Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Working with Tom Cruise is a dream for many actors in the entertainment industry. And, then there was Ian McKellen who refused to work with a movie starring Tom Cruise. It’s obvious why several actors desire to work alongside theTop Gun: Maverickstar. But in McKellen’s case what mattered most was the script.
With a career spanning over half a century, McKellen has delivered some of the most iconic performances. He has become famous for his role as Gandalf in Peter Jackson’sThe Lord of the Rings. However, he said no to working with Tom Cruise.
Also Read:“Gay men don’t exist”: Sir Ian McKellen Had Some Pretty Harsh Words for Fantastic Beasts Not Showing Dumbledore as Openly Gay
Sir Ian McKellen RefusedMission ImpossibleFranchise Role for This Reason
Ian McKellenwas offered a role inMission: Impossible II, but he turned it down because the studio refused to let him see the whole script for fear of leaks. McKellen explained that he couldn’t judge what the film was like from reading his scenes, so he wasn’t comfortable saying yes.
Against the advice of his agent, McKellen turned down the role, despite the opportunity to work withTom Cruise.
While promoting his filmMr. Holmes, McKellen toldPeoplemagazine (ViaDigital Fix) that he almost starred opposite Tom Cruise inMission: Impossible II, which would’ve changed much of his career as we know it.
“I got offered a part in ‘Mission: Impossible II’ with Tom Cruise, but they wouldn’t let me see the whole script because I might have spilled the beans,” the actor told the magazine.
As soon as the franchise declined his request to show him the full script he said:
“I’m sorry I can’t be in your film because I don’t know what it is.”
“Well, I couldn’t judge from reading just those scenes what the script was like. So I said no. And my agent said, ‘You can’t say no to working with Tom Cruise!’ and I said, ‘I think I will’,” he said.
The very next day, he was contacted by both Bryan Singer forX-Men, and by Peter Jackson forThe Lord of the Rings. McKellen chose to take on both of those roles, and he has never regretted his decision.
Also Read:“He’s touched so many lives”: Sir Ian McKellen Says Hanging Out With One X-Men Co-Star is Like “Walking around with the Pope”
Will Ian McKellen Return as Magneto in the MCU?
McKellen’s exceptional range as an actor was demonstrated through his roles in films such asX-Men, where he portrayed the complex Magneto. He last appeared inX-Men: Days of Future Past; eversince then, there has been no news about his return to the franchise.
One of the reliablemovie leakerson X (formerly known as Twitter) said that Ian McKellen is set to reprise his role as Erik Lehnsherr, aka Magneto, inAvengers: Secret Wars.
Previously, hisX-Menco-star Patrick Stewart claimed during an interview that “McKellen might be interested in coming back as well.”
While speaking withET Online, Stewart said that he and McKellen “got plans” to return as their respectiveX-Mencharacters, and some insiders think they know when the comeback can be expected.
It’s thrilling to know that Magneto will finally mark its return. However, it is important to note that all these theories are based on rumors.
Mission: Impossible 2is available to stream on Netflix.
Also Read:“I’m not a politician. I’m an actor”: X-Men Star Sir Ian McKellen Doesn’t Care if $5.8B Franchise Was Politically Correct, Says He Doesn’t Judge His Characters
Prantik Prabal Roy
Articles Published :778
Prantik Prabal Roy is a content writer at FandomWire. With over three years of experience in content writing for various media houses, he takes great interest in telling stories about Hollywood celebrities and the world revolving around them. He has done his Master’s in English literature and diploma course in journalism. Being a literature student, he has the ability to delve into the matter and analyse it thoroughly to give the readers a clear view on the specific topics.
