Ian McKellen Cautious at TIFF Premiere Citing Medical Advice

Following medical advice, esteemed actor Ian McKellen opted out of attending the premiere of The Christophers at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The 86-year-old performer conveyed his reasoning in a pre-recorded message shown at the September 7 Sunday screening, stating, "It's better to be cautious," as reported by Variety.

McKellen further explained that his withdrawal from the event was due to his "medical advisers" recommending against air travel.

"If you find it enjoyable, please spread the word to your acquaintances," McKellen urged the viewers in the video. "That's a significant part of the festival experience, wouldn't you agree?"

Ian McKellen Discusses His Recovery Following Hospital Stay

Alongside McKellen, the cast of The Christophers features performances by Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, and James Corden. This dark comedy centers on the narrative of an artist's separated offspring who seek to employ a counterfeiter to finish their late father's incomplete art pieces for sale.

The actor refrained from disclosing specifics about his present health status. It was in the previous year that the Oscar-nominated performer sustained injuries from a stage fall during a London showing of Player Kings. McKellen received hospital care and was subsequently forced to withdraw from the West End play to recuperate from the incident.

"I extend my gratitude to everyone for their thoughtful messages and encouragement," McKellen shared in a personal statement posted on X in June 2024. "Following the mishap during last night's Player Kings performance, my injuries have been assessed and treated by a team of experts, specialists, and nurses from the National Health Service. I am, naturally, profoundly grateful to them. They have guaranteed a full and swift recovery, and I am eager to resume my professional engagements."

McKellen subsequently disclosed that he suffered injuries to his neck and wrist. Nevertheless, he noted that the harm was mitigated by the padded costume he was wearing during the performance.

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"My Falstaff costume, a padded suit, protected my ribs and other joints," he explained in an August 2024 interview with Saga Magazine. "Therefore, I truly experienced a fortunate outcome."

McKellen also elaborated on the circumstances that resulted in his tumble.

"My foot became entangled in a chair, and as I attempted to dislodge it, I began to glide across some newspapers strewn across the stage, akin to being on a skateboard," he recounted. "The harder I tried to free myself, the more rapidly I moved down a step, onto the apron, and then into the lap of an audience member in the front row. I began shouting, 'Assist me!' followed by, 'My apologies! I don't typically do this!' It was quite an unusual sequence of events. I believed it marked the conclusion of an era. It was deeply distressing."