Ian McKellen, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- London
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According to a well-placed source, Ian McKellen is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actor's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 02/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not McKellen for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 86-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes McKellen so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the actor have already been named ‘Briton Of The Year’ by some major British newspapers and even ‘Burnley Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Burnley (Ian McKellen's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the actor was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“#McKellenPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 1 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Ian has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 1 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ian McKellen?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 1 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Ian McKellen?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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