Ian McKellen BROKE DOWN and cried on the Hobbit set

Filming the Bag End scenes in The Hobbit was particularly challenging for Ian McKellen due to the use of a new filming system that required two different sets. As a result, McKellen never actually acted alongside other actors during these scenes, relying instead on audio cues and markers to simulate their presence. This unconventional method was a significant struggle for McKellen, who is accustomed to traditional acting. The experience was so distressing that he initially considered quitting the film. The crew, sympathetic to his situation, tried to support and uplift him during the process.

[bernardlermite]

If I'm not mistaken after this incident they made another take but this time with the crew and the cast watching him as he acted and he even got an ovation.

[THEDOORIZCLOSED]

Thats how all work environments should be. The leader emphasizes strength of the worker and helps them feel safe

[riffraffgolfers]

It was a tragedy, Jackson and mckellen both knew but the machine of Hollywood rushed them along, art can’t be rushed or replaced

[darkovia]

The reliance on cgi was so strong in the hobbit. It felt fake because it was. I will watch LOTR over the hobbit every single time. It went from creating bag end to green panels. It deserves a lot of criticism for it. I feel so bad for Ian and the others who had to deal with all of it and act without anything tangible to help

[Kpog]

Oh man poor Ian, he looked so lonely and defeated.

[tradissimuscrae]

And this is why the Hobbit never captured the same lightning in a bottle that the original trilogy did

[LotsOfRobotsINC]

Ian did such an incredible job no one would know of this struggle if you didn’t tell them.

[Mb_Drei]

The clip of him stopping while surrounded by green screen is *dismal.*
Very strong contrast to how much fun the actors in the SW prequels experienced this type of filming, I wonder if the choice of having Gandalf split up from the rest of the group in the following movies was influenced by this...

[zenith]

Making an iconic actor and character breakdown cuz hes not acting with the actors is sad

You just cant fake chemistry, and the chemistry the LOTRs guys had was once in a decade. Everybody loved each other and would willingly go above and beyond, even the extras and stunt doubles received love, it was just the perfect work environment for one of the hardest series to film

[gunnerbradley]

This is what happens when Warner Brothers got their grubby little corporate fingers in the hobbit. There’s several online documentaries about how foul the cast and crew were treated, to the point that several of the dwarves weren’t invited to the premieres.

[bethcushway]

People are so angry with Peter Jackson but it really wasn't his fault. He was called in to save Guillermo Del Toro's disaster and had a few months to sort it all out and get filming. He didn't have the time and money he had on the LOTR films because of Del Toro and the studio bosses and he did the best with what he had.
Instead of shitting on him I think he should be commended because what he managed to achieve given the circumstances is amazing.

[scott]

I felt really sad that this happened to Sir Ian, but what this short didn't shown was that after this happened is that they set up a tent which they decorated for comfort with all of Sir Ian's favorite seat, posters and music.

[Abhay]

Who would have thought, cuz he did amazing in that scene ❤

[hidicproductions]

As a filmmaker myself I know that you have to give actors something or someone to act with. In this hell of green... they can't work. That's why so many productions nowadays feel cold and empty. Green needs to be a tool for help, not the solution for everything. Films need to be real, to feel real. Set your ideas in reality and if you need effects, use Greenscreen in parts. But don't build a complete set full of green molton and force your actors to work with nothing. Damn, that broke my heart...

[goulasleves]

Human connection is so important for our well-being. I am not an actor but I can imagine they get a lot of energy and enjoyment from in-person interactions in scenes together. I am so grateful for Sir Ian’s dedication in bringing Gandalf to life. I feel sad knowing this happened though. I hope that in future movies they can do things differently.

[thGenNewton]

They should’ve done everything the same way they did it in the original trilogy. The excessive CGI may have been well done but it took away the charm that the other films had. And now hearing how miserable it made Ian it just further solidifies this opinion.
Practical effects > CGI

[icemanleo]

We love and thank him for his commitment.
He will be in our hearts ❤always

[kingscorpion]

aw.... poor Ian! I figured that was the way they had to do the filming for this one, but I never knew it was that hard for him. Lot's of Love, Ian!!!

[undervine]

After reading some comments and learning about how the movie was made, I am certain we peaked at movie productions and entertainment in human history with LotR. Greed, a faster speed of life and our changing global realities lead me to belief we’ll not see such a massive and outstanding production as LotR, based on old fantasy writing (Tolkien), which in turn is based on ancient tales and languages (folktales and so on), all created by people with passion. Just the practical effects, not even to speak of how the CGI was done back in the day, makes it much better than all we see today.

[garyrodriguez]

He was absolutely marvelous as Gandalf and was my favorite character in the triology. While he was number one many of the other actors were superb also and being a fan of the the books since .y college days the movie is now one of my collection