Ian McKellen’s Career: From ‘Alfred the Great’ to ‘The Critic’

Sir Ian McKellen is one of the most respected actors of his generation, with a career spanning over six decades. He is known for his work on both stage and screen, ranging from Shakespearean dramas to big-budget fantasy epics. McKellen has received numerous awards for his acting, including a Tony Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and five Emmy Awards. His impact on theatre and film has made him a British cultural icon.

McKellen began his film career in 1969 and became widely recognized for his movie roles in the 1990s. His notable performances include playing King Richard in ‘Richard III’, the wizard Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies, and the supervillain Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ films. His versatility is shown in roles from historical dramas like ‘Gods and Monsters’ to musical fantasies like ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

‘Alfred the Great’ (1969)

In this historical drama, Ian McKellen played Roger, a key figure in the court of King Alfred. The film follows the life of Alfred the Great, the 9th-century king of Wessex who fought against the Viking invasions. McKellen’s character is involved in the political and military struggles of the time.

The movie was an early film role for McKellen, showcasing his talent for historical portrayals. It was filmed in County Galway, Ireland, and featured a large-scale battle scene. The film also starred David Hemmings as King Alfred and Michael York as Guthrum, the Viking leader.

‘A Touch of Love’ (1969)

In ‘A Touch of Love’, McKellen took on the role of George Matthews, a television newsreader. The story centers on Rosamund Stacey, a young student who becomes pregnant after a single encounter with George. She decides to raise the child on her own, navigating the challenges of single motherhood in 1960s London.

The film is based on the novel ‘The Millstone’ by Margaret Drabble and was known in the US as ‘Thank You All Very Much’. It was an unusual project for Amicus Productions, a studio primarily known for horror films. McKellen’s performance was a key supporting role in this sensitive drama.

‘Priest of Love’ (1981)

Ian McKellen portrayed the writer D. H. Lawrence in the biographical film ‘Priest of Love’. The movie focuses on the later years of Lawrence’s life, exploring his controversial writings, his travels, and his relationship with his wife, Frieda. McKellen’s physical resemblance to Lawrence was noted by critics.

Directed by Christopher Miles, the film aimed for authenticity by shooting in the actual locations where Lawrence lived and worked. The cast included Janet Suzman as Frieda Lawrence and Ava Gardner as Mabel Dodge Luhan, a wealthy patron of the arts.

‘The Keep’ (1983)

In Michael Mann’s horror film ‘The Keep’, Ian McKellen played Dr. Theodore Cuza, a Jewish historian. The story is set in a mysterious Romanian citadel during World War II, where Nazi soldiers unwittingly release an ancient evil force. Dr. Cuza is brought in to decipher strange writings found within the keep.

McKellen’s character is a complex figure who is manipulated by the powerful entity. The film blends elements of horror, fantasy, and war. It has since gained a cult following for its unique visual style and atmospheric storytelling.

‘Plenty’ (1985)

‘Plenty’ features Ian McKellen as Sir Andrew Charleson, a British diplomat. The film, based on the play by David Hare, spans two decades in the life of an Englishwoman, played by Meryl Streep, whose experiences in the French Resistance during World War II shape her post-war life.

McKellen’s character represents the establishment and the changing social landscape of post-war Britain. Directed by Fred Schepisi, the film’s cast also included Charles Dance and Sting.

‘Zina’ (1985)

In this film, Ian McKellen took on the role of Arthur Kronfeld, a psychoanalyst. ‘Zina’ tells the story of Zinaida Volkova, the daughter of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky, who is being treated by Kronfeld in 1930s Berlin. The film explores her memories and psychological turmoil.

The movie uses a combination of dramatic reconstruction, documentary footage, and dream sequences to tell its story. McKellen’s role as the therapist provides a framework for exploring the protagonist’s troubled past.

‘Scandal’ (1989)

Ian McKellen portrayed John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War, in the film ‘Scandal’. The movie dramatizes the Profumo affair, a political scandal in 1960s Britain that involved a showgirl, a Soviet naval attaché, and high-profile figures.

The film explores the intersection of politics, sex, and espionage during the Cold War. It received critical attention for its performances and its depiction of the events that captivated and shocked the nation.

