Ian McKellen on Returning as Gandalf in New Lord of the Rings Films

With Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum in development, Sir Ian McKellen weighs in on his potential return as Gandalf in future movies. The 85-year-old actor was asked whether he wanted to reprise his iconic role. McKellen’s response was highly positive, reassuring fans eager to relive the magic of the Lord of the Rings universe.

Sir Ian McKellen, the veteran actor known for portraying Gandalf the White, could definitely be making a comeback. With Warner Bros. actively working on new Lord of the Rings movies, McKellen confirmed that he has already been approached to return as the enigmatic white-bearded wizard.

Currently recuperating from an injury sustained after falling off-stage in London’s West End during Player Kings, McKellen implied that he is enthusiastic about returning as Gandalf. Speaking to The Big Issue, he remarked that his “enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating.”

The actor elaborated, saying, “I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved, and they hope that I’ll be playing him.”

When asked about the specifics of his return and other story details, he humorously responded, “When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So they better be quick!”

While McKellen is eager for the official call for The Hunt for Gollum to come soon, he mentioned that he has no plans to retire from acting anytime in the near future. Promoting his previous film, The Critic, in another interview with BBC Breakfast, he said, “I shall just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working.”

Given his undiminished passion for the craft, it seems likely that the legendary actor could return as Gandalf the White at least one more time. Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum has a planned release window set for 2026.

Source: The Big Issue, BBC Breakfast