Ian McKellen, best known for his part as Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Magneto in the "X-Men" saga, recalls how he was convinced he was the unfortunate victim of a very unfunny practical joke when in 1991 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, on the recommendation of the most unlikely of people.

McKellen received word that he would be honored with the coveted British accolade in 1990, when he got a phone call from the British Ministry, and he was told that the beneficiary of the recommendation came from none other than former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, literally the d...

Ian McKellen became known as "the king of the social scene" while filming The Hobbit movies in New Zealand as he hosted regular gatherings for the cast and crew at his home.

The veteran actor, who reprises his role as Gandalf the wizard in the franchise, took it upon himself to keep his pals entertained during the 18-month shoot and his co-star Martin Freeman admits he, for one, was grateful to be coaxed out his apartment.

He tells People magazine, "It was lovely to have that time to get to know people properly. I'm a homebody, so I like putting a DVD on and having a beer. But McKellen wa...

Ian McKellen has defended filmmaker Peter Jackson's decision to turn J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit into a movie trilogy, insisting fans will be delighted to see three installments.

The director originally intended to make a two-part prequel to his The Lord of the Rings series, and came under fire after announcing he would release three epics instead.

Critics accused him of trying to make more money by stretching out the classic book, but McKellen, who plays Gandalf the wizard, refutes the suggestion.

He says, "Anyone who thinks Peter Jackson would fall for market forces around him...

The next X-Men movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past, some old faces are returning after some time off. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen weren't in X-Men: First Class, as the film took place well before the original trilogy. However, both actors will appear in some fashion in the upcoming film, which takes place in present day as well as a dystopian future.

James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, and Nicholas Hoult also return from First Class to star in the new film. Director Bryan Singer confirmed the news via Twitter. "I'd like to officially welcome back James McAvoy, Jennifer ...

Veteran actor Ian McKellen almost quit his role in The Hobbit movies as the project rumbled on for five years.

Guillermo del Toro originally signed up to take charge of The Lord of the Rings prequel in 2008, but he had to quit due to production delays when the studio behind the franchise, MGM, fell into financial turmoil.

Peter Jackson took over as director and the movie series eventually got back on track after the company emerged from bankruptcy, but a dispute with an actors' union and a health crisis for the filmmaker led to more postponements.

The first movie in the trilogy - The ...

Ian McKellen has taken aim at New Zealand Prime Minister John Key after the politician used the word 'gay' in a derogatory manner.

Key caused controversy last week when he referred to a DJ's red jersey as "gay" before a charity golf match. The PM later insisted, "It's just a slang term... I didn't really mean it as anything offensive" and claimed he understood the word to mean "weird".

However, openly-gay star McKellen is upset about Key's turn of phrase and has urged the politician to think about the language he uses as a public figure.

In a post on his website, the Lord of the Rings...

Sacha Baron Cohen brings his trademark ridicu-shock humor to his new film "The Dictator," but it may be his beard that steals the show.

He plays Admiral General Aladeen, deposed dictator of the (fictional) Republic of Wadiya, who flees to the U.S. when his country converts to democracy. As a dictator, he's used to ruling with an iron fist, an incorrigible sense of righteous cruelty, and a thick, bushy beard that could house several terrified baby sparrows.

Aladeen may feel like a fish out of water in New York City, but he'd feel right at home among Hollywood's most magnificent beards of a...

There are a lot of great movies coming out this year, and every one of them wants you to believe it's the biggest film event of the decade. "The Dark Knight Rises"! "The Hunger Games"! The Avengers"!

But as fantastic as those films look, there's one movie coming out this year that is set to rule them all: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." So before the onslaught of contenders begins, we thought we'd take a look at everything we know so far about this year's champ.

Release Date: December 14

Star Power: Many of the biggest stars from "The Lord of the Rings" are returning to reprise the...

Peter Jackson has completed the star-studded cast of "The Hobbit" after signing up Billy Connolly to play a dwarf warrior.

The actor will tackle the role of Dain Ironfoot and joins Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom in the director's "Lord of the Rings" prequel.

Jackson tells The Hollywood Reporter, "We could not think of a more fitting actor to play Dain Ironfoot, the staunchest and toughest of Dwarves, than Billy Connelly, the Big Yin himself. With Billy stepping into this role, the cast of The Hobbit is now complete. We can't wait to see him on the Battlefield!"

"The Hobbit: ...

The Hobbit director Peter Jackson is offering a fan the chance to visit the set of the movie in New Zealand to raise money for charity.

The filmmaker is currently shooting the Lord of the Rings prequel, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel, with stars including Martin Freeman, Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom.

Now Jackson is offering up the chance to visit the set of the film as part of the Stars Come Out Auction, which launched on Trademe.co.nz this week to raise funds for scientist Sir Ray Avery's charity Medicine Mondiale.

