Ian McKellen Confronts His Inner Critic After Stage Fall and Prepares for His New Thriller
Ian McKellen, the celebrated British actor known for his iconic roles in film and theater, is currently navigating a challenging period in his illustrious career. The 85-year-old star has been grappling with the emotional and physical aftermath of a significant stage accident that occurred during a performance of “Player Kings” in June. This fall, which took place during a live show at London’s Noel Coward Theatre, resulted in McKellen sustaining fractures and chipped vertebrae, leading to a brief hospitalization. The incident has left McKellen, ever his own harshest critic, battling feelings of guilt and self-reproach.
Despite the fact that the accident was beyond his control, McKellen has found it difficult to come to terms with the way his role ended. “Emotionally, I feel guilty and ashamed, you know, quite irrational because it was an accident. And it could have happened to anybody,” McKellen admitted in a recent interview. The actor was portraying the rotund Sir John Falstaff, a character in Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” plays, and was wearing padding for the role. This padding, he believes, may have prevented the fall from being far more serious. Yet, the guilt of not being able to finish the production with his castmates still weighs heavily on him. “You suddenly abandon all your mates who are putting on the show and you feel something’s come to an end prematurely,” he reflected.
The fall led to widespread speculation and concern among fans and friends alike, with many fearing that McKellen’s career might be drawing to a close. “I got the impression that dozens of friends wanted to come and say hello that, actually, they wanted to say goodbye. They thought I was on the way out,” McKellen recounted with a chuckle, adding that he made a point to reassure them by energetically opening his door and even running up the stairs to prove that he was still full of life.
While McKellen is not currently on stage, he hasn’t stepped away from the public eye. He is set to appear in the upcoming thriller “The Critic,” a film set in the murky underworld of 1930s London theater. In the movie, McKellen plays James Erskine, a gay newspaper writer who wields considerable power through his biting theater reviews. The film, which is an adaptation of Anthony Quinn’s novel “Curtain Call,” was written by Patrick Marber and features a star-studded British cast, including Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Romola Garai, Ben Barnes, and Lesley Manville. “The Critic” is scheduled for release on September 13, offering audiences a glimpse of McKellen in a nuanced, off-stage role that still revolves around the theater, albeit from the perspective of the audience.
In a candid interview, McKellen opened up about his enduring passion for theater, his complex relationship with critics, and his thoughts on the future. Despite his age and the recent setback, McKellen remains deeply connected to the world of acting, especially in the theater. He confessed that being away from the stage has left him questioning the purpose of life, a sentiment that highlights just how integral acting is to his identity. “Acting, particularly in the theater, is totally satisfying. And if I’m not doing it, like at the moment, I think, ‘Well, what is life all about?’” McKellen shared.
McKellen also touched on his long-standing relationship with theater critics, recounting a memorable review from his early days at Cambridge University. A critic, impressed by his performance in a production of “Henry IV, Part 2,” had suggested that McKellen’s name might one day be remembered. That review, McKellen revealed, played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue acting professionally.
Although McKellen is currently recovering from his injuries, he is optimistic about the future. He has already committed to a film project scheduled to begin in January and expressed a strong desire to return to the stage, particularly to revisit his role as Falstaff. The idea of completing the job he started and bringing the production to a proper close is something that deeply resonates with him. “It’s partly why I’m a bit emotionally unsettled. It didn’t end properly. So if we went back and did it again, did a bit more touring, perhaps went to the States…” he pondered.
In addition to his upcoming film projects, McKellen also touched on the possibility of returning as Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” universe. While details remain unclear, McKellen expressed enthusiasm about the potential of reprising the beloved role, particularly if it involves filming in New Zealand, a location he has fond memories of.
As McKellen continues to heal and reflect, his passion for acting remains undiminished. Fans can look forward to seeing him in “The Critic,” where he brings his formidable talent to a role that, while different from his usual stage performances, still allows him to explore the complexities of the theatrical world. As he plans his next steps, McKellen’s commitment to his craft and his determination to continue working serve as a testament to his enduring love for the art of acting.
