Ian McKellen could have been Albus Dumbledore, but his rivalry with an actor prevented it

The renowned British actor Sir Ian McKellen, famous for his role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings saga, revealed in a recent interview that he declined the offer to play Albus Dumbledore in the successful Harry Potter franchise after the death of Richard Harris in 2002. McKellen’s decision was partly due to disparaging comments Harris had made about his acting ability, which led him to respectfully reject the proposal.

McKellen and Harris: A Rivalry for the Ages

In his conversation, McKellen recalled how Warner Bros. contacted him to offer the iconic role of Dumbledore. However, upon learning that it was the character that had been played by Harris, the actor decided not to accept. “I couldn’t take on the role of a man I knew and who publicly declared that he disparaged my work,” McKellen expressed, alluding to Harris’s criticisms, who had stated that some actors, including McKellen, were “technically brilliant but without a shred of passion.”

Over the years, the confusion between McKellen and the late Michael Gambon, who took on the role of Dumbledore in the films starting from the third installment, has also been a recurring theme. McKellen revealed that Gambon often received photos of him to sign, indicating how the public confused them. “All the time,” Gambon responded when asked if he was mistaken for McKellen, which led to comedic situations between the two actors.

The interconnection between these two fantasy sagas has left an indelible mark on the film industry, featuring protagonists that have captivated audiences worldwide. Therefore, although McKellen never portrayed Dumbledore, his legacy as Gandalf continues to resonate, and his decision regarding the challenge of Dumbledore adds a layer of respect to his career.

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