Other offers up for auction includ...

It's almost time to return to Middle Earth! On Tuesday Warner Bros. Pictures released the first official trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and you can check it out right here!

An Unexpected Journey follows the adventures of Hobbit Bilbo Baggins that took place before the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Bilbo joins 13 dwarves, led by the warrior Thorin Oakenshield, on a quest to reclaim a lost dwarf kingdom since taken over by the dragon Smaug. Along the way Bilbo encounters Goblins, Spiders, Trolls and Elves; and he finds the precious ring that once belonged to the evil Sauron ...

Evangeline Lilly fears "purist" fans will hate her role in The Hobbit because her character didn't feature in the book and was invented solely for the fantasy film adaptation.

The Lost actress' Sylvan elf Tauriel was created especially for director Peter Jackson's upcoming Lord of the Rings prequel, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel The Hobbit.

However, Lilly admits she is terrified Tolkien devotees won't respond well when the movie epic is released next year.

She says, "The Hobbit didn't include female characters at all. I can see why additional characters were needed to round ...

Liv Tyler is eager to re-team with her Lord Of The Rings cast mates Ian Mckellen, Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood by joining the cast of the highly-anticipated prequel The Hobbit.

The actress played Arwen in the first three films in the fantasy franchise, but she has so far been left out of the line-up for Peter Jackson's new epic adventure.

Tyler admits seeing the rest of the Lord Of The Rings cast get back together has made her long for a cameo role.

She tells Britain's Daily Express, "I've seen some of the other actors. I had such an amazing time making those films. I wish that I co...

Lost's Evangeline Lilly has joined The Hobbit.

"Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character—the Woodland Elf, Tauriel," director Peter Jackson announced on Facebook. "Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing! (No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas.) What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life."

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Lost, The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring, Barry Hump...

For all those hoping that both Kung Fu Panda 2 and The Hangover Part II opening this week are better flicks then their predecessors this is the Starpulse list for you. We’ve delved deep into our movie minds to come up with some of the most imaginative, innovative, and just plain kick-ass awesome second outings to ever hit the silver screen. (And yes, being that it’s part of a trilogy, Empire doesn’t count movie geeks!) Move over impressive or perhaps in some cases unimpressive cinematic originals – you’re new 35mm baby brother is here and he makes this look good. Here is our list of the...

Costumes worn onstage by Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart have been auctioned off by bosses at Britain's Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

More than 15,000 items from the RSC costume department raised $82,500 after going under the hammer in Stratford-upon-Avon, England on Saturday.

Thousands of theater fans lined up for hours to check out the display of outfits and accessories, including Egyptian headdresses, capes and cloaks from past plays.

A plain white shirt worn by Patrick in Hamlet in 2008 fetched $90, while green embroidered doublet and breeches donned by David Tennant in a 2008 pr...

Elijah Wood is returning to Middle Earth - the actor has signed on to star in the "Lord Of The Rings" prequel "The Hobbit."

The actor will reprise the role of Frodo Baggins in the film, which will start shooting in New Zealand next month. Wood played Frodo in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Cate Blanchett and Ian McKellen will also reprise their roles from the trilogy.

Julia Roberts showed off her lean legs while promoting "Eat Pray Love" at the San Sebastian International Film Festival on Monday.

Julia was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award at the film festival in Spain. Her "Eat Pray Love" co-star Javier Bardem presented her with the Donostia Award last night.

The 42-year-old Oscar winner told the audience she was overwhelmed to receive the prize. She said, "What a fortunate woman I've been in my life for a variety of reasons. If we were having dinner, I'd tell you all of them. But now, I'll just say thank you from the bottom of my heart. And ...

Michael Fassbender has reportedly seen off strong competition to land a coveted role in the new X-MEN movie - playing a younger version of Ian McKellen's character.

The Inglourious Basterds actor, 33, is said to have been offered the part of villainous Magento in X-Men: First Class ahead of a host of younger stars including Kick-Ass' Aaron Johnson and Anjelica Huston's nephew Jack Huston, according to Deadline.com.

Fassbender will appear alongside James McAvoy, who will step into Sir Patrick Stewart's role of Charles Xavier in the upcoming prequel.

The movie, which will be directed by ...

James McAvoy has joined the X-Men - he will step into Patrick Stewart's role of Charles Xavier in the upcoming prequel. The Scottish actor will play a younger version of Stewart's character, also known as Professor X, in X-Men: First Class, which will chart the beginnings of the superhero saga.

The movie will focus on the early years of Xavier and Erik Lensherr, who later became known as magnetic mutant Magneto and was played by Ian McKellen in the blockbuster trilogy. It is not yet known who will play the younger version of McKellen's character.

The film, which will be directed by Kick...

