There are things which are cooler than a million dollars. And that is exactly what Sir Ian McKellen proved to American entrepreneur and philanthropist Sean Parker, when he was asked to officiate the billionaire’s wedding dressed as Gandalf the wizard back in 2013.
In an interview with a popular entertainment daily, the actor spoke about the time when he was asked to officiate the Napster-founder’s movie-themed wedding, but on one condition, that he be dressed in character. McKellen, who plays Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, was approached by a mutual acquaintance of Parker and McKellen’s with the request. He was apparently offered $1.5 million for this role. But the actor turned down the offer, saying, “Gandalf doesn’t do weddings!”
However, Parker’s LOTR-themed wedding did happen in 2013 without McKellen. It was set in a fake ruined castle in California and guests were given outfits inspired from the film’s characters by its Oscar-winning costume designer Ngila Dickson.
McKellen qualified to officiate weddings in 2013, after which he officiated the wedding of his best friend and actor Patrick Stewart to musician Sunny Ozell.
