Ian McKellen Open to Returning as Gandalf in New 'Lord of the Rings' Films

Ian McKellen, celebrated for his portrayal of Gandalf in the original "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the "Hobbit" series, has expressed his willingness to reprise the role in upcoming films, albeit with a touch of humor regarding his age and the film's timeline. McKellen, now 85, mentioned in an interview with The Sunday Times that he's heard Gandalf might feature in the new movie, "The Hunt for Gollum," set for release in 2026, directed by Andy Serkis. However, he humorously added that his participation hinges on one condition - "if I'm alive."

This revelation comes after McKellen suffered a fall on stage earlier this year, leading to concerns about his health. Despite this, he remains optimistic, stating in an update that he's "on the mend" and is considering future roles, including Gandalf, if his health permits. His return to the role would not only be a nod to his enduring connection with the character but also a significant draw for fans of the franchise.

The film, "The Hunt for Gollum," is the first in a series of planned films by Warner Bros., exploring new narratives within J.R.R. Tolkien's rich universe. While the script for McKellen's potential involvement hasn't been finalized, his interest in returning underscores the deep impact Gandalf has had on both his career and the hearts of viewers worldwide.

If you'd like to know everything that the legend had to say, click here to read the full Deadline article that broke the news first.

For the latest updates on this story and more from the world of entertainment, keep an eye on Deadline, where this news was first reported.

So, would you like to see Sir Ian McKellen put on his Gandalf shoes once again? Whatever you guys think, jump down in the comments section below and let us know your thoughts!

We at The Omen Media strive to bring you your daily dosage of entertainment, one tantalizing story at a time. If you would like to support our efforts, and we would really appreciate it if you would, consider purchasing products on Amazon through our affiliate link by clicking on this link. We will earn a nominal fee for every purchase you make, but it will not cost you an extra penny. Or else, you can always buy us a small cup of coffee by clicking here.

You can also support us by becoming a Patreon member by clicking here. We don't have anything exclusive to offer to our Patreon members just yet as we are just a little movie website, but it still costs money to run one. For just $3 a month, you can support everyone who is working behind the scenes to get you your daily dose of entertainment one piece at a time.

Every support counts and every such gesture will serve as an additional motivation for us to keep bringing you your daily fix of showbiz.

Thank you for taking the time out to read this and we hope that you have a lovely day ahead!