It is hard to imagine what it must be like to have narrowly missed out on being a part of the most iconic fantasy series of all time.

Nonetheless, there are people out there who managed that generational fumble with Lord of the Rings. For example, both Anthony Hopkins and Sean Connery were offered the role of Gandalf before Ian McKellen was chosen to bring to life the version of the wizard that we know and love today. It has to be said that his performance lends credence to the idea that everything happens for a reason.