The above picture of Peter Jackson and Sir Ian McKellen had a single caption when it was uploaded on Jackson’s Facebook page. Honestly it’s a caption that I think will sum up exactly why these two look so forlorn. I’m sure if you ‘re fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films you’ll kind of feel the same way.
Seconds ago we finished our last shot with Gandalf. The end of an incredible adventure that began in 1999. I’m feeling very sad right now.
“Three hundred lives of men I have walked this earth and now I have no time.” It may not have been 300 lives though these movies will stand out as works of art for generations to come. McKellen has taken one of the most important characters in print and brought him to life in a way that I think no one else alive today would have been able to.
Think about that. 14 years of playing Gandalf the Grey, one of the most pivotal characters in Middle-earth and clearly a fan favorite of the franchise. Ian was 59 years old when he first portrayed the character and actually just hit 74 when he filmed his very last scene as the iconic wizard.
This bittersweet news made me think about how amazing a job Peter Jackson has done on creating a legacy on film with amazing production work combined with a perfect cast. The depth of character able to be pulled out on screen from Gandalf the Grey alone is just mind boggling.
An adventure this epic could not be told by a standard filmmaker or cast. You needed something amazing, something special to make this work.
So with that being said I sadly say goodbye Gandalf and remember my fellow fans:
“A wizard is never late. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.“
Sir Ian McKellen was fully on time. He embodied the voice and stature of Gandalf and it saddens me that this chapter is coming to a close. Fortunately for all of us that close will not be for another 2 years when the third film is released in 2015. Still knowing that the filming portion is done is a reason to be sad. I do not look forward to saying goodbye to Middle-earth as once The Hobbit’s third installment closes it will be our last foray into such an amazing world.
