Why Ian McKellen Declined Playing Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' Movies

The Big Picture

Sir Ian McKellen turned down the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films due to critical comments made by the previous actor, Richard Harris.

McKellen declined the role as a gesture of respect towards Harris, expressing that he did not want to assume a character that was disapproved by the late actor.

Michael Gambon stepped into the role and seamlessly continued the legacy of Albus Dumbledore, receiving commendation for his remarkable portrayal which truly honored the essence of the character.

Sir Ian McKellen, an esteemed and influential actor, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Renowned for his exceptional talent, he has received numerous accolades, including multiple Olivier Awards and a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 1980. In addition to his remarkable contributions to the stage, McKellen courageously revealed his homosexuality in the 1980s, subsequently becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. His profound impact reaches far beyond his artistic pursuits. Recognizing his outstanding achievements, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon him the honor of knighthood in 1991.

While Sir Ian McKellen's portrayal of the wise wizard Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings film series solidified his status as a cinematic icon, he had the opportunity to embody another beloved wizard: Albus Dumbledore. Despite the allure of this esteemed role, McKellen declined due to unwarranted criticism of his acting abilities. This intriguing combination of dignity and playful retaliation adds an intriguing layer to his story. Thus, McKellen embraced the role of a single potent spell-caster in a major franchise, leaving us to ponder the factors that prevented him from monopolizing the portrayal of wise and formidable magic wielders in Hollywood.

Richard Harris Originally Played Albus Dumbledore in the First Two 'Harry Potter' Movies

Image via Warner Bros.

Professor Albus Dumbledore, Harry's revered mentor and the esteemed Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter series, was originally portrayed by esteemed actor Richard Harris. Harris brought the beloved headmaster to life in the first two films: The Sorcerer's Stone (2001) and The Chamber of Secrets (2002). Regrettably, Harris was unable to witness Harry and his companions mature throughout their time at Hogwarts. In August 2002, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and tragically passed away just a few months later in October.

The replacement for Albus Dumbledore in the movie series became a crucial question for the production team. The character was iconic, indispensable, and fundamentally intertwined with the narrative. The chosen actor would need to embody exceptional wit, timeless wisdom, and an extraordinary flair for the dramatic. Initially, the studio contemplated casting Peter O'Toole, one of Harris' lifelong friends and a legendary actor, to continue the legacy. However, according to director Christopher Columbus, O'Toole ultimately declined the offer because he believed it would be inappropriate to step into his best friend's shoes.

In fact, numerous actors were deliberated for the esteemed role of Hogwarts' enigmatic and astute Headmaster. Notable figures like Sean Connery, Patrick McGoohan, Christopher Lee, and Harry Robinson were among the contenders. Nonetheless, one particular actor who was considered stands out due to his intriguing and distinctive rationale for declining the part.

Ian McKellen Turned Down the Role of Dumbledore Out of Respect for Harris

Image via New Line Cinema

After Harris' passing, the renowned actor Sir Ian McKellen was approached to assume the mantle. McKellen recently revealed in an interview with BBC the intriguing phone call he received and his subsequent decision to decline the offer. Although they did not explicitly mention the character he would portray, it was quite evident, both to McKellen and the majority of viewers, that they were seeking the next Professor Dumbledore.

Harris made disparaging remarks about McKellen, Jacobi, and Branagh, criticizing their technical brilliance but lack of passion. McKellen strongly disagreed with this assessment and didn't hold any grudges. However, he declined the role out of respect for Harris, stating that he couldn't replace an actor who didn't approve of him. McKellen's decision to turn down the role can be seen as both respectful and a bit petty. Regardless, it showed his respect for Harris while still holding onto his belief in his own acting skills. Although McKellen would have excelled as Dumbledore, it is important to honor the previous actor's beliefs about the character's legacy when taking on a role after their passing.

Michael Gambon & Jude Law Have Also Portrayed Hogwarts' Headmaster

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Regardless, the responsibility of carrying Albus Dumbledore's legacy fell into capable hands. Although Ian McKellen declined the role, the late Michael Gambon stepped in as Hogwarts' Headmaster from the third to eighth film in the series, successfully continuing the portrayal. Surprisingly, there were no hard feelings between McKellen and Gambon, as McKellen publicly praised Gambon's exceptional performance. In a light-hearted BBC interview, McKellen even confessed to occasionally mistaking Gambon for himself upon seeing posters or images from the movies. Gambon flawlessly upkept Harris' legacy, delivering an outstanding portrayal of the character. Many fans consider Gambon's interpretation of Albus Dumbledore as the definitive version. His ability to seamlessly combine cheeky wit with intense rage ("HARRY DID YOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET?"), solidified his role as the unwavering mentor and inspiration to all aspiring wizards and witches.

Jude Law took up the mantle, continuing Albus Dumbledore's legacy by portraying a younger version of the character in the prequels to the Harry Potter series, Fantastic Beasts. While these films may not have achieved the same level of adoration and approval as their predecessors, they provided audiences with an opportunity to delve deeper into the background of the future Hogwarts Headmaster. Through the portrayal of a youthful Albus, the stark contrast between his vibrant past and his aged persona became apparent, despite the underlying similarities in their personalities. The series also shed light on the mysterious Dumbledore family, expanding the Harry Potter universe beyond the scope of the titular character's adventure. Regardless of personal preference for a specific wizard or version of a character, each actor brought their own distinctive interpretation to these vital roles.