20 Actors who passed on iconic roles

Opening Ceremony - The Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 - Source: Getty
Opening Ceremony - The Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 - Source: Getty

10) Ian McKellen

ìThe Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrimî World Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty
ìThe Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrimî World Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Known for playing the iconic roles of Magneto in the X-Men and Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings franchise, Ian McKellen famously turned down the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies, after Sir Richard Harris passed away. Harris had made some critical remarks about McKellen's acting. McKellen felt it wouldn't be right to take over a role from someone who didn't appreciate his work. The role of Albus Dumbledore was eventually played by Michael Gambon.

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Edited by Zainab Shaikh