Ian McKellen

Sir Ian Murray McKellen, CH, CBE (born May 25, 1939) is an English actor. He is the recipient of six Laurence Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BIF Award, two Saturn Awards, four Drama Desk Awards and two Critics' Choice Awards. He has also received two Academy Award nominations, eight BAFTA film and TV nominations and five Emmy Award nominations. McKellen's work spans genres ranging from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. His notable film roles include Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and Magneto in the X-Men films.

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

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Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves who seek to reclaim their mountain home from Smaug, the dragon.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Martin Freeman  •  Richard Armitage  •  Andy Serkis

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves who seek to reclaim their mountain home from Smaug, the dragon.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Martin Freeman  •  Richard Armitage  •  Andy Serkis

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

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The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Martin Freeman  •  Richard Armitage  •  Ken Stott

The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Martin Freeman  •  Richard Armitage  •  Ken Stott

The Golden Compass (2007)

After overhearing a shocking secret, precocious orphan Lyra Belacqua trades her carefree existence roaming the halls of Jordan College for an otherworldly adventure in the far North, unaware that it's part of her destiny.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Chris Weitz
CAST:  Nicole Kidman  •  Daniel Craig  •  Eva Green  •  Ian McShane

After overhearing a shocking secret, precocious orphan Lyra Belacqua trades her carefree existence roaming the halls of Jordan College for an otherworldly adventure in the far North, unaware that it's part of her destiny.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Chris Weitz
CAST:  Nicole Kidman  •  Daniel Craig  •  Eva Green  •  Ian McShane

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

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Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Elijah Wood  •  Ian McKellen  •  Viggo Mortensen  •  Liv Tyler

Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Elijah Wood  •  Ian McKellen  •  Viggo Mortensen  •  Liv Tyler

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

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Immediately after the events of The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treasure from others who claim it: the men of the ruined Laketown and the elves of Mirkwood. Meanwhile an army of Orcs led by Azog the Defiler is ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  John Bell  •  Dean O'Gorman  •  Lee Pace  •  Martin Freeman

Immediately after the events of The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treasure from others who claim it: the men of the ruined Laketown and the elves of Mirkwood. Meanwhile an army of Orcs led by Azog the Defiler is ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  John Bell  •  Dean O'Gorman  •  Lee Pace  •  Martin Freeman

Apt Pupil (1998)

One day in 1984, Todd Bowden, a brilliant high school boy fascinated by the history of Nazism, stumbles across an old man whose appearance resembles that of Kurt Dussander, a wanted Nazi war criminal. A month later, Todd decides to knock on his door.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Bryan Singer
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Brad Renfro  •  Bruce Davison  •  David Schwimmer

One day in 1984, Todd Bowden, a brilliant high school boy fascinated by the history of Nazism, stumbles across an old man whose appearance resembles that of Kurt Dussander, a wanted Nazi war criminal. A month later, Todd decides to knock on his door.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Bryan Singer
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Brad Renfro  •  Bruce Davison  •  David Schwimmer

Asylum (2005)

A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found guilty in the murder and disfigurement of his former wife.  (more)

DIRECTION:  David Mackenzie
CAST:  Natasha Richardson  •  Hugh Bonneville  •  Ian McKellen  •  Joss Ackland

A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found guilty in the murder and disfigurement of his former wife.  (more)

DIRECTION:  David Mackenzie
CAST:  Natasha Richardson  •  Hugh Bonneville  •  Ian McKellen  •  Joss Ackland

Flushed Away (2006)

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London high-society mouse, Roddy is flushed down the toilet by Sid, a common sewer rat. Hang on for a madcap adventure deep in the sewer bowels of Ratropolis, where Roddy meets the resourceful Rita, the rodent-hating Toad and his faithful thugs, Spike and Whitey.  (more)

DIRECTION:  David Bowers  •  Sam Fell
CAST:  Hugh Jackman  •  Kate Winslet  •  Ian McKellen  •  Jean Reno

London high-society mouse, Roddy is flushed down the toilet by Sid, a common sewer rat. Hang on for a madcap adventure deep in the sewer bowels of Ratropolis, where Roddy meets the resourceful Rita, the rodent-hating Toad and his faithful thugs, Spike and Whitey.  (more)

DIRECTION:  David Bowers  •  Sam Fell
CAST:  Hugh Jackman  •  Kate Winslet  •  Ian McKellen  •  Jean Reno

Gods and Monsters (1998)

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It's 1957, and James Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein," "Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man" is long behind him. Retired and a semi-recluse, he lives his days accompanied only by images from his past. When his dour housekeeper, Hannah, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Bill Condon
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Brendan Fraser  •  Lynn Redgrave  •  Lolita Davidovich

It's 1957, and James Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein," "Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man" is long behind him. Retired and a semi-recluse, he lives his days accompanied only by images from his past. When his dour housekeeper, Hannah, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Bill Condon
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Brendan Fraser  •  Lynn Redgrave  •  Lolita Davidovich

I'll Do Anything (1994)

Matt Hobbs is a talented but unsuccessful actor. When estranged (and strange) ex-wife Beth dumps their daughter Jeannie on Matt, father and daughter have a lot of adjusting to do. His budding relationship with attractive production assistant Cathy Breslow is made ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  James L. Brooks
CAST:  Nick Nolte  •  Whittni Wright  •  Woody Harrelson  •  Albert Brooks

Matt Hobbs is a talented but unsuccessful actor. When estranged (and strange) ex-wife Beth dumps their daughter Jeannie on Matt, father and daughter have a lot of adjusting to do. His budding relationship with attractive production assistant Cathy Breslow is made ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  James L. Brooks
CAST:  Nick Nolte  •  Whittni Wright  •  Woody Harrelson  •  Albert Brooks

