Sir Ian McKellen Turned Down the Role of Dumbledore

[@bookishlifebeth]

When I read the books I always imagine Ian mckellan for some reason as dumbledore

[@agoogleuser65]

This is interesting, didn't know this! Always thought Ian Mckellan would've been perfect for the role though. Michael Gambon was great in the movies though and I think he's a wonderful actor!

[@HarryPotterAdmirer]

Glad this was informative to somebody!

[@MariahWong]

Imagine Ian Mckellen as Dumbledore. Harry: Here are my final exams. Dumbledore: YOU...SHALL NOT...PASS!!!!

[@KingBuddha84]

This is a exemplary example why the opinions of others should not stop you from greatness. Ian is already great but imagine if he had done all of the HP movies and the subsequent Hobbit movies while have LOTRs under his belt. What an extraordinary legacy that would have been and money, which I’m sure he has enough of and doesn’t consider when choosing roles but the hypothetical resume alone would have been astonishing. It’s sad that someone’s opinion ( as wrong as it is) of his skill stopped such a great thing from happening.

[@Pearleace]

i can't believe that to have been the sole reason.. if he seriously considered the role, there must've been more to him turning it down than this.

[@mauraisbeast]

i always saw him as more of a merlin anyways... but merlin’s beard that is interesting! (pun intended)

[@twilliamspro]

if he'd been Dumbledore he probably wouldn't have done gandalf

[@HarryPotterAdmirer]

But Richard Harris died in 2002 after Chamber of Secrets which Ian had already been Gandalf and was already filming Return of the King. So he would be finishing up LOTR then he would go over to HP

[@ArtScienceWonder]

I think he would have done a great job but who we got was also amazing.

[@Pearleace]

had he played the part, maybe i would've actually watched the rest of them after 4th, by which i'd had enough of them. i suppose it would feel awkward to accept the part after knowing the criticism by Harris, but i believe only if he personally feels that Harris was right in his assessment, which i don't think he did..? maybe McKellen felt he would not feel as passionate about Dumbledore's role as the roles he has accepted, and thus turned the offer down due to what Harris had stated? for otherwise he could've put on his very best performance in the role in honor of Richard Harris and perhaps achieve his approval from beyond the veil~

[@muhammadtanjim359]

I would have loved it😔

[@lenamarie6916]

Harry Potter isn't worthy enough for Ian McKellen one wizard to rule them all #lotr