Sir Ian McKellen taking a break for the rest of the year after stage fall

Sir Ian McKellen has told the BBC that he plans to take the rest of the year off to aid his recovery after his terrifying fall in June. The veteran actor broke his wrist and damaged a vertebra when he fell off the stage into the audience. The accident occurred while he was playing John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noel Coward theatre. 

He told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 that he is taking time off because he wants to, rather than needs to:

 “I’m physically recovered. I broke my wrist, which is what every kid who falls off his bike does, and that’s all right now. Chipped a little vertebra. Left a bit with a few aches and but not pains.” 

He added:

“It’s emotionally that I’ve got some residue that I’ve got to deal with … I think there’s something inside me that has to be calmed down. But I’m feeling fine.”

Still interested in playing Gandalf

In a separate interview, Sir Ian strongly indicated that he is still interested in reprising the role of Gandalf in any future Lord of the Rings films. He told the Big Issue magazine that: 

“Enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating, I may even be going back to play Gandalf again.”

He added: “I can’t tell you any more than that. I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved, and they hope that I’ll be playing him.”

In the meantime, you can see Sir Ian in his latest film The Critic, which is coming to UK and US cinemas on September 13, 2024