‘Six Degrees of Separation’ (1993)

In ‘Six Degrees of Separation’, Ian McKellen played Geoffrey Miller, a wealthy South African businessman. The story revolves around a young con man who charms his way into the lives of a wealthy New York couple by pretending to be the son of actor Sidney Poitier. McKellen’s character gets caught up in the deception during a visit.

The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed play of the same name and explores themes of identity, class, and connection. McKellen’s role is part of an ensemble cast that includes Stockard Channing, Donald Sutherland, and Will Smith.

‘The Ballad of Little Jo’ (1993)

Ian McKellen appeared as Percy Corcoran in ‘The Ballad of Little Jo’. The film tells the story of a woman in the 19th-century American West who disguises herself as a man to survive. McKellen’s character is an acquaintance of the protagonist.

This Western drama was noted for its unconventional take on the genre and its focus on a female protagonist’s struggle for independence. McKellen’s role was a supporting part in this independent film.

‘Last Action Hero’ (1993)

In the action-comedy ‘Last Action Hero’, Ian McKellen made a memorable cameo appearance as Death. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as an action movie hero who is magically transported into the real world with the help of a young fan.

McKellen’s character literally steps out of a movie screen from an Ingmar Bergman film to interact with the protagonist. The appearance is a playful nod to his distinguished career in more serious and classical roles.

‘To Die For’ (1994)

Ian McKellen lent his voice as the narrator for a quilt documentary within the film ‘To Die For’. This British romantic comedy-drama is set in London and focuses on the fiery relationship of a young gay couple, one of whom is HIV positive. The story deals with themes of love, loss, and coming to terms with illness.

The film’s protagonist, a drag queen, is working on an AIDS memorial quilt before he passes away. He then returns as a ghost to help his partner confront his grief and reassess his reckless lifestyle.

‘The Shadow’ (1994)

Ian McKellen played Dr. Reinhardt Lane, a scientist and the father of the film’s female lead, Margo Lane. ‘The Shadow’ is a superhero film based on the 1930s pulp magazine character. The story follows a wealthy vigilante with psychic powers who battles the villainous Shiwan Khan.

Dr. Lane is a brilliant but unwitting pawn in Shiwan Khan’s plan to develop an atomic bomb. McKellen’s performance added a touch of gravitas to this action-adventure film.

‘I’ll Do Anything’ (1994)

In the comedy-drama ‘I’ll Do Anything’, Ian McKellen portrayed John Earl McAlpine, a film director. The movie is a satire of Hollywood and follows a struggling actor who finds himself navigating the absurdities of the film industry while trying to raise his young daughter.

McKellen’s character is part of the Hollywood world that the protagonist must contend with. The film was originally conceived as a musical but was re-edited into a non-musical comedy after poor test screenings.

‘Restoration’ (1995)

‘Restoration’ features Ian McKellen in the role of Will Gates, a loyal servant. The film is set in the 17th century during the reign of King Charles II and follows a young physician who enters the decadent world of the royal court.

Gates is the servant to the protagonist, played by Robert Downey Jr., and provides a grounding presence in a world of excess and turmoil. The film was praised for its lavish costume and set design.

‘Richard III’ (1995)

Ian McKellen starred as the titular ‘Richard III’ in this film adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. He also co-wrote the screenplay, reimagining the story in a 1930s fascist England. This setting drew parallels between Richard’s rise to power and the political climate of pre-World War II Europe.

His portrayal of the villainous king was highly acclaimed, earning him nominations for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe Award. He also served as an executive producer and returned his fee to help finish the film’s final battle scene.

‘Jack & Sarah’ (1995)

In ‘Jack and Sarah’, Ian McKellen has a cameo role as William, a homeless man. The film is a romantic comedy about a man who, after his wife’s death, hires a young American waitress to be a nanny for his baby daughter.

McKellen’s brief appearance provides a moment of poignant humor. He shares a scene with the main characters in a park, offering some unconventional wisdom.

‘Swept from the Sea’ (1997)

‘Swept from the Sea’ stars Ian McKellen as Dr. James Kennedy. Based on Joseph Conrad’s short story ‘Amy Foster’, the film is set in a remote English coastal village. It tells the story of a mysterious immigrant who washes ashore and the compassionate young woman who cares for him, leading to a forbidden romance.

