences where environmental elements like bullets and debris appear suspended in motion relative to his pace. His agility complements this speed, granting exceptional precision and coordination during high-velocity maneuvers, such as navigating cluttered spaces or manipulating objects with fine in fractions of a second. For instance, Maximoff can disarm multiple armed opponents simultaneously by redirecting their weapons and repositioning their bodies without causing harm, or rearrange entire rooms—shifting furniture, clothing, and personal items—while evading threats. These applications highlight his capacity to perform complex, multi-step tasks at velocities that render him a blur to bystanders. Notable demonstrations of his speed include the extraction in X-Men: Days of Future Past, where he "plays pinball" with incoming bullets by batting them aside like toys, all while casually adjusting the environment to aid his allies' escape, completing the sequence in what appears as mere seconds to observers. In X-Men: Apocalypse, he evacuates dozens of students, faculty, and even pets from the exploding Xavier's School mansion, carrying individuals to safety and mitigating debris hazards in a choreographed frenzy of motion set against a slowed-down backdrop. His enhanced durability allows him to endure the physical stresses of and impact at these speeds without immediate injury. Despite its potency, Maximoff's speed requires intense concentration to maintain control, as lapses can lead to imprecise actions amid .

Enhanced durability and reflexes

Peter Maximoff possesses enhanced that enables him to withstand extreme physical forces generated by his speed, including intense g-forces from abrupt accelerations and decelerations, as well as impacts from high-velocity collisions. This physiological adaptation prevents catastrophic injury during maneuvers that would pulverize a normal , such as rapid directional shifts or exposure to environmental hazards at supersonic velocities. Complementing this is Maximoff's superhuman reflexes, which allow him to process sensory input and react at speeds far exceeding capabilities, effectively perceiving the in a state of . This heightened reaction time facilitates precise control over his movements, enabling him to evade projectiles or manipulate objects in fractions of a second that appear instantaneous to others. For instance, during a chaotic shootout in X-Men: Days of Future Past, he effortlessly dodges bullets and repositions bystanders to safety, showcasing his ability to anticipate and counter threats in real time. These attributes are intrinsically linked to his speed, ensuring amid the dangers of ; his absorbs the shock of environmental interactions, while his reflexes avert self-inflicted harm from momentum. A prominent demonstration occurs in X-Men: Apocalypse, where Maximoff traverses a collapsing and exploding , carrying multiple teammates through flames, debris, and structural failures without sustaining burns or trauma, highlighting his capacity to endure superpowered confrontations like clashes with 's horsemen. This synergy allows brief but critical interventions in team-based operations, such as rapid extractions under fire.

Film and media appearances

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

In X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Peter Maximoff, portrayed by , is introduced as a mischievous and hyperactive teenager residing in a modest suburban home with his mother and younger sister in 1973. He spends his days indoors, engrossed in games and contemporary 1970s music, reflecting his restless energy and isolated lifestyle. (Logan), alongside a young Charles Xavier and Beast (Hank McCoy), tracks him down at this residence, having learned of his abilities from future knowledge, and recruits him for a high-stakes mission to infiltrate and liberate Magneto from imprisonment. Maximoff, intrigued by the prospect of a "prison break," agrees to join despite his initial skepticism and lack of formal allegiance to any group. During the Pentagon operation, Maximoff showcases his speed in an extended, slow-motion sequence through the facility's kitchen and hallway, disarming security guards, redirecting gunfire, and preventing harm to his new allies without them fully perceiving the chaos. The scene, set to Jim Croce's "," highlights his playful yet effective intervention, as he rearranges the environment—swiping weapons, adjusting guards' positions, and even applying aftershave to one—while the team remains oblivious to the full extent of his contributions until afterward. This debut establishes Maximoff as a wildcard asset, blending humor and heroism in his brief but pivotal role aiding the rescue of and Beast earlier in the mission's context. As the group escapes via , a subtle hint emerges regarding Maximoff's lineage when he reacts to Magneto's magnetic powers by casually remarking that his mother once knew a man who could control metal, alluding to a possible connection through the shared surname Maximoff. This moment underscores his characterization as an unaware, fast-talking youth on the periphery of larger conflicts, departing after the operation without deeper involvement in the film's central time-altering plot.

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

In X-Men: Apocalypse, Peter Maximoff expands his involvement with the X-Men by joining the team at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, where he undergoes training under Hank McCoy (Beast) alongside emerging mutants including Scott Summers, , Kurt Wagner, and Ororo Munroe, forging initial bonds within this new generation of heroes. Motivated by his search for his father and the escalating threat of , Maximoff integrates into the group's efforts to counter the ancient mutant's plans, transitioning from a reluctant outsider to a committed ally. Maximoff plays a pivotal role in the climactic battle in against , leveraging his superhuman speed to engage the villain directly and contribute to dismantling the power-enhancing device that amplifies Apocalypse's abilities. During the confrontation, as Magneto is rescued and turns against Apocalypse, Maximoff reveals himself as Erik Lehnsherr's son, creating an emotional family moment that underscores themes of redemption and connection amid the chaos. His appearance features an upgraded costume signifying his X-Men affiliation, including dyed silver hair and protective goggles to complement his high-speed maneuvers. Maximoff continues incorporating into his action sequences, notably "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" during the at the exploding .

