Overview
- On the Feb. 5 broadcast of The Late Show, Ian McKellen delivered a live performance of Act II, Scene 4 from Sir Thomas More.
- The monologue addresses hostility toward newcomers, warning against violence toward “strangers” and the erosion of lawful order.
- The studio audience responded with strong applause, and host Stephen Colbert thanked McKellen on air.
- Multiple outlets framed the reading as timely, drawing explicit parallels to ICE actions and current U.S. immigration policy debates.
- During the interview, McKellen promoted An Ark at The Shed, running through March 1, 2026, and discussed reprising Gandalf and Magneto in upcoming films.