Dr. Kennedy is the local physician and a thoughtful observer of the events that unfold. He provides a voice of reason and compassion in a community marked by prejudice and fear.

‘Bent’ (1997)

In ‘Bent’, a film adaptation of the play he had starred in on stage, Ian McKellen played Uncle Freddie. The story follows a gay man in 1930s Berlin who is arrested by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. The film is a powerful depiction of the persecution of homosexuals during the Holocaust.

McKellen’s character is a flamboyant and decadent figure from the protagonist’s life before his arrest. The role earned him an Olivier Award for his original stage performance.

‘Gods and Monsters’ (1998)

Ian McKellen delivered an Oscar-nominated performance as James Whale, the real-life director of ‘Frankenstein’, in ‘Gods and Monsters’. The film is a fictionalized account of Whale’s last days, focusing on his friendship with his young gardener and his memories of his past, including his experiences in World War I.

The role earned McKellen widespread critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film explores themes of creativity, memory, and sexuality with sensitivity and depth.

‘Apt Pupil’ (1998)

In the psychological thriller ‘Apt Pupil’, based on a Stephen King novella, Ian McKellen played Kurt Dussander, a fugitive Nazi war criminal. He lives in hiding in an American suburb until a high school student discovers his true identity and blackmails him into revealing details of his past.

This dark and disturbing film explores the nature of evil and its corrupting influence. McKellen’s portrayal of the manipulative former Nazi officer was both chilling and compelling.

‘X-Men’ (2000)

Ian McKellen joined the superhero genre as Erik Lehnsherr, also known as Magneto, in ‘X-Men’. The film is based on the popular Marvel Comics series about a team of mutants with extraordinary powers. Magneto, a powerful mutant with control over magnetism, is a complex villain who believes mutants are superior to humans.

The film was a major box office success and helped launch the modern era of superhero movies. McKellen’s commanding performance established him as a key figure in the franchise, a role he would reprise in several sequels.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)

Ian McKellen took on the iconic role of Gandalf the Grey in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novel, the film follows a young hobbit’s quest to destroy a powerful and evil ring. Gandalf is the wise and powerful wizard who guides and protects the fellowship on their journey.

The film was a global phenomenon, and McKellen’s performance was universally praised. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for the role, cementing Gandalf as one of his most beloved characters.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)

McKellen returned as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’, the second installment of the trilogy. In this film, his character is resurrected as Gandalf the White, a more powerful and determined figure. He plays a crucial role in the battle against the dark lord Sauron’s forces.

The film continued the massive success of the first, earning critical acclaim and breaking box office records. McKellen’s transformation as Gandalf was a key element of the epic storyline.

‘X2’ (2003)

Ian McKellen reprised his role as Magneto in ‘X2’, the second film in the ‘X-Men’ series. In this sequel, the X-Men are forced to team up with their former enemy Magneto to combat a new threat that endangers all mutants. The film delves deeper into the complex relationship between Magneto and Professor X.

The film was praised for its action sequences and character development, and is often considered one of the best films in the series. McKellen’s portrayal continued to bring depth and nuance to the powerful mutant leader.

‘Émile’ (2003)

In the Canadian drama ‘Emile’, Ian McKellen played the title character, a retired academic who returns to his hometown in Canada. The film follows Emile as he reconnects with his estranged family and confronts memories from his past.

The film is a quiet and reflective character study. McKellen’s performance was praised for its subtlety and emotional depth as he portrayed a man looking back on his life with regret and a desire for reconciliation.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

The epic trilogy concluded with ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’, with McKellen once again playing Gandalf the White. He leads the forces of good in the final, decisive battle against Sauron’s armies. The film culminates in the destruction of the One Ring and the crowning of a new king.

The film was a monumental success, winning all eleven Academy Awards for which it was nominated, including Best Picture. McKellen’s performance as the wise and powerful wizard was central to the series’ triumphant conclusion.

‘Eighteen’ (2004)

Ian McKellen provided the voice of a grandfather in the film ‘Eighteen’. The story centers on a teenage boy who receives audio cassettes of his grandfather’s wartime memoirs for his eighteenth birthday. McKellen’s narration voices these memoirs from World War II.

This role allowed McKellen to convey the weight of history and experience through his voice alone. The film explores the connection between generations and the impact of the past on the present.

