James McAvoy says he wants to play Gandalf in The Silmarillion

Exclusive: “My true geek is coming to the fore”

In the current issue of Total Film magazine, we delve into James McAvoy’s dark side, with the Brit actor telling us about his upcoming slate, including gritty turns in Welcome To The Punch and Filth.

You can read the feature in the current issue of Total Film magazine, available for only £1.99 on the iPad, but here’s a snippet of what McAvoy told us when we asked if there was anything else that he was itching to do after his recent spate of diverse projects.

“I’d like to play Gandalf,” he told us, laughing.

‘Gandalf: Origins’, we offer? “It’s called The Silmarillion! It’s a collection of poems and songs that chart the ancient history of Middle-earth. My true geek is coming to the fore, but they’re really, really beautiful stories.

“In part of that is the genesis of Gandalf, or Mithrandir, or Stormcrow, or any of his many, many names. Anyway, maybe that’s the one!”

For much more from James McAvoy, pick up issue 202 of Total Film magazine which is out now. You can save 50% on the cover price if you subscribe with our winter 2012 offer!

And don’t forget, the issue is available as our incredible interactive iPad edition for just £1.99.

And Total Film magazine is now available for your Android device from Google Play.

Would you want to see McAvoy as a young Gandalf? Comment now!

Try This...

Comments

    • AlfredsDream098

      Jan 5th 2013, 12:09

      So from playing Young Patrick Stewart to playing Young Ian Mckellen. Hmmmm

      Alert a moderator

    • dangoodfellow

      Jan 5th 2013, 13:24

      not geeky enough there McAvoy! Gandalf isn't in the Silmarrilion, it concerns the earlier ages of Middle Earth, and when Gandalf and the other Wizards arrive from the undying lands they are alreasdy in the form of old men, they were never young to begin with. wghich means that a younger Gandalf could still be played by ian Mckellen. now, where did i put my life?, had it here a minute ago before i started typing.......

      Alert a moderator

    • FBALeal

      Jan 5th 2013, 16:31

      Love your comment there DangGoodFellow. Now I ask this, of all the stories in the Silmmarrilion, which one should be adapted by Jackson? For that matter, which next Tolkien book should be filmed? I vote for The Children of Hurin.

      Alert a moderator

    • Ali1748

      Jan 5th 2013, 17:34

      Ain't going to happen as I believe Christopher Tolkein has the rights and is very snarky towards Jackson.

      Alert a moderator

    • dangoodfellow

      Jan 5th 2013, 18:11

      If they do make the Silmarrilion, i reckon it should be a game of Thrones style tv show, playing out over years. Or a movie of Beren and Luthien, surely the most kick a*s romance ever, that would get my vote.

      Alert a moderator

    • FBJRider

      Jan 5th 2013, 22:15

      I thought as soon as they announced the Hobbit films that they should try looking into the Silmarillion and/or Unfinished Tales and seeing if they could make a film with them. Although now that dangoodfellow mentions it a tv show would be amazing.

      Alert a moderator

    • dangoodfellow

      Jan 5th 2013, 22:50

      quick, who knows any tv executives?

      Alert a moderator

    • Monkeynuts30

      Jan 6th 2013, 2:14

      Technically Gandalf was never young; the Wizards were the physical shells given to a selection of Maiar so they might aid Middle Earth against Sauron and they were always old men. The young Gandalf would be the spirit Olorin living back in the lands of the Valar. You make all point and shriek Geek now.

      Alert a moderator

    • LSJShez

      Jan 6th 2013, 12:58

      No.

      Alert a moderator

    • peterrubinstein

      Jan 6th 2013, 13:04

      As has been said, this is all speculation while Christopher Tolkien is in charge of the estate. He is however an old man, it will be interesting to see what happens when he is gone & if the estate takes a different point of view. i believe Priscilla is less hostile to the idea of further TV/films, but I don't know how much influence she has or will have in the future.

      Alert a moderator

    • georgeWW

      Jan 7th 2013, 1:14

      no ...just no please just stop with the hobbit films they will only ruin his work if they keep making more I think 3 hobbit films was 1 too many as it is

      Alert a moderator

    • alexr

      Jan 7th 2013, 16:54

      @georgeWW Technically, a film based on The Silmarillion would not be a Hobbit film, but a Silmarillion film. Am I wrong...?

      Alert a moderator

Leave a comment