Ian McKellen Announces One-Year Stage Hiatus

Sir Ian McKellen, 85, has announced that he will not return to the stage for at least another year following a fall during a West End production of 'Player Kings' in June. The actor suffered a chipped vertebra and a fractured wrist but revealed that the mental impact of the incident, where he initially thought he had broken his neck, has been more challenging to overcome than the physical injuries. McKellen, known for his roles in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'X-Men', emphasized his focus on mental recovery, stating he had to come to terms with the fear he experienced. He hopes to resume acting on stage after a year and has hinted at the possibility of reprising his role as Gandalf in future 'Lord of the Rings' films. Despite his recovery, he remains cautious about leaving his house to avoid further injury.