Sir Ian McKellen has played kings, wizards, and gods. But at 86, he now speaks most honestly about something no role can defeat: time. McKellen has spent decades interpreting Shakespeare, so when he reacts to a story about the playwright’s life, we go in with all ears.
The 86-year-old actor recently admitted he simply didn’t connect with ‘Hamnet‘, the work that links William Shakespeare’s creativity to the death of his son. While discussing it, McKellen moved into something more personal: aging, loss, and the realization that he himself is not immortal.
Ian McKellen Explains Why He Didn’t Connect With ‘Hamnet’
McKellen said the premise behind ‘Hamnet‘ never convinced him. The story suggests Shakespeare’s writing drew directly from family tragedy, but the veteran performer rejects that idea. “I’m not very interested in trying to work out where Shakespeare’s imagination came from,” he said, adding that it certainly didn’t just come from family life.
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For someone who has performed Shakespeare throughout his career, the distinction matters. McKellen believes great writing cannot be reduced to biography or personal grief alone. In his view, imagination goes much beyond domestic experience, which is why he never felt compelled by attempts to psychoanalyze the playwright through his private life.
That reflection only intensified after a serious accident in June 2024. While performing in Player Kings in London, McKellen fell off the stage, fractured his wrist, and chipped a vertebrae. The show was cancelled, and he spent three days hospitalized, followed by months of severe pain.
McKellen Reflects on Death and Losing Friends
Following the accident, McKellen began reflecting more openly on aging. “I have accepted that I’m not immortal,” adding that he still functions normally despite the realization. However, the awareness doesn’t come only from physical change. Instead, it comes from watching friends pass away more often.
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When young, death feels astonishing and almost fascinating; with age, it becomes familiar. In his words, death becomes ever-present. At the same time, he tries to find comfort in the fact that some loved ones pass peacefully. However, loss is never satisfying; he feels reassured only when people seem ready.
Because of that perspective, he believes he still has more to do. And that belief reflects in his schedule. ‘The Christophers‘ releases April 10, ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol‘ co-starring Johnny Depp; arrives November 13, and he returns as Magneto in ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘ on December 18. So, for now, McKellen has no plans to retire anytime soon.
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