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.”
I love both Richard Harris and Ian McKellen as actors and it saddens me deeply that Richard harris would have ever said he thought Ian Mckellen was a bad actor… and I still think that the perfect actor(s) to take over the role of Dumbledore would have been peter O’toole or Pactrick Stewart. I have warmed up to Michael Gambon. but I still don’t think he captures Dumbledore that well
McKellen is a legend. When I watch movies with him, it really is a struggle to stop myself from concentrating solely on him and missing the movie. The way he speaks is mesmerizing.
Funny. As to the Dumbledore-Gandalf thing:I would put money on them sort of either killing each other, destroy the world while fighting, or failing to do any sort of injury on the other. Something like that. And if Dumbledore lost, he’d no doubt guide some kind of pawn coughHarrycough to defeat him. laughs hysterically
I think many of the big name adult (specially the older ones) actors see HP as a money making bit rather than an acting challenge, probably because of the fantasy, the ‘children’s book’ label and the fact that these books came out in the late years of their lives. LotR probably has more of a classic feel for them.
50 years from now, when HP is considered a true classic like only age can make them, we’ll see old actors playing their HP parts like it was Shakespeare.
Ian McKellen certainly has a way with words, he does it so well !(one cannot really compere one world with another a, they are both fictional, b,each are powerful in their own worlds,it would hardly be possible to entwine the 2 worlds. Each have their own worlds to live in I dont think it fair to try abd nake a comparison the characters arnt able to jump from one book to another. (I am sur each would be “lost” in the other persons ‘world’)
I like Gambons portrayal of Dumbeldore. Its not like the books, but the movies aren’t like the books. McKellen would always be Gandalf in my eyes….I could never see him playing Dumbeldore. Although it would be great to see him. He has such a commanding presence on stage.
As for who when. Gandalf…he has a lot of powers…he just chooses not to use them. But he is the White Wizard after all.
Alright, I prefer HP over LOTR, but let’s examine one crucial fact that’s not so much touched upon outside of the Silmarillion:
Gandalf is immortal. He’s more or less a demigod, created in the very early stages of Middle Earth.
Dumbledore may have had the unbeatable wand, but Gandalf could simply wait for him to die of old age and take it.
HaHa! No way !
Dumbledore was not only a master in magic-as well as the dark side of it-he was a master
manipulator.Gandalf was almost defeated
by a wizard of less power.He would have NEVER defeated Dumbledore but of course McKellen would think he could.
Voltemort could have defeated Ganfolf.
Had Richard Harris been in better health
his Dumblledore would not have been rivailed by anyone,and dispit McKellen’s grea abilities, I prefer Harris’s acting.He was phanominal.
Of course Gandalf would win – Tolkien’s appendices stated clearly that he was a Maia, a lesser angel working directly for the Vala. Dumbledore was a mortal man, albeit a powerful and talented wisdom. No contest at all.
Heh, that’s kind of neat. I couldn’t imagine McKellen as Dumbledore, although I’m sure he’d be great at it. As for Gandalf vs. Dumbledore – as others have said, it’s two totally different worlds with entirely different ideas of “magic”. (But I still go with Gandalf :D)
Evreka said: “As for who would win, Dumbledore of course. He had the unbeatable wand…”
Grad said: “Dumbledore was much stronger than Gandalf…
And yes, Dumbledore DID die properly. If you don’t think so, then you didn’t understand the chapter “King’s Cross.”
I so agree to these two. lol.
@Jeannine : “Voltemort could have defeated Gandalf.”
I thought so, too.
Well, I love Gandalf. And I’m not underestemating his power and capability only that Dumbledore is much more accomplished than him. And much more talented than him. Lol. Imagine, no other wizard has the amazing ability to manipulate everyone around him but Dumbledore. But cheers to dumbledore. Everything is for the greater good!
Ha lol that would’ve been a bit of an insult to his memory if he had taken the part! And anyway he’s right he’s been the wizard already! Leaky should make a poll: who would win in a duel Dumbledore or Gandalf! lol xxx
"Known it fer years, Harry. Knew [Voldemort] was out there, bidin' his time. It had ter happen. Well, now it has, an' we'll jus' have ter get on with it. We'll fight. Migh' be able ter stop him before he gets a good hold. That's Dumbledore's plan, anyway.
And one more thing about Gambon. After reading DH I think Gambon plays a great Dumbledore!!!