Ian McKellen Announces He Will Take the Rest of the Year Off

Ian McKellen appeared on BBC Breakfast today to discuss his latest film, The Critic, and shared an update on his plans following his dramatic fall from the stage at the Noël Coward Theatre earlier this year.

In The Critic, McKellen plays a jaded theatre reviewer caught up in a major scandal, and the actor spoke enthusiastically about the project. Despite his recent health setback, McKellen made it clear he has no intention of retiring, stating, “I shall just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working.” He is still recovering from the fall, which saw him tumble into the audience during a climactic battle scene, but remains optimistic about his future in acting.

However, McKellen did reveal that he plans to take the rest of 2024 off, marking a rare break for the usually busy actor. For someone who seems to always have a project on the horizon, this break will be a notable absence from the stage and screen.

McKellen also addressed the possibility of reprising his iconic role as Gandalf in a potential new film centered on the hunt for Gollum. He expressed his eagerness to return, humorously stating, “I’m not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it.”

Rumors are circulating that a younger version of Gandalf might appear in Amazon’s ongoing series The Rings of Power, though McKellen did not comment directly on these speculations.

The Critic, which also stars Alfred Enoch and Gemma Arterton, will be released in UK cinemas next week. Fans of McKellen will have to wait until 2025 to see what the legendary actor takes on next, but it’s clear he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

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