Best known for his role as Magneto in the “X-Men“, the veteran actor Ian McKellen is now set to play the infamous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes!
He said so himself:
Over 70 actors have previously played Sherlock Holmes. Now he’s 93 years old and it’s my turn. #MrHolmes pic.twitter.com/B9HkUgfkCv
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) July 9, 2014
On 9th July, Ian McKellen tweeted the first photograph of him as the great detective Sherlock Holmes for Bill Condon’s upcoming film “Mr. Holmes”. With over 70 actors who have previously played Sherlock Holmes, Ian McKellen would be the first of the lot to portray Sherlock Holmes as an elderly. This is because the film is based on Mitch Cullen’s novel “A Slight Trick of the Mind” instead, in which the 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes is obsessed with an unsolved case from 50 years ago.
But here’s the thing: we won’t be seeing Dr Watson by his side anymore and he is an elderly man who is unable to walk without a cane. However, Sherlock would never allow a case to go unsolved so he talks with his housekeeper’s son about the case before his memory fails him.
Sherlock’s housekeeper Ms Munro will be portrayed by American actress Laura Linney who is most well known for her performance in “The Truman Show”. Set to be released in 2015, the new film is currently in pre-production and will be directed by director Bill Condon. Ian McKellen is also set to appear in the final film of “The Hobbit” trilogy for his iconic role as Gandalf this year.
Meanwhile, the Sherlock TV series will be back with a Christmas special next year as well with Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes.
(Source)