Deadpool 2 (2018)

In (2018), Peter Maximoff appears in a brief cameo as part of the team inside the . When Wade Wilson rings the doorbell seeking recruits for , McCoy opens the door slightly before closing it to shut out the unwelcome visitor, revealing Maximoff standing silently in the background alongside Charles Xavier, Scott Summers, Ororo Munroe, and other mutants. The sequence provides no dialogue or action for Maximoff and carries no plot significance, functioning instead as a humorous Easter egg that nods to the interconnected yet separate narratives of the Deadpool and X-Men franchises within the Fox Marvel universe. Maximoff retains the 1980s-inspired visual style established in X-Men: Apocalypse, including his distinctive silver hair and retro clothing.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

In X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019), Peter Maximoff takes part in the X-Men's high-stakes rescue of the crew amid a massive in 1992. Teaming with Nightcrawler, he leverages his superhuman speed to navigate the zero-gravity environment, secure the astronauts, and facilitate their extraction, playing a key role in averting disaster even as the cosmic entity impacts . Maximoff later engages in the chaotic street battle against the invading aliens in , where he dashes through the mayhem to shield civilians from collapsing structures and debris while aiding his teammates in repelling the extraterrestrial threat. His actions underscore his growth into a dedicated X-Men operative, evident in his sleek, modernized uniform featuring silver accents and tactical gear that aligns with the team's classic blue-and-yellow aesthetic. Despite his relatively brief appearances, Maximoff's portrayal highlights a matured character fully integrated into the , influenced by his familial connections that bolster his loyalty amid rising tensions. He directly witnesses Jean Grey's initial transformation during the shuttle mission and suffers a severe injury from her unleashed powers during a tense standoff at her childhood home, exacerbating the emotional strain on the team as they grapple with her escalating instability and the ensuing fallout.

Fictional biography

Early life and family background

Peter Maximoff was born in the mid-1950s as the illegitimate son of the Erik Lehnsherr, known as Magneto, and Ms. Maximoff following a brief romantic encounter. Magneto left Ms. Maximoff after their encounter, unaware that she was pregnant with his child, leaving her to raise Peter alone without his father's involvement or knowledge of his identity. Peter grew up in a modest suburban home with his mother and younger sister. His mother was aware of his emerging abilities and managed the household amid financial struggles, as depicted in domestic scenes where she interacts with Peter while preparing meals. By 1973, as a teenager, Peter resided in the family basement, isolated due to his speed that made ordinary activities unbearably slow and boring. From childhood, Peter discovered his mutant powers of superhuman speed and agility, which he used for mischief to alleviate boredom, including dominating arcade games like at supersonic velocities and engaging in petty crimes such as . These antics earned him a local reputation as a rebellious delinquent, known to for his ability to commit thefts without detection, leading to his eventual by the . His family life was marked by dysfunction, with Peter's isolation exacerbating tensions in the single-parent household.

Recruitment by the X-Men

In 1973, Wolverine approached Peter Maximoff at his suburban home, recruiting him to assist in a high-stakes mission to break out of after the latter's imprisonment for assassinating President Nixon. Maximoff, a young living a mundane life with his mother while caring for his younger sister, agreed to participate primarily for the thrill and adventure it promised, marking his first significant encounter with other beyond his isolated existence. During the infiltration, Maximoff utilized his speed to disarm security guards, redirect bullets, and evacuate the team undetected, demonstrating his abilities in a sequence that impressed Xavier, Beast, and and earning their tentative trust as a potential ally. His contributions were pivotal to the operation's , allowing the group to extract Magneto without alerting authorities. Following the mission's completion and the resolution of the immediate threat, Maximoff declined an offer for full membership in the , preferring to return to his family life, though he expressed growing interest in mutant causes and the possibility of future involvement. By 1983, Maximoff voluntarily joined Xavier's reconstituted team at the Westchester mansion, motivated in part by the revelation of his familial ties to Magneto, and began training as a student-hero alongside emerging mutants like Cyclops, , and Nightcrawler.

