Could Gandalf Walk From The Hobbit?
For as much as it looked like a fairly done deal, Peter Jackson hasn’t officially signed on to direct the 2-part version of THE HOBBIT. Warner Bros. is still trying to push to make these films happen sooner rather than later, but MGM’s financial woes continue to screw the pooch, holding up any progress that could be made towards getting THE HOBBIT in front of cameras. That doggy-style on the doggy (figuratively, people…all figuratively) may start costing THE HOBBIT bigger pieces than originally thought along the way. First went original director Guillermo del Toro… and next could be Gandalf himself, Sir Ian McKellen.
On the New Zealand wake-up TV show GOOD MORNING, Sir Ian McKellen appeared to discuss his latest stage performance in WAITING FOR GORDOT. However, the Kiwi host eventually turned the discussion in the direction of THE HOBBIT, and McKellen had 2 different responses to her questioning.
“I’ve no news to give you, except that an announcement is imminent, and what it will be I genuinely don’t know. It’ll either be that we’re going ahead, or that we’re not.” That may be where things are headed at San Diego Comic-Con, with Peter Jackson ultimately informing the fans one way or the other as to if THE HOBBIT is likely to be in the works by the beginning of next year, as many optimistically hope.
But then there’s this warning shot to the money men that, if they don’t get their dollars in order soon, Gandalf the Grey or Gandalf the White or Gandalf whatever color he is today could walk.
“Well, I’m not under contract. And my time is running out. I’m enjoying working in the theatre and, frankly, I would like to race after doing Waiting for Godot and get on with doing another play, but we’ll have to see. I don’t want to give the producers the impression that I’m sitting waiting.”
That’s right, suits. Listen up!!
Sir Ian McKellen has got shit to do. He doesn’t have all year to sit around waiting, in the event that a plan can somewhat be formulated on how to fund THE HOBBIT while dealing with MGM’s baggage at the exact same time. And, if Gandalf is gone from THE HOBBIT, that could be a death blow to the production. McKellen is so tied into the Middle-earth that Peter Jackson has created that I envision an extremely tough time for the films to move forward without him. Harsh criticism and comparison will follow whoever would replace him, and, in turn, that would be thrust upon both installments. And, if you can’t move forward on THE HOBBIT with the support of the fans, then really what’s the point? It’s just a disaster in the making.
Here’s Sir Ian McKellen’s full appearance:
….you mean waiting for godot? very popular show, read it once. quite good. pity about gandalf leaving though.
No, I think it was WAITING FOR GORDY.
Anyway, McKellen’s beyond a pro when it comes to the stage. “Doing another stage show” could mean six months or it could mean a month. Fuck, the dude probably already had Godot memorized before he even heard about the production he’s currently in because he’s so dedicated.
Old Crop British Actors are always kind of pricks when it comes to stuff like this-West End Drama breeds it into you. Sir Alec Guinness? Obi-Wan Kenobi? He hated his role. Said it was trash. It was “beneath him.” There have been urban legends for years that he hated it so much that he was the one that convinced Lucas to kill Obi-Wan.
While McKellen probably has an amount more respect for The Hobbit (being literature and making him rich as sin) I wouldn’t be surprised if he just feels like he’s better then “movies”.
McKellen is one of those actors who just loves his craft – whether it be stage or screen (movies or TV). He’s done everything from the X-Men to the LORD OF THE RINGS to a guest appearance on EXTRAS, etc.
Guinness was a different case, but McKellen has been geared up and ready to go for THE HOBBIT since plans were announced… but you can’t expect him to put his entire career on hold waiting for MGM to get their shit together.