Ian McKellen: The Unfinished Journey of Falstaff

Sir Ian McKellen, the legendary British actor, discusses his fall from the stage during a performance of 'Henry IV' and his aspirations to reprise the role of John Falstaff to complete his unfinished journey. McKellen also talks about his role in the new film 'The Critic,' which recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and explores themes of power, intrigue, and LGBTQ+ representation in 1930s London.

Ian McKellen is ready to resume his role after an unexpected interruption.

In June, the revered British thespian was portraying John Falstaff in 'Player Kings,' a rendition of Shakespeare's 'Henry IV, Parts One and Two,' on London's West End when he fell off the stage during a fight scene. Now promoting his latest film 'The Critic,' McKellen recalls the incident with a mix of determination and regret, expressing a desire to one day return to the stage and finish what he started.

'I think I've come to realize that the best thing would be to go back and play the part again,' McKellen told Reuters. He emphasized that at his age, thoughtful planning is crucial. The fall, which resulted in a broken wrist and a chipped vertebrae, was mitigated by the padding of the Falstaff costume. Despite these injuries, the 85-year-old remains cautious but hopeful about future stage endeavors.

In 'The Critic,' adapted from Anthony Quinn's novel 'Curtain Call,' McKellen plays Jimmy Erskine, a dominant newspaper theater critic in 1930s London. The film, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and will hit UK theaters on Sept. 13, explores Erskine's intricate and manipulative relationship with a struggling actress, played by Gemma Arterton. McKellen was particularly drawn to the role because it allowed him to portray an openly gay man in a challenging era, reflecting elements of his own life journey.

(With inputs from agencies.)