Gandalf and Albus Dumbledore are among the most beloved wizards in fiction, but who would win if they ever came face to face? Ian McKellen, known for playing Gandalf, chose his own character as the winner. Now, the two characters are often compared because of their similarities as wise wizards, who have snowy white beards, wear long robes, and sometimes their iconic pointed hats. 

Even though his answer may seem biased, McKellen, who was once offered the role of Dumbledore, had an intriguing response when asked about a potential duel between Gandalf and Dumbledore.

Ian McKellen has played the wizard Gandalf in nearly six films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy. He is also set to appear in the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which is expected to be released in 2027. Perhaps this connection with the character is what made him choose Gandalf over Albus Dumbledore.

“Who would win a fight between Gandalf and Dumbledore?" McKellen said as per The Guardian.

"Why on earth would they be fighting? But Gandy, of course, would win. The original wizard."

Perhaps McKellen was pointing to another important detail about the two characters. As many know, Albus Dumbledore is a skilled wizard. However, Gandalf is considered an angel in J. R. R. Tolkien’s world. According to the books, he is an immortal being sent to Middle-earth, which suggests that McKellen’s response may not have been biased after all.

In the past, after the passing of Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, directed by Chris Columbus, McKellen was reportedly approached for the role. However, since Harris had previously criticized his performance, McKellen felt it would not be right to step into the shoes of an actor who did not approve of him. The role was later taken over by Michael Gambon in the later Harry Potter films.

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Now, nearly a decade after the original film adaptations ended, the wizarding world of Harry Potter is being adapted once again, with a new actor stepping in to play Dumbledore.

After the films, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter and Hogwarts are being adapted once again, this time as a television series. Developed by HBO, each season will reportedly focus on one book by J. K. Rowling, with the first season on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. And the new adaptation will also introduce a new cast, including John Lithgow stepping in as Albus Dumbledore. 

Lithgow is an Emmy Award, Tony Award, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor. Many may remember him for his performances in The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, and All That Jazz. While Lithgow appears to be a perfect choice to play Dumbledore, the final verdict will depend on how fans respond to the series. As for the two fictional wizards, Dumbledore and Gandalf, Ian McKellen seems confident about the outcome of a duel, which can clearly spark a debate among The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fans.

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Do you agree with Ian McKellen's comment on Gandalf and Dumbledore? Let us know in the comments.