Two days ago we shared this video of the boulder chase scene from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark recreated in New York City’s Central Park. It’s part of Improv Everywhere’s Movies in Real Life weekly series. Now they’ve pulled another stunt, with Gandalf they Grey telling folks on Central Park’s Bow Bridge that they shall not pass. Bow Bridge isn’t quite as dangerous as the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, nor does this Gandalf have the gravitas and authority of a Sir Ian McKellen. No matter. It’s still entertaining.
This episode was directed by Charlie Todd and performed by Erik Dies and his epic beard. Although it’s not the first time someone has cosplayed Gandalf in public for the sake of a joke, we do like Erik Dies’ improv skills in this video. I was half expecting him to lapse into a Paul Giamatti impression, as frustratedly resigned as he was that no one would halt. This Gandalf is not exactly Balrog-ready.
(Sources: Improv Everywhere and SayOMG.)