Ian McKellen Delivers a Powerful 400-Year-Old Pro-Immigrant Shakespeare Monologue on Live TV

Ian McKellen’s passion for performance is so profound that, even at 86, he’s returning to the iconic roles that made him a legend in the X-Men and Lord of the Rings universes. This December, he’ll reprise his role as Magneto in Avengers: Doomsday, a character he first brought to life in 2000’s X-Men. Additionally, McKellen is set to don his grey robes once more as Gandalf in The Hunt for Gollum, which is slated for release in 2027.

During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, McKellen shared that nothing compares to the thrill of performing live in front of an audience. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than acting… not so much in the movies, but in the theater,” he remarked.

For many, the chance to see McKellen perform live on stage is a rare opportunity, highlighting the ephemeral nature of theater. It’s a special treat whenever he returns to the big screen in an X-Men or Lord of the Rings film, allowing fans to witness the talent of a Royal Shakespeare Company veteran infusing fantasy with the gravitas of Shakespearean dialogue. His Late Show appearance was particularly memorable, featuring him delivering a monologue from Sir Thomas More, a role he first took on over 60 years ago. As the lights dimmed, the audience was captivated by his performance.

The origins of Sir Thomas More are still debated, but many scholars agree that Shakespeare contributed to the narrative of this lawyer and Catholic martyr. In the monologue, More addresses the chaos in the streets, where citizens are rejecting a surge of immigrants in London. His steadfast principles resonate powerfully, drawing parallels to contemporary issues, which McKellen fully embraces in his delivery.

During his chat with Colbert, McKellen humorously recounted being lifted up and asked to gesture as if wielding Magneto’s telekinetic powers. In Avengers: Doomsday, it seems the antihero wreaks havoc in New Jersey. Regardless of spoilers, it’s a relief to see him still thriving at 86, reminding us all to cherish his remarkable contributions to the stage and screen.