Gandalf vs Dumbledore: Ian McKellen Talks Wizards
Nov 24, 2007
Uncategorized
Sir Ian McKellen is the subject of a new profile in The Guardian, where the actor talks two famous wizards; Gandalf and Albus Dumbledore. In this candid interview, the actor who was nominated for an Oscar for his turn as Gandalf in the widely successful Lord of the Rings film trilogy, is asked if he ever gives any pointers or discusses the finer art of playing a wizard with his friend Michael Gambon, who currently portrays Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies. His answer: “Funnily enough, we never have.” He grins.” The article then continues, dispelling again the rumors that Ian McKellen was to take on the part of the beloved Hogwarts Headmaster after Richard Harris, who originated the role as Professor Dumbledore in the first two films, died in 2002.
“People say to me, don’t you wish you’d played Dumbledore? I say no! I played Gandalf! The original. There was a question as to whether I might take over from Richard Harris [Gambon’s predecessor in the Dumbledore role], but seeing as one of the last things he did publicly was say what a dreadful actor he thought I was, it would not have been appropriate for me to take over his part.” He smiles icily. “It would have been unfair.”
Finally, Mr. McKellen answers a question long debated in this and the LotR fandom: Who would win if there was a battle between Gandalf and Dumbledore. “McKellen puffs out his chest. “Gandalf. Of course.”