Ian McKellen listened to the doctor’s orders and decided not to attend The Christophers premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“Better safe than sorry,” the actor, 86, said in a pre-taped introduction at the Sunday, September 7, screening, per Variety.

McKellen added that he backed out of the appearance after “medical advisers” told him he should not fly.

“If you enjoy it, will you tell your friends?” McKellen told the audience in the clip. “That’s partly what festivals are about, isn’t it?”

In addition to McKellen, The Christophers stars Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning and James Corden. The black comedy tells the story of a group of estranged children of a well-known artist who attempt to hire a forger to complete their father’s unfinished work so they can sell it.

McKellen did not divulge details about his current condition. Last year, the Oscar nominee injured himself after falling off the stage during a performance of Player Kings in London. McKellen was hospitalized and ultimately had to pull out of the West End production to recover from the accident.

“I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support,” McKellen said in his own statement via X in June 2024. “Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work.”

McKellen later revealed that he hurt his neck and wrist. However, he shared that the injuries were not worse thanks to the fat suit he wore on stage.

“I was wearing a fat suit for Falstaff and that saved my ribs and other joints,” he said in an August 2024 interview with Saga Magazine. “So I’ve had a lucky escape really.”

McKellen also opened up about what led to the fall.

“My foot got caught in a chair, and trying to shake it off I started to slide on some newspaper that was scattered over the stage, like I was on a skateboard,” he recalled. “The more I tried to get rid of it, the faster I proceeded down a step, onto the forestage, and then on to the lap of someone in the front row. I started screaming, ‘Help me!’ and then ‘I’m sorry! I don’t do this!’ Extraordinary things. I thought it was the end of something. It was very upsetting.”