McKellan takes acting break

Ian McKellan is taking a break from acting - because he is desperate to catch up on new releases at the cinema.

The 'X-Men' star loves working on major movies, but his hectic schedule means he has very little time to indulge his real passion for film.

So McKellen has deliberately scheduled a break from work before his next project - 'Lord Of The Rings' prequel 'The Hobbit' - so he can watch more movies and support his fellow thespians.

Speaking at the London premiere of 'Speed Racer' on Tuesday, he said: "I've come to support (the film's stars) Roger Allam and my dear friend Susan Sarandon.

"I'm having a rest, which means I can attend things like this. I'm taking a break until the autumn."