‘Neverwas’ (2005)

Ian McKellen portrayed Gabriel Finch in the fantasy drama ‘Neverwas’. The film stars Aaron Eckhart as a psychiatrist who takes a job at a mental institution where his father, a famous author, was a patient. McKellen’s character is a patient who believes he is a character from his father’s beloved children’s book.

The movie explores themes of fantasy, reality, and mental illness. McKellen’s performance was a key part of this imaginative and poignant story.

‘Asylum’ (2005)

In the psychological drama ‘Asylum’, Ian McKellen played Dr. Peter Cleave. The film is set in the 1950s at a remote psychiatric hospital. It tells the story of the wife of a psychiatrist who begins an affair with a dangerous patient. McKellen’s character is a colleague who observes the unfolding tragedy.

The film is a dark and intense story of obsession and madness. McKellen’s supporting role provided a voice of authority and concern within the institution.

‘The Magic Roundabout’ (2005)

Ian McKellen voiced the character of Zebedee in the animated film ‘The Magic Roundabout’. Zebedee is a magical, mustached jack-in-the-box who acts as the guardian of the enchanted garden where the story takes place. The film is a CGI adaptation of the classic children’s television series.

He joined a notable voice cast that included Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, and Jim Broadbent. The film brought the beloved characters to a new generation, with McKellen voicing the bouncy and magical Zebedee.

‘Flushed Away’ (2006)

In the animated film ‘Flushed Away’, Ian McKellen voiced the villainous character, The Toad. The story follows a pampered pet rat who is flushed into the London sewers, where he encounters The Toad, a pompous amphibian with a grudge against all rodents.

The film was a collaboration between Aardman Animations and DreamWorks Animation. McKellen’s over-the-top vocal performance as the megalomaniacal toad was highly praised and earned him an Annie Award for Voice Acting in a Feature Production.

‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006)

In the mystery thriller ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Ian McKellen played Sir Leigh Teabing, an eccentric and wealthy Holy Grail scholar. Based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, the film follows a symbologist and a cryptologist as they uncover a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church.

Teabing is a pivotal character who helps the protagonists decipher clues while hiding his own secrets. McKellen’s lively and engaging performance was a highlight of the film.

‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ (2006)

McKellen returned as the formidable Magneto in ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’, the third film in the original trilogy. The plot revolves around a “cure” for mutants, which divides the mutant community. Magneto leads a militant faction that declares war on humanity.

The film was a commercial success, bringing the initial trilogy to an action-packed conclusion. McKellen’s powerful presence continued to define the character of Magneto.

‘Stardust’ (2007)

Ian McKellen served as the narrator for the romantic fantasy film ‘Stardust’. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the film follows a young man’s adventure into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. His journey is filled with witches, princes, and other fantastical beings.

With a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Claire Danes, McKellen’s narration guides the audience through the fairy-tale world. His voice adds a classic storybook feel to the adventure.

‘The Golden Compass’ (2007)

Ian McKellen lent his voice to the character of Iorek Byrnison in ‘The Golden Compass’. Iorek is a powerful and noble panserbjørn, an armored bear, who becomes a loyal friend and protector to the film’s young protagonist, Lyra Belacqua. The film is an adaptation of Philip Pullman’s novel ‘Northern Lights’.

McKellen’s voice gave the CGI character a sense of gravitas and authority. His performance brought the noble armored bear to life with a powerful and resonant tone.

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ (2012)

Ian McKellen reprised his role as Gandalf the Grey in ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’, the first film in a new trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. This prequel follows the adventures of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he joins a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their mountain home from a dragon.

Reprising the role that made him a global star, McKellen brought back the familiar wisdom and charm of the character. His performance was once again highly praised by fans and critics alike.

‘The Wolverine’ (2013)

Ian McKellen made a brief but significant cameo as Magneto in ‘The Wolverine’. He appears in a mid-credits scene alongside Patrick Stewart as Professor X, warning Wolverine of a new threat to mutantkind.

This appearance served as a teaser for the next film in the series, ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’, and excited fans by reuniting the two iconic actors in their famous roles.

‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ (2013)

In the second installment of ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, ‘The Desolation of Smaug’, McKellen continued his portrayal of Gandalf. While the dwarves and Bilbo face the dragon Smaug, Gandalf investigates a growing evil presence in the fortress of Dol Guldur.

