Odd Question about Gandalf the White

[Guest]

[darthmactor]

Okay, this question may already have been answered, and if so, well, sorry, you can smack me later. Back when everyone was still waiting with anticipation for the TT card set to come out, Ian McKellen had a hand full of pictures up on his official site of him signing a bunch of Gandalf the White cards for Topps. Well, as all who collect the cards know, there was no Ian McKellen Gandalf the White auto cards in that set...or the update, or ROTK or ROTK update. My question is, whatever happened to 'em, or has anyone found out?

[Nienna]

I believe the reason you didn't see any of these cards was Topps insistence that he be called 'Sir' Ian McKellen and he didn't want that at all! 
From what I remember reading, Ian McK kicked up such a fuss over it that Topps pulled the cards ... as to whatever happened to them ~ who knows!?
I don't ever recall seeing any on ebay and I think if they did ever appear for auction, then heads would probably roll at Topps because I imagine they would still hold them ...

Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on this one as I'm sure there are Forum members who've been collecting this set longer than I have and who may have more information regarding these particular autos than I do.

[savage727]

Nienna's answer is right on the money.  That is the story I heard as well.  I was also under the impression that the cards he did sign were destroyed.

[Nienna]

What a waste!! :'(
Still, I suppose temptation would eventually have got the better of an employee somewhere along the line so destroying them would be the only option really.
Pity though

[savage727]

I am surprised that the card he did sign for The Fellowship has not become more valuable as that is the only card available with his signature.  I am miffed that the Merry card is selling for so much and he is not one of the major characters in the movie as Gandalf is.  Just because he signs fewer cards stinks as an excuse for higher prices, it should be based on who and what the character plays in the movie that determines its value.  I know that will not happen but I just needed to blow off some steam!    

[Roz]

I am miffed that the Merry card is selling for so much and he is not one of the major characters in the movie as Gandalf is.

How much cooler is Gandalf than Merry? About 10 times, that's why I'd rather own 10 Gandalf's than a FOTR Merry... erm... not that I would buy 10

[savage727]

Well put Roz!  I agree completely.   

[Eve]

I don't get why he signed for FOTR & X-MEN as "Sir" Ian McKellen, and suddenly with Two Towers he gets his knickers in a twist....

Oh well...I'm glad I have the FOTR auto.

[savage727]

That is a great point Eve and I do not understand either nor have I heard any explanation by "Sir" Ian other than that he did not want the Sir on the card!

[reidelmundo]

I posted a question on Ian's website about the card to which he replied. The reason he sent the cards back had to do with the 'Sir' on it. He realised it was silly because other cards had Sir on it but it was too late as it was destroyed and Topps did not have enough time and/or money to make another one without the Sir. I have never seen one in cirulation so topps learned it's lesson from the SW Galaxy2 Yoda P3 promo.