Ian McKellen has ‘no plans’ to retire from acting

Sir Ian McKellen has firmly stated that he has no intention of retiring from acting and remains adamant that he does not want any other actor to take on the iconic role of Gandalf in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film. The 85-year-old actor recently faced a challenging period after an accident on stage, but he remains dedicated to his craft and enthusiastic about future projects.

In June, McKellen suffered a fall while performing in “Player Kings” in London’s West End. The mishap resulted in a broken wrist and a chipped vertebra. Despite this setback, McKellen’s passion for acting remains undiminished. Speaking, he affirmed, “I shall just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working.” However, he did mention that he plans to “take the rest of the year off” to recuperate and recharge.

McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit is legendary. With the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings film, “The Hunt for Gollum,” slated for release in 2026, McKellen has expressed his desire to reprise his role. “I’m not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it,” he remarked. His strong connection to the character underscores his commitment to the role, which he first brought to life in Peter Jackson’s acclaimed adaptations.

The upcoming films in the Lord of the Rings franchise are being developed under the direction of Andy Serkis, who will also reprise his role as Gollum. Although details about the new installments remain sparse, McKellen is hopeful about returning as Gandalf. He shared with the Big Issue, “Enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating.” While he admitted that he is unaware of the specifics regarding the script or timeline, he remains eager to contribute, noting, “They better be quick.”

McKellen’s recent accident was described as a “complete accident” rather than a consequence of age. During a fight scene in “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre, McKellen’s foot became entangled with a chair, causing him to skid off stage. He revealed that his immediate thoughts were, “This is the end.” The emotional impact of the fall was significant, as he had a vivid sense of impending doom and was overwhelmed by the experience.

Following the accident, McKellen took a break from acting and was replaced for the UK tour of “Player Kings.” He acknowledged the physical and emotional toll of the incident, noting that while he is physically recovering, he is also dealing with the emotional residue of the experience. McKellen explained, “I’m usually working or preparing to work, and I’ve been doing a little bit of that, wondering what might be the best plan.”

Despite the challenges, McKellen remains optimistic and focused on his recovery. He mentioned that he is engaging in exercises to address the physical effects of his fall and has been reflecting on his future plans. “I’m going to take the rest of the year off,” he said. “Not because I need to, just because I want to.” He emphasized that the fat suit he wore for his role in “Player Kings” may have played a role in mitigating the impact of the fall on his body.

In summary, Sir Ian McKellen’s dedication to his craft is unwavering, and he has no plans to retire anytime soon. His determination to reprise his role as Gandalf highlights his enduring commitment to his most famous character. As he takes time to recover from his recent accident, McKellen’s enthusiasm for future projects remains strong, reflecting his lifelong passion for acting.