Ian McKellen Explains Reason Behind Absence From Latest Film Premiere

Film festivals often present the year's most acclaimed movies to press and critics before the general public gets to see them. This creates hype and interest for the films, and gives the industry to celebrate the art form on a grand scale.

This year's Toronto International Film Festival is following in those traditions, and some of the biggest stars in stage and screen are in attendance. Some are there to promote or debut new films, confidently showing off their new work as they anticipate buzz for award season.

Others are their to support friends, colleagues and the film industry in general. In most years, one of the greatest actors of his time would attend the event, but fans and others noticed that he was absent from the festivities. Over the weekend, he explained why.

Why Was Ian McKellen Absent From 'The Christophers' Premiere?

During the premiere of his new film "The Christophers," 86-year-old actor Ian McKellen was not in Toronto. According to Variety, the actor filmed a pre-recorded video informing attendees that he wasn't there on advice from his medical team.

“Better safe than sorry,” said the "Lord of the Rings" and "X-Men" star. McKellen stars in the new film alongside James Corden and Michaela Coel, and he gave the audience his best in his message, asking them “If you enjoy it, will you tell your friends? That’s partly what festivals are about, isn’t it?”

McKellen didn't explain the exact reason for his medical team's abundance of caution. The actor was previously hospitalized after falling during a play in London back in 2024. He spent around three days in the hospital before leaving, and said that his injuries could have been far worse.

“My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet healed. I avoid going out because I’m nervous someone might bump into me, and I’ve been dealing with agonizing pain in my shoulders due to the jolt my body took,” he told Saga Magazine two months after the incident.

In the new film, McKellen plays an eccentric artist who plans to leave behind a fortune to his heirs and a lucky benefactor - if they can complete his unfinished works.

McKellen's Co-Stars Share What They've Learned

Coel and fellow co-star Jessica Gunning reflected on their time with McKellen, speaking positively about the veteran actor at the film's premiere event.

"I learned from him to question. I treat every script like it's Shakespeare," Coel said, according to People. "And Ian's done enough Shakespeare to know, 'Well, this ain't Shakespeare.' So he points out everything, and then the script is better for it."

"He doesn't take things seriously, but then he completely does, as well," Gunning said. "There's that mix of taking the work so seriously, but then he also has fun, throws it away. He's not serious, but he takes the work seriously."

Steven Soderbergh is directing the new film, and early reviews praise McKellen and Coel for their work together in the dark comedy.