After Gandalf and Magneto he could play Dumbledore! British actor Ian McKellen was offered the role of the famous wizard from the Harry Potter world, replacing Richard Harris, who portrayed him in the first two films of the saga. Except that their disagreement put an end to this idea.
Richard Harris was Dumbledore
Indeed, in the past Richard Harris has mentioned several actors – including Ian McKellen – describing them as “Technically brilliant but without passion”. The disparaging comment blocked McKellen, who was offered the role of Albus Dumbledore following Harris’ death at 72 after filming Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
That’s what the name “Dumbledore” means.
Although McKellen responded that the late actor’s remark was “absurd”, it still forced him to leave a role that would make him a leading actor in blockbusters of the time. Because in 2003, the year of filming the third Harry Potter, McKellen starred in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King as Gandalf and X-Men 2 in Magneto. Accordingly, 2003 would be “his”.
But as he once confided BBC :
I couldn’t take the role of an actor I knew I didn’t like.
He was eventually replaced by Michael Gambon, who played Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore for six films before the end of the magical saga. A performance that Great Prince McKellen describes as “magnificent”.
Michael Gambon as Dumbledore
Gambon unfortunately died on September 27 at the age of 82. Ian McKellen, 84, is still very active on stage (he’ll play John Falstaff in Player Kings next April) and will be seen again in a psychological thriller reimagining of Hamlet.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
