Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen has been a part of many incredible projects, including the Hobbit trilogy and Lord of the Rings. With his impeccable acting skills, the actor has proved his mettle in the film industry. However, there have been instances when the iconic actor had to perform in the film despite his reservations.
Previously, while filming The Hobbit, the actor was not content with the director’s notion of using digital effects in the film, as according to him, this technical approach may hinder the authenticity. During an interview, the actor shared that he got so frustrated that he almost decided to quit the film. However, ultimately he adhered to the professional approach and decided to stick to the film and adjust.
Sir Ian McKellen’s creative difference with the director coaxed him to leave the film mid-shoot
Among various great films, Ian McKellen‘s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are considered to be the best work of the actor. Interestingly, both films are directed by the same filmmaker, Peter Jackson, but the director’s approach towards both films varied.
While filming The Lord of the Rings, Jackson opted to go with practical effects for makeup, costumes, props, etc. However, during the filming of The Hobbit, the director changed his directorial approach and included the technological aspect in the film that involved extensive use of CGI.
However, McKellen wasn’t very thrilled with Jackson’s approach. During an interview with Time Out, the actor described his experience working with digital effects which made him feel inanimated. The actor said,
“I was miserable. It may be my impression, but I don’t remember a green screen on The Lord of the Rings. If Gandalf was on top of a mountain, I’d be there on the mountain. The technology was being invented while we were making the film. [In The Lord of the Rings] I wasn’t involved in any of that, I was away acting on a mountain. I tend not to remember the bad times, but I don’t think there were any. I think I enjoyed every single moment of making those films.”
McKellen was so disappointed with the film, that he almost decided to quit the film mid-shoot.
Sir Ian McKellen took the professional approach and decided to stick to the project
Working in an atmosphere that didn’t even include any physical aspect, frustrated the actor and he felt so disappointed that he broke down. The actor said,
“I cried, actually. I cried. Unfortunately, the microphone was on, and the whole studio heard.”
The actor was so dejected that he decided to quit the film in the mid-shoot. He said,
“It was so distressing and off-putting and difficult that I thought ‘I don’t want to make this film if this is what I’m going to have to do.'”
However, since McKellen was a crucial figure in the film, his departure would have affected the entire film. Hence, Jackson decided to calm the actor. Despite his unwillingness to work on the project, McKellen understood the situation and decided to continue working while adjusting to the prevailing conditions.
Source: Time Out
