Esteemed actor Sir Ian McKellen has announced that he plans to take the remainder of the year off from acting after suffering a fall from the stage earlier this year. The 85-year-old “Lord of the Rings” star revealed that the incident, which occurred during a performance of “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre in June, has left him dealing with wrist and neck injuries.
The two-time Oscar nominee explained in an interview with The Big Issue that the fall happened during a fight scene in the play, where he lost his footing. The injuries sustained, including a chipped vertebra and a fractured wrist, have made recovery a slow process. McKellen admitted that the fall has left him feeling physically weak and that he has been focusing on exercises to aid his recovery.
“Of course, it’s emotional,” McKellen said. We all trip all our lives, it’s just when you get to my age you can’t always get up again.
The Burnley-born actor, known worldwide for his iconic role as Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, also expressed concern that the fall might be a sign of ageing. “I’m just trying to convince myself it was an accident,” he added. I’m usually working or preparing to work, I’ve been doing a little bit of that, wondering what might be the best plan. I’m going to take the rest of the year off. Not because I need to, just because I want to.”
In “Player Kings,” McKellen played the role of John Falstaff, with the production being an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, parts one and two, by Robert Icke. The actor previously mentioned that a fat suit he wore during the production likely protected his ribs and other joints from more serious damage.
Despite the setback, McKellen hinted at a potential return to his beloved role as Gandalf. With new “Lord of the Rings” films reportedly in the works, including “The Hunt for Gollum” directed by Andy Serkis, McKellen teased the possibility of reprising his role. “Enthusiasm for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ shows no sign of abating,” he said. “I may even be going back to play Gandalf again.”
While McKellen did not provide specific details, he expressed excitement about the potential project, stating, “I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved, and they hope that I’ll be playing him.”
In addition to his reflections on acting and his recovery, McKellen also shared his thoughts on the ongoing US presidential election, particularly the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.