Ian McKellen attended a gay rights rally in Australia on Sunday, where he urged government officials to allow same-sex marriage Down Under.

The veteran star took a break from his current Waiting for Godot tour to join the gathering outside Melbourne's State Library, which was organized to raise awareness for International Day Against Homophobia on Monday. The British actor argued the right to marry would "change lives" of gay couples who want to make their union official - and would also boost the country's image.

He said, "Establishing the rights for gay people to be married would cost...

Lord Of The Rings director Peter Jackson has dismissed rumors upcoming prequel The Hobbit has been delayed due to production problems - insisting the project is still in its early stages.

The adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's first book in the fantasy series was reportedly scheduled to begin filming this summer. Ian McKellen, who stars in the series as wizard Gandalf, apparently confirmed the news in a recent post on his website, revealing the movie will be split into "two films" and will "start shooting in New Zealand in June."

Subsequent reports that movie bosses are not yet ready to beg...

All three original theatrical films together for the first time on Blu-ray! Assisted by a Fellowship of heroes, Frodo Baggins plunges into a perilous trek to take the mystical One Ring to Mount Doom so that it and its magical powers can be destroyed and never possessed by evil Lord Sauron.

The astonishing journey begins in the first film of director/co-writer Peter Jackson's epic trilogy that redefined fantasy filmmaking. This imaginative foray into J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth won four Academy Awards and earned 13 total nominations including Best Picture.

"The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy...

Ian McKellen has spoken out against Britain's new anti-pedophile database, insisting the new scheme will dissuade amateur theaters from casting children. The Lord of the Rings star fears the Vetting and Barring Scheme, which requires any adult working with children to register and submit a background check, will result in limited roles for young performers.

Adults who don't comply face a fine of up to $8,000 and a criminal record, which McKellen maintains is unnecessary in the world of amateur theater.

He says, "People are all there for the love of it - that's what amateur means. It...

Ian McKellen's penchant for ripping out pages of the Bibles he finds in hotel rooms has caught on - fans send him sections of text they've removed.

The openly gay Lord of the Rings star tears out a section of Leviticus, which condemns homosexuality, whenever he finds the good book in hotel suites - and his small-scale vandalism has inspired others to do the same.

He tells Details magazine, "I'm not proudly defacing the book, but it's a choice between removing that page and throwing away the whole Bible."

"I got delivered a package of 40 of those pages... that had been torn out b...

British actor Ian McKellen's secret gay years gave the Lord Of The Rings star a sense of what it would have been like to be Jewish and living in central Europe during the late 1930s.

The revered thespian was 49 when he 'came out' about his sexuality and admits he had a terrible time trying to hide the truth.

He tells Details magazine, "It was illegal for me to do (things) as a private person. Outside London, where I lived, there was no gay pub or bar you could go to. And even if you found one, it was, 'Knock three times and ask for Louis'. It was horrible living this secret life. You ...

Since CNN has such a blast creating a report card to track the Presidency, we decided to have some fun with television. Which networks come out strong and which ones need to do better homework?

MAJOR NETWORKS

ABC: B

The Good: The dramas are what keep us coming back to ABC. Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, FlashForward, and V are worth looking forward to. The one comedy that stands out and may hold itself against NBC's stellar comedies, Modern Family, is worth a few episodes past the pilot.

The Bad: Dancing With The Stars is extremely popular, however sometimes too much of a ...

The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan has abandoned plans to helm a new big screen adaptation of cult British TV series The Prisoner.

Nolan had signed up to turn the 1968 show - which starred Patrick McGoohan - into a big budget blockbuster, but he has now quit the production amid rumors he is

planning to start work on his third Batman movie early.

Nolan's departure has thrown The Prisoner into jeopardy - producer Barry Mendel admits they might not get the green light for the project until movie executives have gauged the success of the new TV version, which stars Ian McKelle...

British thespian Patrick Stewart upset fans following a theater performance in Scotland by launching a foul-mouthed tirade at a man who allegedly took a picture of him onstage, according to reports.

The actor is currently taking part in a touring production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot alongside his X-Men co-star Ian McKellen.

And after a performance in Edinburgh, Scotland earlier this week, the star is said to have accosted an autograph hunter outside the King's Theater, accusing him of using a camera during the performance.

A source tells Scotland's Daily Record ne...

Apple Corps Ltd. and EMI Music are delighted to announce the release of the original Beatles catalog, which has been digitally re-mastered for the first time, for worldwide CD release on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 (9-9-09), the same date as the release of the widely anticipated "The Beatles: Rock Band" video game. Each of the CDs is packaged with replicated original UK album art, including expanded booklets containing original and newly written liner notes and rare photos. For a limited period, each CD will also be embedded with a brief documentary film about the album. On the same date,...