Battle against Apocalypse

In the assault on the orchestrated by 's Horsemen, and , Peter Maximoff arrived just in time to leverage his superhuman speed, evacuating dozens of students and staff members—including the captured —to safety in a matter of seconds before the entire structure collapsed in a massive triggered by Havok's uncontrolled powers. This rapid intervention minimized casualties and allowed the young mutants to regroup, showcasing Maximoff's pivotal role in preserving the core of Charles Xavier's fledgling team amid the chaos. The climactic confrontation unfolded in , where Maximoff joined the in challenging En Sabah Nur, , as he absorbed vast energies from a pyramidal structure to amplify his god-like abilities. Using his velocity, Maximoff circled at supersonic speeds, landing a barrage of punches to disorient him and disrupt the energy transfer, while coordinating with Cyclops' optic blasts and Storm's lightning strikes to weaken the ancient mutant's defenses. During the intense melee, as Magneto turned against to aid the team, Maximoff learned of his true paternity when Magneto revealed their connection, a shocking familial tie that fueled Maximoff's resolve to fight on despite the underlying conflicts of Magneto's past villainy. Following Apocalypse's defeat through Jean Grey's unleashed Phoenix Force, Maximoff contributed to the reconstruction of the , emerging as a solidified core member of the and beginning to embrace his mutant heritage, including his complicated bond with his father. This integration strengthened team dynamics, as seen in his budding friendship with the newly recruited Nightcrawler.

Involvement in the Dark Phoenix crisis

In 1992, Peter Maximoff participated in the X-Men's mission to rescue the crew of the , which had become trapped in a massive during re-entry. Utilizing his superhuman speed, Maximoff rapidly extracted the astronauts from the surrounding , ensuring their safe return to the X-Jet amid the chaotic conditions. This operation marked a critical display of his abilities in a high-stakes extraterrestrial environment, though it inadvertently exposed to a cosmic entity that began her transformation into the Dark Phoenix. As the crisis escalated on Earth, Maximoff joined the battle against the invaders, who had followed the cosmic force to and unleashed destruction in pursuit of . Prioritizing civilian safety, he dashed through the chaos at supersonic speeds, evacuating bystanders from collapsing structures and debris fields while clashing with the alien forces alongside his teammates. His efforts helped mitigate the widespread panic and casualties during the urban assault, showcasing his evolution into a more proactive guardian of human lives. Maximoff later supported Charles Xavier's desperate attempt to reach and save from her overwhelming power surge, which threatened to dissolve the entirely after she accidentally killed and severely injured several members, including himself. Thrown back by Grey's unleashed energy during a confrontation in her childhood neighborhood, Maximoff sustained significant injuries but recovered in time to witness the team's reformation. Emerging as a stabilizing presence, he reflected his growth from a reluctant recruit—still navigating his complex ties to Magneto, his father—to a committed dedicated to the unity.

Portrayal and production

Casting and performance by Evan Peters

Evan Peters was cast as Peter Maximoff, also known as Quicksilver, in : in May 2013, shortly after gaining recognition for his roles in the FX series . Director selected Peters following his performances in the anthology series, which showcased the actor's versatility in portraying complex, energetic characters. Peters reprised the role in subsequent films including X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), (2018), and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019), bringing a distinct interpretation to the speedster mutant. Peters' performance emphasized the character's hyperactivity through a hyper-kinetic physicality, rapid-fire speech patterns, and elements of that highlighted Quicksilver's impatience and sharp wit. He infused the role with quirky, ADHD-like mannerisms, delivering lines in a high-pitched, breathless tone to convey the speedster's perpetual sense of urgency and boredom with the "slow" world around him. This approach made Quicksilver a standout in ensemble scenes, blending humor with dynamic action, as seen in the character's signature slow-motion sequences where Peters' expressive gestures and facial reactions added layers of personality. Over the course of the films, Peters evolved Quicksilver from a mischievous, quirky teenager in X-Men: Days of Future Past—introduced as a reluctant recruit with a penchant for arcade games and petty theft—to a more mature and reliable team member by X-Men: Dark Phoenix. In later installments, the character displayed greater emotional depth and loyalty to the , transitioning from to a heroic figure while retaining his irreverent charm. This development culminated in a 2016 Teen Choice Awards nomination for Choice Movie: Scene Stealer for his work in X-Men: . To prepare for the role, Peters, an avid comics reader, studied Quicksilver's appearances in Marvel source material to understand the character's and personality traits, adapting them to fit the films' alternate timeline. He also employed sensory techniques, such as listening to high-energy music like Daft Punk's album, to channel the mutant's frenetic mindset during filming. For the physically demanding dynamic scenes, Peters underwent training to handle wire work and stunt coordination, ensuring fluid movements that complemented the . The slow-motion filming process required precise timing and repeated takes, challenging Peters to maintain energy across extended shoots.

