BilboHobbit.com » Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen Reveals Why He Almost Refused his Gandalf Role in ‘The Hobbit’

maponto — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:48:20 +0000

Why did it take the man behind Gandalf so long to commit officially to The Hobbit? In a surprisingly candid post on his official ebsite, Ian McKellen spoke about behind-the-scenes developments and his own ambivalence surrounding the two-part project.

Could I let Gandalf go? Would anyone else care if I did?” he wrote, going on to cite the example of the “Harry Potter” franchise. “Elsewhere, does anyone care that Michael Gambon was not the first to play Dumbledore?

The issue all along was not whether he still feels creatively energized by Gandalf. Rather, the sticking point was simply that the production faced delay after delay and, as the 71-year-old McKellen put it:

All I had to decide was what to do with the time that is given me.

First, producer Peter Jackson and director Guillermo del Toro struggled to get the production off the ground as MGM faced severe financial difficulties, and then a planned date to begin shooting early last year came and went. Del Toro departed the project, Jackson stepped in to direct and the production faced a dustup with New Zealand’s trade union. The prospect of shooting outside that country bubbled up.

All the while, McKellen remained fascinated with the scripts:

It was true to the style, the fun and the romance of the trilogy. Yet when the production finally got back on track, with Martin Freeman taking on the starring role of Bilbo and a February 2011 date set to begin filming, McKellen still found himself unsure. I kept wondering was Gandalf what I most wanted to do, more than a new play for instance or indeed a new part?. Sequels aren’t necessarily as rewarding to act in as their originals.

The deciding negotiation was not about money but about dates. Gandalf is needed on set over the next 18 months but with sizeable breaks when I can work on other projects. My worry that I could not easily escape from Middle Earth was lifted. I am happy to say I start filming in Wellington on February 21 2011.

It’s so good to have the original Gandalf confirmed for both parts of The Hobbit

Thanks MTV!

Sir Ian McKellen Confirms Involvement in ‘The Hobbit’

maponto — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:09:48 +0000

In a new interview with iFMagazine, the legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen has confirmed his involvement with The Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hobbit, indicating:

I have been promised I’m in it.

This happened 12 hours from eating dinner with The Hobbit director Guillermo Del Toro. He also mentioned that it’s possible that he will reprise his role in X-Men Origins: Magneto, depending on the Wolverine saga development. If another Wolverine movie is created, it’s highly probable that Ian leaves the proyect.

Thanks RC!

Guillermo del Toro confirms Weaving, Serkis and McKellen in ‘The Hobbit’

Alex — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:57:34 +0000

Del Toro confirmed, in an interview with BBC Radio 5, that Hugo Weaving will reprise the role of Elrond in the upcoming Hobbit films. Also he confirms that Andy Serkis will reprise Gollum and Ian McKellen will reprise Gandalf.

Thanks EW!

Ian McKellen Talks ‘The Hobbit’

Alex — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:29:55 +0000

A few days ago in an interview with iFMagazine, Ian McKellen (Gandalf) talks about The Hobbit and he say

“I’m having supper with [director] Guillermo del Toro this evening, so you’re asking me twelve hours too early.”.

Also he already confirm that he will be in The Hobbit.