Sir Ian McKellen has mysteriously pulled out of an international premiere for his latest film, The Christophers, on doctor’s orders.
Making a pre-recorded appearance at the Toronto Film Festival where his latest black comedy movie was being screened, the celebrated actor, 86, confirmed his ‘medical advisers’ had told him he shouldn’t fly, adding ‘Better safe than sorry’.
The Christophers, a dark comedy directed by Steven Soderbergh, also stars Michaela Coel, James Corden and Jessica Gunning.
It follows the tales of the estranged children of a once-famous artist who hire a forger to complete his unfinished works so they can be discovered and sold after his death.
The script was penned by Ed Solomon, Steven’s collaborator on the 2021 crime thriller No Sudden Move, Max miniseries Full Circle, HBO murder mystery Mosaic, and Bill & Ted Face the Music.
Turnaround on the movie was quick – with Sir Ian filming his scenes in February this year – his first work project since his horror West End fall.
Sir Ian McKellen has mysteriously pulled out of an international premiere for his latest film, The Christophers, on doctor’s orders (pictured in 2024)
Sir Ian’s stage and film career has spanned more than six decades, but he sparked concern last year when he fell off the stage of the Noel Coward theatre in June.
The actor, who was playing Sir John Falstaff in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, was hospitalised and suffered a chipped vertebra and fractured wrist forcing him to pull out of the rest of the run.
He later said he felt ‘ashamed’ and ’emotional’ for letting down West End audiences, and said that it had made him ‘aware there isn’t much time left’.
After his fall, Sir Ian put on a brave face as he turned up to surprise the cast of Player Kings in Newcastle after he was forced to withdraw from the show.
The actor took to Instagram to announce he would be part of the audience for the final night of the play in Newcastle.
Sharing a professional photo with his freshly cut hair, Sir Ian wrote: ‘On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me – I celebrated by removing Falstaff’s hair, which has been growing for nine months.
‘I will be in the audience for the matinee in Newcastle.’
Two months later, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.
The Christophers, a dark comedy directed by Steven Soderbergh, also stars Michaela Coel, James Corden and Jessica Gunning (Michaela and Sir Ian pictured in the film)
He wrote: ‘Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend.
‘My doctors promise a complete recovery – but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.’
‘Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour without me,’ Ian continued on X.
‘Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience,’ he added.
Sir Ian announced that he was having ‘physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home’ after three nights in hospital.
The actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage, and was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help.
In his statement, Sir Ian said: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.
‘Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Icke’s amazing production and cast.
‘The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.’
Ian made a brief return to the stage with an unscheduled appearance in pantomime Robin Hood, at the London Palladium in December.
Sir Ian’s sparked concern last year when he fell off the stage of the Noel Coward theatre in June during a performance of Player Kings (pictured in the show)
