Last fall, Ian McKellen dropped his pants on stage to reveal everything he has -- and soon the full-frontal scene may play on public television.

The nude scene was part of the "Lord of the Rings" star's performance in the title role of "King Lear" in New York.

The scene depicts Lear losing his sanity.

"King Lear" was taped and will air on PBS next year -- but it's not known if McKellen's private parts will make it to television.

PBS is not cable. It's a regular broadcast network and it has to worry about wardrobe malfunctions.

Pressed for an answer as to whether the McKellen full-frontal scene would be shown, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said a Television Critics Association meeting that she would address the issue at the next meeting of the group, set for January.

McKellen, 68, was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role as director James Whale in "Gods and Monsters," and for Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Gandalf, the wizard, in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring."