The British actor commented on rumors that David Bowie almost played Gandalf, the role made iconic by him in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies.
Ian McKellen has spoken openly about rumors that David Bowie was invited to play Gandalf, the role made iconic by him in the trilogies “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”.
The British actor, who became world-famous for bringing the wizard from J.R.R. Tolkien’s works to life, said in a recent interview that he did not know whether it was true, but imagined that Bowie would have emphasized Gandalf’s more supernatural side.
“I could never get Peter to confirm who turned down the wizard role of a lifetime,” McKellen told The Guardian, referring to Peter Jackson, director of the trilogies.
“As for Bowie, he was not the only music star who would have liked to have had the same success in cinema, but never managed it,” he commented, adding that, for him, the most interesting side of playing Gandalf was his humanity.
“Perhaps Bowie’s striking appearance and voice would have emphasized the more supernatural side of his nature and appearance.”
McKellen, 86, will reprise his role as Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”, which takes place between the end of the film “The Hobbit” and the beginning of “The Fellowship of the Ring”. The production will be directed by Andy Serkis and has its worldwide release confirmed for December 17, 2027.
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