Even Richard Harris wasn't going to do it until his granddaughter told him she'd never speak to him again if he didn't take the role! I think I read that McKellan turned down the role out of respect for Harris, who was his friend. I like Gambon; he was a little screamy in GoF, but I think he...
My husband and daughter and I are going tonight at 6:30. I've seen all the HP movies on opening weekend. I prefer to see these in a theater full of die-hard fans like me.