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.”
Well, we ALL know it would go down like a classic DBZ fight scene.
That is, to say, days, weeks, months of fighting, blowing away the landscape, planet consuming fireballs, etc. Just as one wizard would be down for the count, he would make a comeback and beat down the other wizard who would then comeback and do the same.
This would have to happen AT LEAST 5 times. Then, just when you thought a winner would be declared one wizard would powerup to ‘Super-Ultra-Wizard 4 mode’ and the whole thing would start over.
Finally, after half a season, a winner would be declared and then the writers would start on ‘Harry Potter GT’ and ignore establish continuity.
But, no, Gandalf would totally win. :D
Posted by the laughing Man on November 26, 2007, 06:49 PM
report to moderator
Regarding Gandalf and his powers, here’s the gist. Gandalf had Super Awesome Powers. However, he was charged not to use his power, but instead to use his wisdom and counsel to guide the heroes on their destiny of defeating the Dark Lord. This is because using his Super Awesome Powers might have proved too tempting for Gandalf: he might have decided that he liked being in charge, and become a brand new Dark Lord himself.
I think Gandalf and Dumbledore would have a lot to talk about. I also like to think that they would be total BFFs.
“I’m not sure Gandalf and Dumbledore would have taken an opportunity for a duel. Seeing as they were both on the side of Good, I think it more likely they would have sat around telling stories over a nice bottle of Ogden’s Firewhisky and some of the Shire’s best pipeweed. ;-)”
I completely agree.
hahahaha! I have to admit, Gandalf would have beaten Dumbledore. He’s not even human, he’s an Istari and Dumbledore would have been the first to admit defeat to that. However, Dumbledore has a sense of humour. And I can understand what he says, mostly.
gandalf vs dumbledore, NOW that would be a pretty cool movie. ya’ll seen what they can do, awesome, but dumbledore would most likely win, gandalf may be able to throw dumbledore around with his staff(like in the first rings movie)
Oh come on, Dumbledore would kick Gandalf’s arse and then some. Dumbledore knows some heavy magical stuff, Gandalf does what, smoke weed and make fireworks as a party trick! :D But Gambon just ISN’T Dumbledore in these movies, though he’s not all bad, it probably would’ve been a great idea if he actually would skim through the books sarcasm I mean, wasn’t it he who said he was gonna do "his own" Dumbledore? WELL DON’T! We want Dumbledore, ROWLING’s Dumbledore, not Gambon’s dd.
ok sorry guys for my english but i’m lebanese
i’m a n1 fan of lord of the rings movies i watched all parts since 4 years and i keep watching it for know i just can’t get bored of it well mostly cuz i love the elves and from heroes Haldir who died in the second movie and i have some advice for you guys first of all lol Saruman is a weaker wizard . Saruman was the master of all wizards in Lord of The rings and he had the title white wizard before gandalf . he was stronger than him
and Dumbldore winning Gandalf that’s stupid Gandalf was the wilder of the secret flame of arnor + the istari light and Immortal Dumbldore would dream of defeating him and if some of you guys watched the Lord of the rings the return of the king extended edition you saw the saruman fire bolt didn’t effect Gandalf and Gandalf chasing the 3 nazguls and btw Dumbldore died while Gandalf died but he was sent back lol if Dumbldore has hes stupid wound he can’t even think of defeating gandalf and if some of you play the game lord of the rings the battle for middle earth you can see that gandalf at lvl 10 could do a really awesome magic beside
[i]"Hem, hem,"[/i] said Professor Umbridge.[br][i]"Yes?"[/i] said Professor McGonagall...[br]"I was just wondering, Professor, whether you received my note telling you of the date and time of your inspec --"[br]"Obviously I received it, or I would have as
Okay, okay, okay.
Gandalf had a staff that did some fiery stuff once in a while.
Dumbledore had a wand that completely pwned. all.the.time.
DONE; Dumbledore wins.