<P> Sir Ian McKellen portrayed Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings film series ( 2001 -- 2003 ) directed by Peter Jackson , after Sean Connery and Patrick Stewart both turned down the role . The make - up and costumes were based on designs by John Howe and Alan Lee . According to Jackson , McKellen based his performance as Gandalf on Tolkien himself : </P>
<P> Sir Ian McKellen portrayed Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings film series ( 2001 -- 2003 ) directed by Peter Jackson , after Sean Connery and Patrick Stewart both turned down the role . The make - up and costumes were based on designs by John Howe and Alan Lee . According to Jackson , McKellen based his performance as Gandalf on Tolkien himself : </P>
who played gandolf in the lord of the rings
who played gandolf in the lord of the rings
Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen