"I Hope They Feel Silly": Ian McKellen Recalls Big Stars Who Passed On Lord Of The Rings Role

The Lord of the Rings star Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf, recalls the major stars who passed on the role before it was ultimately offered to him. Based on the beloved fantasy novels by author J.R.R. Tolkien, Peter Jackson’s first film in the trilogy was released in 2001, with the story ultimately concluding in 2003. McKellen is introduced as Gandalf the wizard in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, playing an integral part of Frodo and Sam’s epic quest to destroy the One Ring.