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The Living Legend: Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen, born May 25, 1939, in Burnley, England, is a renowned actor celebrated for his exceptional performances both on stage and in front of the camera. Throughout his career, McKellen has impressed audiences with his versatility and unmatched talent, portraying iconic roles such as Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" and Magneto in the "X-Men" franchise. In addition to his work on the big screen, McKellen is also an accomplished theatre actor, having starred in numerous critically acclaimed productions. His passion for the dramatic arts and dedication to his craft make him a true living legend of cinema and theatre.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Summary:
Frodo and Sam approach Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring while Aragorn leads his troops in an ultimate battle against the forces of evil.
Cast:
- Ian McKellen
- Elijah Wood
- Viggo Mortensen
- Sean Astin
Release Date: December 17, 2003
Box Office: $1,142,219,401
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the third installment of the trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. Ian McKellen plays the role of the wizard Gandalf.
2. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Summary:
Bilbo the Hobbit is caught up in an epic quest to reclaim the lost Kingdom of the Dwarves of Erebor.
Cast:
- Ian McKellen
- Martin Freeman
- Richard Armitage
- Benedict Cumberbatch
Release Date: December 12, 2012
Box Office: $1,021,103,568
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first film in the trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's book. Ian McKellen reprises his iconic role of Gandalf.
3. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Summary:
A symbologist and a cryptologist race against time to solve a murder and decipher coded messages linked to a secret society.
Cast:
- Tom Hanks
- Audrey Tautou
- Ian McKellen
- Paul Bettany
Release Date: May 19, 2006
Box Office: $758,239,851
The Da Vinci Code is a film adaptation of Dan Brown's best-seller. Ian McKellen plays Sir Leigh Teabing.
4. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Summary:
Bilbo, the Dwarves, and Gandalf continue their quest to reclaim the Kingdom of Erebor but must face the formidable dragon Smaug.
Cast:
- Ian McKellen
- Martin Freeman
- Richard Armitage
- Benedict Cumberbatch
Release Date: December 11, 2013
Box Office: $958,366,855
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the second installment in The Hobbit trilogy. Ian McKellen resumes his role as Gandalf the Grey.
5. X-Men: First Class (2011)
Summary:
Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto join forces to prevent a nuclear war triggered by a powerful mutant.
Cast:
- James McAvoy
- Michael Fassbender
- Ian McKellen
- Jennifer Lawrence
Release Date: June 1, 2011
Box Office: $353,624,124
X-Men: First Class is a prequel to the X-Men franchise. Ian McKellen reprises his role as Magneto alongside the young version of the character played by Michael Fassbender.
6. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Summary:
Mutants face a new threat with the appearance of the ultimate anti-mutant weapon.
Cast:
- Hugh Jackman
- Halle Berry
- Ian McKellen
- Famke Janssen
Release Date: May 26, 2006
Box Office: $459,359,555
X-Men: The Last Stand is the third film in the original X-Men trilogy. Ian McKellen again plays his iconic role of Magneto.
7. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
Summary:
Dwarves, Elves, Humans, and Sauron battle for control of Erebor as Bilbo tries to save his friends.
Cast:
- Ian McKellen
- Martin Freeman
- Richard Armitage
- Luke Evans
Release Date: December 10, 2014
Box Office: $956,019,788
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the final installment of The Hobbit trilogy. Ian McKellen once again plays Gandalf the Grey.
8. X-Men 2 (2003)
Summary:
Mutants must unite to fight against a rebellious colonel seeking to eradicate their species.
Cast:
- Hugh Jackman
- Patrick Stewart
- Ian McKellen
- Halle Berry
Release Date: April 30, 2003
Box Office: $407,711,549
X-Men 2 is the second film in the X-Men saga. Ian McKellen reprises his role as Magneto alongside the other mutants from Professor Xavier's school.
9. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
Summary:
Dwarves, Elves, Humans, and Sauron battle for Erebor as Bilbo tries to save his friends.
Cast:
- Ian McKellen
- Martin Freeman
- Richard Armitage
- Luke Evans
Release Date: December 10, 2014
Box Office: $956,019,788
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the final chapter of The Hobbit trilogy. Ian McKellen reaffirms his role as Gandalf the Grey.
10. X-Men: First Class (2011)
Summary:
Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto join forces to prevent a nuclear war triggered by a powerful mutant.
Cast:
- James McAvoy
- Michael Fassbender
- Ian McKellen
- Jennifer Lawrence
Release Date: June 1, 2011
Box Office: $353,624,124
X-Men: First Class is a prequel in the X-Men franchise. Ian McKellen plays Magneto again alongside the young version of the character played by Michael Fassbender.