Sir Ian McKellen gave us all a scare last night when the news broke that the legendary X-Men and The Lord of the Rings star fell from the stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London.
Sir Ian - who plays John Falstaff in the production - was said to have been circling a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he lost his footing and fell off the front of the stage. The 85-year-old actor cried out in pain, calling for help, as a staff member rushed to assist him.
According to the BBC's report, the incident happened so quickly that the audience initially thought it part of the performance, but the house lights then came up and staff evacuated the theatre. The next show (tonight, Tues the 18th) was cancelled "so that Ian can rest", and a spokesman then thanked two doctors, Rachel and Lee, who were "on hand in the audience", and staff at the venue for their support.
McKellen was rushed to hospital, but is thankfully expected to make a full recovery.
"Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings. Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits.
The production his made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow. Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.
McKellen was recently asked about a possible return as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum movie that's currently in development at Warner Bros., and said he had been told there is "a part for Gandalf" in the film.
"I haven’t shaved in months,” the veteran actor told The LA Times. “But there is no script, there is no offer, there is no plan.” McKellen said that he might be interested, before adding with a chuckle, “If I’m alive.”
De-ageing technology has come a long way since we saw McKellen as a younger Magneto in X-Men: The Last Stand. Depending on the size of Gandalf's role, there's nothing to say he couldn't don the pointy hat and staff one more time.
What do you think? Would you like to see Ian McKellen back as Mithrandir? Drop us a comment down below.