🎬 Feature Film

Sir Ian McKellen

1939Directed by British

Sir Ian McKellen is one of the world's most celebrated actors, with a career spanning more than six decades across theatre, film and television. He has won six Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe, and multiple BAFTAs.

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Quick Answer

Sir Ian McKellen filmed 2 productions in Queenstown: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit Trilogy. Sir Ian McKellen is one of the world's most celebrated actors, with a career spanning more than six decades across theatre, film and television. He has won six Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe, and multiple BAFTAs.

British19392 filming locations

About McKellen

British actor, 2 productions filmed in Queenstown.

He is best known globally for his screen roles as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and as Magneto in the X-Men film series. His Shakespearean stage work - particularly his Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear - has defined modern classical theatre.

McKellen lived in New Zealand for over eighteen months during the filming of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He has spoken warmly of his time there, calling the country's landscapes 'the real star of the films' and praising the hospitality of Queenstown locals during the gruelling production schedule.

Actor portrait

Films Shot in Queenstown

Every production McKellen filmed in the Queenstown-Lakes region, with characters, roles, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.

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The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

2001-2003Peter Jackson

The Hobbit Trilogy

2012-2014Peter Jackson

“McKellen filmed the iconic 'You shall not pass!' scene on a soundstage after weeks of location shooting around Queenstown and Glenorchy. He has called the New Zealand landscape 'the most beautiful backlot in the world.'”
Sir Ian McKellen, on filming The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Behind the Camera

Queenstown Stories

Trivia, anecdotes, and inside stories from McKellen's time filming in Queenstown.

How long did Ian McKellen live in New Zealand for LOTR?

McKellen spent over eighteen months in New Zealand during the principal photography of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, living in Wellington and travelling to locations around Queenstown, Glenorchy, and Paradise for extended shoots. He has described it as one of the happiest periods of his working life.

Where in Queenstown did McKellen film his Gandalf scenes?

Many of Gandalf's exterior scenes were filmed around Glenorchy and Paradise Valley (standing in for various Middle‑earth locations), the Remarkables mountain range, and the Kawarau River. The beech forests near Queenstown were used extensively for scenes set in Fangorn Forest.

Did Ian McKellen enjoy working in Queenstown?

Yes - McKellen has frequently praised the experience. He maintained an online diary during filming called 'The Grey Book' where he documented life in New Zealand. He noted that on days off, he enjoyed walking the Queenstown trails and visiting local cafés.

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