Renowned actor Ian McKellen recently opened up about his feelings of guilt and shame after leaving a theater production early following a fall off the stage. Despite his injuries, McKellen expressed regret over not being able to finish the role of Sir John Falstaff in the adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” plays. The actor, aged 85, noted that the accident could have been much worse if he hadn’t been wearing padding. While his fractures are healing well, McKellen still struggles with the negative emotions of leaving the production prematurely, feeling like he abandoned his fellow cast members.
Dispelling rumors of his supposed demise, McKellen humorously shared that friends seemed to be visiting him as if to say goodbye, when in reality he was still very much alive and well. Although not currently on stage, McKellen can be seen in the upcoming film “The Critic,” a 1930s thriller showcasing the West End theater scene. This time, he plays the role of a gay newspaper writer who holds the power to make or break careers with his writing. The film, based on Anthony Quinn’s novel “Curtain Call,” features a star-studded cast including Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Romola Garai, Ben Barnes, and Lesley Manville.
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, McKellen shared his deep love for the theater and his struggles with being offstage. Despite his age, McKellen feels a deep connection to acting and dreads the idea of retiring or not being able to work. He expressed missing the routine of being on stage and the unique satisfaction that comes with performing in the theater. Looking ahead, McKellen expressed his eagerness to return to the theater scene and catch up on various productions in the West End that have caught his attention.
Reflecting on his character in “The Critic,” McKellen delved into the darker aspects of the theater world, particularly the influence that critics held in the past. He shared insights into the source of the character’s ruthlessness, attributing it to the need for discretion and secrecy in a society where being oneself was not widely accepted. McKellen also discussed his relationship with critics over the years, recalling a positive review early in his career that inspired him to pursue acting. Despite enjoying reading reviews, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the live performance and improving with each show.
Addressing questions about his iconic role as Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” franchise, McKellen expressed interest in reprising the role but noted that no concrete plans had been made yet. However, he hinted at potential filming dates for an upcoming project involving Gandalf, expressing excitement at the prospect of returning to New Zealand for filming. Looking ahead, McKellen revealed his plans to work on upcoming film projects and expressed a desire to revisit his role as Falstaff in the theater, aiming to bring closure to the unfinished production that had left him emotionally unsettled.