Visual effects and slow-motion sequences

The visual effects for Peter Maximoff's high-speed sequences in the X-Men films relied heavily on high-frame-rate cinematography to create the signature slow-motion effect, blending practical stunts with computer-generated imagery (CGI). In X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), the Pentagon kitchen scene was filmed using a 3D Phantom camera at 3,200 frames per second, allowing for variable speed ramping that simulated Quicksilver's perception of time nearly freezing while he moved at superhuman velocity. This technique captured real-world elements like water streams and debris in ultra-slow motion, which were then augmented with CGI for afterimages, environmental interactions, and precise object manipulations, such as redirecting bullets and repositioning people. The production emphasized practical effects where possible, including on-set pyrotechnics and stunt coordination, to ground the fantastical speed in tangible physics. Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) led the visual effects for this sequence, handling over 300 shots that integrated Quicksilver's movements with dynamic simulations of explosions, fluids, and rigid bodies. Their work earned the 2015 Visual Effects Society (VES) Award for Outstanding Effects Simulations in a Photoreal/Live Action Feature Motion Picture for "X-Men: Days of Future Past; Quicksilver Pentagon Kitchen," recognizing the team's innovative use of Houdini software for particle simulations and compositing to ensure seamless continuity across the chaotic scene. RSP's approach involved extensive previsualization (pre-vis) to choreograph the action, ensuring that practical elements filmed at normal speeds could be convincingly slowed and enhanced digitally. In X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), the visual effects evolved to incorporate more collaborative team dynamics during Quicksilver's extended rescue sequence in the Xavier Institute, shifting from isolated speed bursts to integrated amid explosions and structural collapse. RSP again contributed, filming key elements with a Phantom Flex camera at 3,000 frames per second for high-fidelity slow-motion references of practical explosions and wire work, while employing for multiple passes of actors being launched through windows and environments. Pre-vis played a larger role here, with animatics guiding the synchronization of Quicksilver's paths alongside other characters, and CGI added digital doubles, fire simulations, and motion trails to heighten the sense of velocity without overwhelming the ensemble. This iteration emphasized narrative clarity in the chaos, using smears and afterimages to denote speed while maintaining readability. One persistent challenge across these sequences was coordinating actor ' physical performance—such as his rapid directional changes and prop interactions—with digital enhancements like afterimages and reactive environments, requiring iterative feedback between on-set stunts and to avoid visual discontinuities.

Reception and cultural impact

Critical reception

Critics widely praised Evan Peters' portrayal of Peter Maximoff, particularly for his charismatic and energetic performance in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), where his slow-motion rescue sequence at the Pentagon was described as the film's standout moment. The sequence, featuring Quicksilver's super-speed antics set to "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce, was lauded for injecting humor and visual flair into the narrative, with Empire magazine calling it "the coolest thing in the film." In X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), Peters reprised the role with an extended slow-motion sequence during the evacuation of Xavier's School, which reviewers highlighted for its innovative visual effects and kinetic energy. The noted how Quicksilver's heroics "rev up" the otherwise routine action, emphasizing the scene's role in showcasing the character's speed in a more elaborate, music-driven set piece. This moment contributed to the film's mixed but positive reception for its spectacle, helping it achieve a 47% approval rating on and gross over $543 million worldwide. However, in X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019), critics pointed to Quicksilver's underutilization amid the ensemble cast and focus on Jean Grey's arc, limiting Peters to brief appearances without a signature speed sequence. Black Girl Nerds observed that essential X-Men characters like Quicksilver were sidelined, contributing to the film's lackluster pacing and 22% score, despite its $252 million global . Overall, Peters' contributions across the trilogy were seen as a highlight, bolstering the franchise's appeal through memorable visuals that elevated the earlier entries' commercial success.

Fan response and legacy

Peter Maximoff, portrayed by Evan Peters in the X-Men film series, has garnered a dedicated cult following among fans for his humorous portrayal and the innovative slow-motion action sequences synced to popular music tracks, such as "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016). These scenes, featuring Maximoff's high-speed antics set to era-specific songs, have been widely praised for their kinetic energy and comedic timing, often highlighted as standout moments that elevate the films' entertainment value. The character's appeal has extended into online fan culture, inspiring numerous memes and fan art that capture his mischievous personality and silver-haired aesthetic, frequently shared across digital platforms and contributing to his enduring popularity. Peters' interpretation of Maximoff influenced the (MCU) by appearing as a variant of Quicksilver in the Disney+ series (2021), which introduced multiverse elements and sparked widespread discussions about cross-franchise crossovers. As a modern take on the comic book speedster Quicksilver, Maximoff's portrayal has left a lasting legacy, with fans viewing it as a fresh, vibrant reimagining that emphasizes humor and family dynamics over traditional heroism. By , ongoing fan campaigns and Peters' own expressed interest have fueled calls for the character's return in future Marvel projects, particularly within the evolving MCU multiverse narrative. Maximoff's visual style, including his silver clothing and 1970s-inspired vibe, has also driven popularity in merchandise and cosplay communities, with replicas of his jackets and outfits becoming staples at conventions and available through various retailers.

References

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