McKellen / Lord of the Rings
Ian McKellen’s natural appearance may have already boasted an impressive nose, but to become the iconic wizard Gandalf in “Lord of the Rings,” the makeup team took his transformation to the next level. They outfitted him with a prosthetic nose so substantial that you could practically park a bicycle. They added the character’s signature long hair and beard to complete the Gandalf look, making McKellen appear like he had just walked out of a Lord of the Rings-themed hair salon.
McKellen had some input throughout this extensive transformation process and requested a smaller nose when the sculptors crafted new prosthetic pieces out of silicon. This decision was wise, as it ensured that his nose wouldn’t unexpectedly shift or hinder him during pivotal scenes. McKellen’s dedication to his role and collaboration with the makeup team was crucial in bringing Gandalf’s beloved character to life on the big screen.
