Sir Ian McKellen Taking Time Off After Stage Fall Injuries

Sir Ian McKellen, famed for his roles in film and theater, has announced that he will be taking the remainder of the year off from acting following an accident that occurred in June. The 85-year-old actor fell from a stage while performing in the play ‘Player Kings‘ at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The fall resulted in significant injuries, including a fractured wrist and a chipped vertebra. McKellen expressed that he has been feeling physically weak and is engaging in exercises to aid his recovery.

In a recent interview with the Big Issue, McKellen shared his emotions regarding the fall, stating, ‘We all trip all our lives, it’s just when you get to my age you can’t always get up again.’ He reflected on the incident with concern, considering whether age played a role in the fall.

Despite the challenges presented by his injuries, McKellen remains hopeful about future acting opportunities. He mentioned that he has been contemplating his next steps in his career and assured fans that he is not taking time off due to necessity, but rather by choice.

McKellen’s portrayal of John Falstaff in ‘Player Kings’ was based on Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV.’ He acknowledged that a fat suit he wore for the character may have helped protect him from more severe injuries.

Looking ahead, McKellen hinted at the possibility of reprising his iconic role as Gandalf in upcoming adaptations of ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ He expressed excitement about the continued enthusiasm for the franchise and stated, ‘I may even be going back to play Gandalf again.’