Last Action Hero (1993)

Following the death of his father, young Danny Madigan takes comfort in watching action movies featuring the indestructible Los Angeles cop Jack Slater. After being given a magic ticket by theater manager Nick, Danny is sucked into the screen and bonds with Slater. ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  John McTiernan
CAST:  Arnold Schwarzenegger  •  Austin O'Brien  •  Charles Dance  •  F. Murray Abraham

Following the death of his father, young Danny Madigan takes comfort in watching action movies featuring the indestructible Los Angeles cop Jack Slater. After being given a magic ticket by theater manager Nick, Danny is sucked into the screen and bonds with Slater. ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  John McTiernan
CAST:  Arnold Schwarzenegger  •  Austin O'Brien  •  Charles Dance  •  F. Murray Abraham

Plenty (1985)

David Hare's account of a one-time French freedom fighter who gradually realizes that her post-war life is not meeting her expectations.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Fred Schepisi
CAST:  Meryl Streep  •  Tracey Ullman  •  John Gielgud  •  Sting

David Hare's account of a one-time French freedom fighter who gradually realizes that her post-war life is not meeting her expectations.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Fred Schepisi
CAST:  Meryl Streep  •  Tracey Ullman  •  John Gielgud  •  Sting

Rasputin (1996)

Into an era seething with war and revolution, a man comes with an incredible power to heal a nation...or destroy it. Based on the true story of one of the most powerful and mysterious figures in Russian history.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Uli Edel
CAST:  Alan Rickman  •  Greta Scacchi  •  Ian McKellen  •  David Warner

Into an era seething with war and revolution, a man comes with an incredible power to heal a nation...or destroy it. Based on the true story of one of the most powerful and mysterious figures in Russian history.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Uli Edel
CAST:  Alan Rickman  •  Greta Scacchi  •  Ian McKellen  •  David Warner

Richard III (1995)

A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Loncraine
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Annette Bening  •  Jim Broadbent  •  Kristin Scott Thomas

A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Loncraine
CAST:  Ian McKellen  •  Annette Bening  •  Jim Broadbent  •  Kristin Scott Thomas

Scandal (1989)

An English bon-vivant osteopath is enchanted with a young exotic dancer and invites her to live with him. He serves as friend and mentor, and through his contacts and parties she and her friend meet and date members of the Conservative Party. Eventually a scandal ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Michael Caton-Jones
CAST:  John Hurt  •  Joanne Whalley  •  Bridget Fonda  •  Ian McKellen

An English bon-vivant osteopath is enchanted with a young exotic dancer and invites her to live with him. He serves as friend and mentor, and through his contacts and parties she and her friend meet and date members of the Conservative Party. Eventually a scandal ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Michael Caton-Jones
CAST:  John Hurt  •  Joanne Whalley  •  Bridget Fonda  •  Ian McKellen

Stardust (2007)

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In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Matthew Vaughn
CAST:  Charlie Cox  •  Claire Danes  •  Robert De Niro  •  Michelle Pfeiffer

In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Matthew Vaughn
CAST:  Charlie Cox  •  Claire Danes  •  Robert De Niro  •  Michelle Pfeiffer

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Fast pacedAction-packedBrilliantMysterious

A murder in Paris’ Louvre Museum and cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery. For 2,000 years a secret society closely guards information that — should it come to light — could rock the very ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ron Howard
CAST:  Tom Hanks  •  Audrey Tautou  •  Ian McKellen  •  Paul Bettany

A murder in Paris’ Louvre Museum and cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery. For 2,000 years a secret society closely guards information that — should it come to light — could rock the very ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ron Howard
CAST:  Tom Hanks  •  Audrey Tautou  •  Ian McKellen  •  Paul Bettany

The Keep (1983)

Nazis take over an ancient fortress that contains a mysterious entity that wreaks havoc and death upon them.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Michael Mann
CAST:  Scott Glenn  •  Alberta Watson  •  Jürgen Prochnow  •  Robert Prosky

Nazis take over an ancient fortress that contains a mysterious entity that wreaks havoc and death upon them.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Michael Mann
CAST:  Scott Glenn  •  Alberta Watson  •  Jürgen Prochnow  •  Robert Prosky

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

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Aragorn is revealed as the heir to the ancient kings as he, Gandalf and the other members of the broken fellowship struggle to save Gondor from Sauron's forces. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam take the ring closer to the heart of Mordor, the dark lord's realm.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Elijah Wood  •  Ian McKellen  •  Viggo Mortensen  •  Sean Astin

Aragorn is revealed as the heir to the ancient kings as he, Gandalf and the other members of the broken fellowship struggle to save Gondor from Sauron's forces. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam take the ring closer to the heart of Mordor, the dark lord's realm.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Elijah Wood  •  Ian McKellen  •  Viggo Mortensen  •  Sean Astin

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

AdventurousEpicBrilliantFantastical

Frodo and Sam are trekking to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn search for the orc-captured Merry and Pippin. All along, nefarious wizard Saruman awaits the Fellowship members at the Orthanc Tower in Isengard.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Elijah Wood  •  Ian McKellen  •  Viggo Mortensen  •  Liv Tyler

Frodo and Sam are trekking to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn search for the orc-captured Merry and Pippin. All along, nefarious wizard Saruman awaits the Fellowship members at the Orthanc Tower in Isengard.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Peter Jackson
CAST:  Elijah Wood  •  Ian McKellen  •  Viggo Mortensen  •  Liv Tyler
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