Ian McKellen is one of the most popular and beloved actors in the film industry. With his portrayal of Gandalf and Magneto, he has become a household name. Known for his wisdom and his open support for various causes, many of his dialogues from his films have also gone viral.This is one of the many iconic quotes that McKellen recited in one of his most iconic roles as Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ franchise under the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The dialogue is specifically from his work in the film ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ the seventh installment in the X-Men film series. It was released in May 2014 and acts as a sequel to ‘X-Men: The Last Stand,’ which was released in 2006.The quote for the day from the veteran icon reads, “There is no system, length of time, or amount of force that can contain us once we decide to break free.”
What the quote of the day means
Inherently, going along with the themes discussed in ‘X-Men’ films, the quote talks of how oppressive powers and systems often try to hold people down. However, this can be applied to everyday life in the form of people and situations that may cause hindrance for us.Whether it be someone toxic from our environment or an uncontrollable situation that causes issues in our path, there is always going to be something or someone stopping us from growing, from achieving our goals. However, once you “break free” of all qualms and fears that may hold you back, there is nothing and no one that can stop you from achieving your dream, your goal. The quote talks about self as the only one who has the power to ‘break free.‘ It places the main point of power entirely on the individual. Rather than depending on something else, it is on us to decide that enough is enough, to break free of the chains and chase after things you wish to have, despite all of the obstacles and issues that may come in the way.The moment a person resolves that their dignity is non-negotiable, the power dynamic permanently shifts.
About Ian McKellen’s early life and childhood
Over the years, McKellen has played some of the most iconic and beloved roles, including his work as Gandalf in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ series. As well as his work in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. (Instagram)
Ian Murray McKellen was born on May 25, 1939, in Lancashire, England. While he was born in Lancashire, he moved to the small town of Wigan at an early age with his family amidst the ongoing World War 2. His knack for acting began from an early age when he started working in school plays. When he was 18 years old, the actor scored a scholarship and attended St. Catharine’s College at Cambridge. At college, while his studies centered around English literature, he was mainly focused on theater. He even joined the college’s theater group and appeared in 23 plays during his college years.
Ian McKellen’s beginning in the film industry
The actor started off his career as a professional actor in theater. He scored plays at the Belgrade Theater. His leading role in ‘A Man for All Seasons’ managed to kickstart his career in the industry. He mainly worked in theater and throughout his career joined the prestigious Royal National Theater and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His first role in the film industry came in 1969 when he landed a role in ‘A Touch of Love.’After this, he took a break of almost a decade before starting his stint as an actor again. He next appeared in ‘Priest of Love’ as the leading man. After another long break, he started off his career yet again with ‘Last Action Hero’ and ‘Six Degrees of Separation.’
Ian McKellen and his biggest roles in the ‘X-Men’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ franchises
In 1999, McKellen made history by scoring his role as Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. Since then, he has played the character’s older version to date. He is also set to reprise his role as Magneto in the upcoming MCU film, ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’Other than this, he also played the role of the wizard Gandalf in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ franchise, which is another one of his most beloved and successful roles. According to the reports shared online, the actor earned overall USD 31 million for the first two ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies. He was specifically paid USD 6.2 million for the first and $7.8 million for the second film. While there is no confirmation as to how much he earned from the third film, estimates suggest the numbers to be in the USD 18-20 million range.
