It’s been nearly a year since David Bowie left us, but fans are still uncovering the array of secrets the playful, singular, and visionary artist packed into the artwork his his terrific final album, Blackstar. As as the musician and actor’s legacy continues to unfold, we’re also learning more about the people who approached Bowie to tap into his enormous well of creativity — including none other than Peter Jackson.
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While Ian McKellen owns the role of Gandalf in “The Lord Of The Rings,” before he landed the part, Jackson had the interesting notion of trying out Bowie as the iconic character. It never happened, but it’s a thought that’s nonetheless interesting to consider.
“We approached him. I’m pretty sure it was Peter Jackson’s idea in the first few weeks that we got going. It was one that he’d always wondered about, and we rang [agent] Chris [Andrews], and [Bowie] was far too busy,” casting director Amy Hubbard told Huffington Post.
Bowie never even auditioned, and I can’t imagine he would’ve been interested in sticking with a project that would’ve required years of shooting, and just as much time doing press. Still, one can wonder, though in the end, it’s hard to see anyone else playing the part other than McKellen.