In one scene, Ian McKellan is looking at a publicity photo of Jason, and damned if he doesn't look like Paul Newman of all people in it!
The scenes where McKellan first sees accidentally sees Priestley at the multiplex, on through him trying to watch his videos is the funniest send-up of an academic I've ever seen.
I don't think you're mistaken, apart from confusing John Hurt and Ian McKellen.
Although I've never read this anywhere, I am convinced that in creating Beverly Hills 90210, Aaron Spelling told his casting people to find young actors who resembled certain iconic film stars both in looks and persona:
Jason Priestley - Paul Newman
Luke Perry - James Dean
Jennie Garth - Marilyn Monroe
Shannen Doherty - Vivien Leigh.