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Sir Ian McKellen is known for playing the role of Gandalf in the critically acclaimedLord of the Ringsfilms directed by Peter Jackson. He is also synonymous with the role of Magento in theX-Menfilms, first appearing as the Marvel Comics character in 2000’sX-Men. However, both these iconic portrayals almost did not happen.
Around the same time he signed on for these roles, McKellen was offered a part in the sequel to Tom Cruise’s blockbusterMission: Impossible. However, McKellen revealed that he decided to turn down a chance to work with Cruise for one understandable reason, allowing him to play Magento and Gandalf. Here is what McKellen had to say about turning downMission: Impossible 2.
Sir Ian McKellen Almost Missed Out onX-MenRole Because of Tom Cruise’sMission: Impossible 2
SirIan McKellenfirst played the role of Magento in 2000’sX-Mendirected by Bryan Singer. He followed up the performance with another iconic pop culture character appearing as Gandalf in the first installment of Peter Jackson’sThe Lord of the Rings.
During a recentinterview, McKellen revealed both these iconic roles almost did not happen because of Tom Cruise’sMission: Impossible 2. The veteran actor revealed that he was offered a part in the sequel but decided to turn it down primarily because he wasn’t shown a full script.
I turned it down because they wouldn’t show me a script.
McKellen made the above statement, explaining that he was first offered a role in the Tom Cruise film, which would have taken up most of his schedule.
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From the actor’s words, it is evident that his dates would have coincided with his shoot forX-Men, preventing him from taking on the role of Magneto. Ultimately, McKellen made the right choice byturning downMission: Impossible 2, which faced several production delays.
Sir Ian McKellen Also Nearly Turned DownLord of the RingsRole ForX-Men
Had McKellen accepted the offer to appear in the Tom Cruise-led sequel, it would have had a domino effect, preventing him from appearing as Gandalf intheLord of the Ringsfranchise. In a 2015 interview, McKellen reflected on the situation explaining that he was still filmingX-Menin early 2000.
At one point, it seemed unlikely that the film would wrap before he was supposed to start shooting for thePeter Jacksonfantasy drama. Therefore, McKellen told Jackson that he would have to drop out of the adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s seminal novel. However, Jackson was willing to wait for McKellen and offered to push production ahead.
Well, you must do Gandalf. I’ll make sure you get out in time.
McKellen made the above statement (viaVanity Fair), recalling whatX-Mendirector Bryan Singer told him after learning of the actor’s predicament. As a result, McKellen wrapped early on the film, allowing him to join production on the first film in theLord of the Ringstrilogy.
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If McKellen had signed on forMission: Impossible 2, he would have almost certainly missed out onX-Men. Moreover, the production delays of the former film would have meant that he couldn’t join the cast ofLord of the Ringseither. Therefore, by turning down one project, McKellen inadvertently secured his two most famous roles.
X-Menmovies are streaming on Disney+ while theLord of the Ringsis available on Max.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
