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masterofmystery · #1 (**permalink**) 07-26-2015, 05:54 PM

Sir Ian McKellen, while promoting the release of his new movie Mr. Holmes, commented on how fans often confuse him for playing Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, when of course he portrayed Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit saga.

Ian McKellen on Gandalf/Dumbledore confusion: 'I will always be the real wizard' http://t.co/YBuuXLHxrG via @kpcc
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) July 25, 2015

Quote:

In the film, "Mr. Holmes," your character makes a point that there are many misconceptions of Sherlock Holmes. Especially since you're writing your biography right now, are there any misconceptions that people have about you?
Ian McKellen: I think the biggest misconception I could put right is that I did not play Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" movies.

In fact, two actors did!
Ian McKellen: That's right, but neither of them was me. I'm often mistaken for Dumbledore. And I think in the most recent posters, they make [Michael] Gambon up to look very much like Gandalf, but of course, I will always be the actor who played the real wizard.

McKellen is currently working on the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast, portraying Cogsworth, with Harry Potter's Emma Watson and Emma Thompson.

Bloggs-jane52 · 07-27-2015, 04:15 PM

' I will always be the actor who played the real wizard.'

Well that's not very nice.

I get being annoyed that he gets mixed up. But why should be be fight on wether or not Gandalf or Dumbledore is better? they're Both great wizards in their own way.

and like michael Gambon!dumbledore might not have the same gravitas, but Richard Harris!Dumbledore definitely did.

it also feels he's being a bit condescending? like ok Gandalf existed for Longer and has more cultural mileage but JKR Dumbledore is very influential too.

Casey O · 07-27-2015, 09:46 PM

Hahahaha, I think this is HILARIOUS. He's so sassy.

sweetpinkpixie · 07-28-2015, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloggs-jane52

' I will always be the actor who played the real wizard.'

Well that's not very nice.

I get being annoyed that he gets mixed up. But why should be be fight on wether or not Gandalf or Dumbledore is better? they're Both great wizards in their own way.

and like michael Gambon!dumbledore might not have the same gravitas, but Richard Harris!Dumbledore definitely did.

it also feels he's being a bit condescending? like ok Gandalf existed for Longer and has more cultural mileage but JKR Dumbledore is very influential too.

I am fairly positive those two have a VERY cheeky relationship with one another over this whole thing and they hold nothing but the utmost respect for one another

This is from an interview back in 2011 with McKellen

Quote:

Other than using his staff as a flashlight, what exactly are his magical talents?

I can’t help you with that one. I should probably chat with Michael Gambon [who plays Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films] before saying anything derogatory about Dumbledore’s magical abilities. You know, he and I often get mistaken for each other. I saw Mike recently when he was doing a play in the West End and I asked if he gets mistaken for me. He said it happens all the time. But he never corrects them. He told me, “Oh, I just sign your name.”

The "real wizard" comment was also in this interview. Just an example of two greats being sassy with one another in my opinion

Bloggs-jane52 · 07-28-2015, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

I am fairly positive those two have a VERY cheeky relationship with one another over this whole thing and they hold nothing but the utmost respect for one another

This is from an interview back in 2011 with McKellen

The "real wizard" comment was also in this interview. Just an example of two greats being sassy with one another in my opinion

oh yay!that's good

Thanks for clearing this up. made me feel lots better