For health reasons: Ian McKellen canceled the festival premiere

Sir Ian McKellen (86) missed the premiere of his new film “The Christopher” at this year’s Toronto Film Festival – on the advice of his doctors. In a pre -recorded video message to the audience in the Princess of Wales Theater, the actor explained on Sunday: “Better Sage Than Sorry” – better play it safe.

McKellen, who is in front of the camera in Steven Soderbergh’s new work alongside Michaela Coel, James Corden and Jessica Gunning, turned to the festival guests with a request: “If you like the film, please continue to tell.

The “Lord of the Rings” star did not reveal any details about his current state of health. As early as June 2024, however, he was in the hospital for three days after falling off the stage in the Londoner Noël Coward Theater during a performance of the play “Player Kings”.

In a later confession, McKellen confessed that the accident had greatly unsettled him: “My splintered vertebrae and my broken arm have not yet healed. I avoid going outside because I am afraid that someone will shed on me.”

According to McKellen, however, McKellen is far from thinking about an end to his acting career. “I always have to make it clear that I am not too old to play.”

“The Christopher” tells the story of Lori (Michaela Coel), who works as a restorer and food truck seller and receives a risky offer: On behalf of the heirs of the famous painter Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen), she should complete unfinished works by the artist-in exchange with a share in the profit. But the plan will soon take unexpected twists.