Ian McKellen Reveals Morbid Way He Picks Projects, May Play Gandalf Again

Ian McKellen‘s got a morbid standard for the parts he takes … picturing his legacy if the next role happened to be his last — and, admitting there’s one film he’d do in a heartbeat.

The actor — who turned 85 last month — sat down for an interview with “The Sunday Times” and revealed whenever a script comes in he considers it like it may be the last part he ever plays.

He says those stakes make him turn down many projects … and push him to be his best version on stage or screen — ’cause he may not get another shot at it.

That said, IM’s totally sure about one role he’d go back to — the wizard Gandalf in the hit “Lord of the Rings” universe.

There have been rumblings about a new flick starring Gollum — played by Andy Serkis — and, Ian says he’d don the hat and beard once more … if he’s still alive, he clarifies.

Worth noting … McKellen’s shooting down rumors he’s actually been approached so far — insisting there’s not an offer on the table.

BTW … former President Donald Trump catches a stray during this interview — with McKellen saying he watches CNN most nights and thinks 45’s one of the worst orators he’s ever seen. He calls him an “absolute bewilderment.”