Ian McKellen is open to reprising his role as Gandalf in a new 'Lord of the Rings' film series, confirming that the people behind the new movie want him to return to the franchise.
- Sep 3, 2024
AceShowbiz - Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen would love to return to the silver screen as the iconic wizard Gandalf in the upcoming "Lord of the Rings" films. In a recent interview with British magazine The Big Issue, McKellen expressed his excitement for the new projects.
"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," he said. Despite his readiness, he admitted, "When? I don't know. What the script is? It's not written yet. So they better be quick!"
This news comes after Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav announced that the company is in the early stages of script development for new "Lord of the Rings" films slated for a 2026 release. The first film, currently titled "Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum", will have Andy Serkis at the helm both directing and starring in it.
As in the original series, Peter Jackson and his frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will be deeply involved in the production and writing process.
McKellen, who is 85 years old, recently experienced a significant setback after falling off the stage during a performance at London's Noël Coward Theatre. Portraying John Falstaff in a production of "Henry IV", the actor sustained injuries, including a broken wrist and a chipped vertebrae.
Reflecting on the incident, McKellen said, "I'm left feeling weak physically, which I'm doing exercises for. And, of course, it's emotional. We all trip all our lives, it's just when you get to my age you can't always get up again."
Despite this, McKellen remains optimistic and committed to his craft. In an interview with BBC Breakfast, he remarked, "I shall just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working."
He mentioned he plans to take a break for the rest of the year but stressed it's a personal choice rather than a necessity. "I'm going to take the rest of the year off. Not because I need to, just because I want to," he said.
The idea of McKellen returning as Gandalf adds a layer of excitement among "Lord of the Rings" fans, with Andy Serkis noting that securing McKellen would be a significant triumph for the project.
As McKellen's health continues to improve and with Warner Bros. pushing forward with script developments, fans of Middle-earth can look forward to the potential return of Gandalf the Grey and new untold stories from the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's universe.
