Ian McKellen in London on Feb. 23, 2017.Photo:John Phillips/Getty
John Phillips/Getty
When it comes to his screen career,Sir Ian McKellenisn’t slowing down.
In an interview withVarietysurrounding his new thrillerThe Critic, which will have its world premiere Monday at theToronto International Film Festival, the 84-year-old British actor said of retiring, “Retire to do what?”
“I’ve never been out of work, but I’m aware that any minute now something could happen to me which could prevent me from ever working again," said McKellen, who’s known for his decades-long body of work in theater, television and movies, including theLord of the Ringsfranchise, theX-Menfilms, 2019’sThe Good Liarand more.
“But while the knees hold up and the memory remains intact, why shouldn’t I carry on? I really feel I’m quite good at this acting thing now,” he quipped.
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From L: Ian McKellen inThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King(2003),X-Men: The Last Stand(2006) andThe Good Liar(2019).New Line/courtesy Everett Collection
New Line/courtesy Everett Collection
McKellen has been the recipient of numerous accolades over the course of his career, including aGolden Globe Award, aTony Awardand six Olivier Awards. He has also earned twoOscarnominations, fiveEmmynods and fiveBAFTA Awardnominations.
InThe Critic, McKellen andGemma Artertonstar as adversaries in pre-WWII England, who are “forced to take desperate measures to save their careers,” according to a synopsis from TIFF that calls the film a “scintillating tale of ambition and deceit in the theatre world.”
Ian McKellen on Oct. 14, 1965.Don Smith/Radio Times via Getty
McKellen will also star on stage inFrank and Percyat The Other Palace theater in London from Sept. 8 through Dec. 3, and noted in his conversation withVarietythat a critic said in his review that the actor forgot his lines, after seeing an early preview of the show.
“Instead of understanding that this happens from time to time, this critic says it was evidence that it was time for Ian McKellen to stop acting,” said McKellen, who also said he was “insufficiently acquainted with the text" at the time of that performance.
“Maybe I should challenge this man to a podcast where we could debate it," he joked, before adding, “Perhaps that’s not a wise thing to do."
“It might just draw more attention to it. After all, I’ve long ago made my peace with critics,” McKellen said.
source: people.com
