Sir Ian McKellen suffered 'injuries to wrist and neck' as doctors 'promise' complete recovery amid play exit

The X-Men star had been playing John Falstaff and was immersed in a battle scene when he fell.

After he had missed a couple of shows, it was revealed that he had pulled out of returning with "great reluctance", before giving his thanks for the support he had received.

He recently gave another update on his X account and informed fans that his injuries mainly affected his wrists and neck, writing: "Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend.

"My doctors promise a complete recovery - but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour without me.

Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend. My doctors promise a complete recovery -but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company…

— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) July 2, 2024

"My understudy David Semark, who with panache took over for the final performances at the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End of London, will play Falstaff again in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

"Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience.

"But Robert Icke’s masterful production remains intact. His mis en scene is compelling throughout and his actors, led by Toheeb Jimho and Richard Coyle as Prince Hal and his father, remain on top form. Go see for yourself!"

Fans of McKellen were glad to hear from the actor, with one user noting: "Glad to hear you're on the mend, Sir Ian!"

"Bless you Sir Ian, we are all delighted and wish a speedy recovery!" another added before someone else said: "Wonderful news on your recovery. God bless you and get better soon."

A fourth wrote: "What a lovely post! Bless you, sir. I wish you the very best and a rapid recovery."

Someone else exclaimed: "Health comes first so priority must be given to you getting well again. This will be a grand learning curve for the understudy and a chance to show their acting skills. What a role too! Here's to a swift recovery and hope it is as painless as can be." (sic)

McKellen has been vocal about his recovery and the incident since it happened and has continued to keep his fans updated whether it was good or bad news.

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Revealing he would not be returning, he said in a statement: "Two weeks after my accident onstage, my injuries improve day by day. It's with the greatest reluctance that I have accepted the medical advice to protect my full recovery by not working in the meantime.

"I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theatre-goers in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

"But I can assure them that, with David Semark now playing Falstaff, Robert Icke’s production and his acting company remain as dazzling as ever. Go see for yourself

"I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service.

"To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work." (sic)