Ian Mckellen

Ian McKellen, the legendary actor known for his iconic portrayal of Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, recently shared some surprising revelations about how he landed this coveted role. In an exclusive interview with Variety, McKellen humbly admitted that he wasn't initially considered as the top contender to bring J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved wizard to life on screen.

At 84 years young and still radiating charisma and talent, McKellen disclosed that not one but two other esteemed actors had passed up on playing Gandalf before it was finally offered to him. With a twinkle in his eye and a hint of mischief in his voice, he candidly stated: I don’t think you’re ever the first choice. I certainly wasn’t...

This revelation adds another layer of intrigue surrounding one of cinema's most cherished characters - who were these mysterious individuals who turned down such an extraordinary opportunity? While their identities remain shrouded in secrecy for now (perhaps forever), fans can only speculate about what might have been if fate hadn't intervened.

McKellen gracefully accepted this unexpected turn of events without bitterness or regret; instead choosing gratitude for being given a chance at bringing Gandalf into existence through his own unique interpretation. His humility shines brightly amidst Hollywood egos often consumed by self-importance.

It is undeniable that Ian McKellen breathed life into Middle-earth's wise old sage like no other could have done justice to Tolkien’s creation – earning himself eternal admiration from legions around the globe along with numerous accolades including Academy Award nominations.

As we reflect upon those fateful casting decisions made all those years ago when The Fellowship set out on its epic journey across our screens, let us celebrate both fortune and destiny aligning perfectly so we may witness greatness unfold before our very eyes.

Rated by 50+ man-crushers

• Enjoyed watching his performances from Lord of theRings and Xmen and reading about his quick change performance for the non-profit charity called Only make believe was hilarious. Seeing him stripping down to his underwear was impressive along side of him exposing his belly and doing it for a cause. -- Quin
• Extras is brilliant. Sir Ian McKellen on Extras is unbelievably hilariously fucking brilliant. -- Mazen Bou Zeineddine
• Ian McKellen's narration is A+ tho -- azrielen
• I feel like the logical conclusion to the internet's obsession with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart is just an old-man bone-down. -- Seth Macy
• Openly gay actor Ian McKellen says when he stays at hotels he rips out the page in the Bible that is against homosexuality. -- Hayley Dolinski
• Patrick Stewart and Ian Mckellen friendship is like the best thing in life. -- Mel
• Not Thinking About The Mitchell And Webb Sketch is a core value of as is not watching the Ian McKellen film -- Lauren G
• Ian McKellen says whenever he stays in a hotel with a bible in the room, he rips out the page from Leviticus that is against homosexuality -- ChicagoBTweets
• How do you get fassbender from ian mckellen seriously -- prince sass
• Ian McKellen says whenever he stays in a hotel with a bible in the room, he rips out the page from Leviticus that is against homosexuality. -- ZOUK247.COM
• Ian mckellen touched me!! He's so old and cool -- Thotty like 'hiza
• Need I say more about the meddling wizard Ian Mckellen (who is Gandalf Allaway my son from the future.) You are not alone Gandalf, hugs x -- Thomas Jones
• Sir Ian McKellen is mean in X-Men. -- Jenn Crotty
• Ian McKellen really is a class actor -- Steve Manning
• I think I accidently just caused a rift in a friendship by saying I think Ian mckellen is more well known as magneto than gandalf -- Georgia Lisa
• The day Sir Ian McKellen dies is the day I die. -- Myracle Sage
• Ian McKellen in extras is incredible -- Andy Thompson
• (is Dude on the left Sir Ian McKellen?) -- Laraine Lujack
• "i'm sexy, so sexy, so come and dance with me, michael" - james mcavoy e ian mckellen, probablemente (?) -- monstruo macarena
• So...Sir Ian McKellen is in the audience for opening night. He's train is a little late apparently. Better not stuff it up haha -- Jus
• Ian McKellen is my new favorite song. -- Willard
• Ian McKellen is my hero. -- Zach Johnson
• "Tell me where is Gandalf.For I much desire to speak with him." Ian McKellen in Italia,please -- Ilenia
• No seriously.Ian Mckellen and George Takei just aren't allowed to die. -- Sam
• " I am Gandalf and Magneto, so get over me" - Ian McKellen. El se tudom kepzelni milyen lehet 2 ekkora kult karaktert megformalni -- Sendula Zoltán
• Doctor who is wasting the talent of Calpaldi. He needs a villain for verbal bantering. Ian McKellen maybe? c'mon writers. -- paul connelly
• I really really really really want to meet Ian McKellen -- Crazy cat Katie
• Sir he is -heart eyes emoji- -- Marvel Trash Leo
• Ian McKellen's role in Days of Future Past is so small, but of all the moments in the film, his last scene gets to me most -- Sam from CCP
• I really hope people are smart enough to realize that I'm not Ian McKellen. -- ENMCKELLAN.
• Sir Ian McKellen is a minister of the Universal Life Church The church that ordains anyone who signs up. -- Surprising Facts
• Ian McKellen is so graceful -- Emily Leah
• Not every night you go out and Ian McKellen tries to convince you that smoking is good. -- Michael Yale
• A snippet of last night's dream just came back to me. All I know is that it involved a body in a bathtub and Sir Ian McKellen. -- Sophie Garrett
• I mean Ian Mckellen walked into my drama class in year 8 and I didn't even acknowledge him bc I was staring out the window so its likely -- lauren ॐ
• Did You Know... Sir Ian McKellen is a minister of the Universal Life Church The church that ordains anyone who signs up. -- Nirvan Coleyshaw
• I just realised i dont see enough pat stew and ian mckellen on my dash im so upset -- lana pls
• Sir Ian McKellen is seriously one of the greatest actors of our time. He's fantastic in all works, -- Selina Ann
• Ian McKellen is such a classy Magneto. -- Jep Pimentel
• Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are so cute and ahhh they make me so happy -- Kaitlyn Christensen
• Everyone is complimenting sir ian mckellen omg -- RA PROTECTION SQUAD
• Ian McKellen having the time of his life in "The Da Vinci Code" is getting me through today. -- Krista Joy Serpa
• I am determined to die before Sir Ian Mckellen so that I don't have to deal with that kind of heart break. -- Christine Byrd
• Never tell a work colleague that she looks like Sir Ian McKellen. She'll still be offended, even if you point out how cool Magneto is. -- Roger_Jackson_
• Apparently Sean Connery was first asked to play Gandalf. Thank God he turned it down- Ian McKellen is perfect as him. -- tenth's hair
• Loving Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi in the PBS series Vicious! Very funny sitcom. Watch it now. By episode 3 you'll be LOL. -- Camille Towe
• When I'm very old I want to have the friendship with someone that Ian Mckellen and Patrick Stewart have. -- Jordan Avelino
• I just realized ian mckellen is 75, What -- 寂寞
• Sir Ian McKellen's voice is so amazing -- Tiarnan
• The only way I will be able to get through the Tempest is if it is read to me by Ian McKellen -- Matilda Finch

Throwback Thursday #TBT

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