His storyline explored a darker and more mysterious side of Middle-earth, separate from the main quest but crucial to the overarching narrative that connects to ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014)

McKellen returned as the older Magneto in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. The film’s storyline involved time travel, bringing together the cast of the original ‘X-Men’ trilogy with their younger counterparts from ‘X-Men: First Class’. McKellen shared the role with Michael Fassbender.

The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its ambitious narrative and strong performances. McKellen’s scenes with his old friend and rival, Professor X, were highlights of the movie.

‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ (2014)

The final film in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, ‘The Battle of the Five Armies’, saw McKellen’s Gandalf participating in a massive conflict for control of the Lonely Mountain. The film brought the prequel series to a dramatic close and served as a direct lead-in to ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf across six films created one of the most iconic characters in modern cinema. He perfectly embodied the wizard’s wisdom, power, and humanity, earning the affection of fans worldwide.

‘Mr. Holmes’ (2015)

In ‘Mr. Holmes’, Ian McKellen played an aging, 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes. The film follows the famous detective in his retirement as he struggles with a failing memory while trying to recall the true details of his final case. This marked his third collaboration with director Bill Condon.

McKellen’s performance was widely acclaimed for its poignant and nuanced depiction of a brilliant mind facing the challenges of old age. The film offers a unique and humanizing look at the legendary detective.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017)

Ian McKellen voiced the character of Cogsworth in Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Cogsworth is the Beast’s loyal but high-strung majordomo, who has been transformed into a mantel clock by a curse.

The film was a huge box office success, becoming the highest-grossing live-action musical film. McKellen brought his distinctive voice and comedic timing to the role, adding to the charm of this beloved story.

‘Animal Crackers’ (2017)

Ian McKellen voiced the main antagonist, Horatio P. Huntington, in the animated film ‘Animal Crackers’. The story follows a family that inherits a rundown circus and a magical box of animal crackers that turns the eater into the animal they’ve consumed.

The role of the evil uncle Horatio was written specifically with McKellen in mind. The character’s goal is to take over the circus and get the magical crackers for himself.

‘All Is True’ (2018)

In ‘All Is True’, directed by Kenneth Branagh, Ian McKellen played the Earl of Southampton. The film imagines the final years of William Shakespeare’s life after he returns to Stratford. McKellen’s character was a real-life patron of Shakespeare.

The film speculates on the relationship between Shakespeare and the Earl, to whom many of his sonnets were dedicated. McKellen’s performance was a key cameo in this historical drama about the famous playwright’s personal life.

‘The Good Liar’ (2019)

‘The Good Liar’ reunited Ian McKellen with director Bill Condon and co-starred Helen Mirren. McKellen played Roy Courtnay, a career con artist who targets a wealthy widow he meets online. However, his plan takes unexpected turns as he finds himself developing feelings for her.

The film is a suspenseful thriller with numerous twists and turns. McKellen’s performance was praised for its clever and charismatic portrayal of a man who is not what he seems.

‘Cats’ (2019)

In the film adaptation of the famous musical ‘Cats’, Ian McKellen played Gus the Theatre Cat. Gus is an elderly and nostalgic cat who reminisces about his past as a great actor.

The film featured an ensemble cast and used extensive visual effects to transform the actors into cats. McKellen’s performance of Gus’s signature song was a notable moment in the movie.

‘Infinitum: Subject Unknown’ (2021)

Ian McKellen appeared as Dr. Charles Marland-White in the science fiction film ‘Infinitum: Subject Unknown’. The movie follows a woman who is trapped in a time loop in a parallel universe and must uncover the truth about a mysterious experiment.

McKellen’s role is central to the film’s mystery. The movie was filmed with a small crew during the COVID-19 lockdown, showcasing an innovative approach to filmmaking during the pandemic.

‘The Critic’ (2023)

In the period thriller ‘The Critic’, Ian McKellen played Jimmy Erskine, a feared and powerful theatre critic in 1930s London. The plot involves blackmail, deception, and murder within the city’s glamorous theatre world.

The film is a stylish noir that explores the dark side of ambition and revenge. McKellen’s performance as the sharp-tongued and manipulative critic was a central element of the suspenseful story.

Which of Sir Ian McKellen’s many film roles is your absolute favorite?