During the filming of the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, actor Ian McKellen, who portrayed Gandalf, encountered a memorable moment on set that involved a surprisingly early question. Filming began with an unusual scene: McKellen’s character’s farewell to the Hobbits, a key moment from the final movie, Return of the King. This incident, which happened just two days into shooting, revealed how the actor navigated his role and connected with the story’s timeline.
The Unconventional Order of Shooting Scenes
Lord of the Rings movies are well known for their complex production, including shooting scenes out of chronological order. McKellen’s experience was no exception. In an interview with journalist Jake Hamilton, McKellen explained that his second scene filmed was actually the last scene of the third movie. This scene features Gandalf saying goodbye to the four Hobbits before setting sail into the sunset. Such a filming approach meant the actor had to immerse himself immediately into a pivotal moment far ahead in the character’s journey.
Ian McKellen’s Genuine Curiosity About the Hobbits
Because McKellen started filming with a key farewell scene, he had not yet formed the on-screen relationships his character was supposed to have. This led to a memorable exchange between McKellen and director Peter Jackson. The actor humorously asked Jackson if he even knew the Hobbits in this early stage of shooting. Jackson reassured McKellen by explaining that Gandalf had shared many adventures with these characters and that McKellen’s character genuinely liked them.
“There were these four young hobbits, and I had to say to Peter Jackson, ‘Ugh, do I know these guys?’ He said, ‘Yes, you’ve been through an awful lot with them, had a lot of adventures. ‘Do I like them?’ ‘Yes, you like them.’” – Ian McKellen
A Self-Reflective Take on His Performance
McKellen’s humorous reflection on this early scene continues with his own assessment of the performance he delivered. Since he was just beginning to step into the role and grappling with the scene’s emotional weight, he felt his expression was not as emotionally charged as it might have appeared to fans. He quipped about how his face in this farewell was calm and seemingly blank, as he had not yet internalized the full context of Gandalf’s journey.
“If you ever see that third movie, you’ll see that Gandalf’s face is serene and conveys nothing, because there was nothing going on in my mind.” – Ian McKellen
Impact of These Insights on the Lord of the Rings Legacy
This behind-the-scenes anecdote offers fans a rare glimpse into the challenges actors face when filming large-scale projects out of sequence. It also highlights the professionalism McKellen brought to the role of Gandalf, despite initial uncertainties. Such stories enrich the appreciation for the trilogy, which remains beloved and frequently revisited through streaming services like HBO Max.
Where to Watch and What Comes Next for Ian McKellen
For those wishing to experience the Lord of the Rings films, they are currently available on HBO Max, which offers a subscription starting at $10.99 per month. This platform provides access not only to these timeless movies but to countless other shows and documentaries. Meanwhile, Ian McKellen is preparing for his next major appearance in the Marvel universe as part of the Avengers: Doomsday film, set to release in theaters on December 20, 2026.
