J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless epic, The Lord of the Rings, continues to captivate audiences, and now there’s thrilling news: Ian McKellen might reprise his iconic role as Gandalf in an upcoming installment.
McKellen first donned the wizard’s hat more than two decades ago, becoming the embodiment of Gandalf in both the original trilogy and The Hobbit prequels, as well as in various video game adaptations. Now, he hints at a potential comeback in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, a spinoff film slated for a 2026 release. This new project features Andy Serkis not only starring as Gollum but also taking on directorial duties.
Speaking to Sky News, McKellen revealed, “I’m told Gandalf’s involved but I’m not yet told how much he’s going to be paid or how much he gets to say, so I think we’ll leave it there.”
In another conversation, McKellen shared a bit more about his potential return, indicating that the film is still in the early stages of production. “Enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating… I can’t tell you any more than that. 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,” McKellen shared.
The revered actor added, “When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So, they better be quick.” At 85, McKellen continues to be active in his craft, having recovered from a stage fall in London’s West End and showing no signs of retiring from the limelight.
These interviews come as McKellen promotes his latest feature film, The Critic. Set in the 1930s, this adaptation of the 2015 novel Curtain Call features McKellen as a prominent critic. The film is set to premiere on September 13th in both the Americas and the UK.
As for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, details remain scarce. However, it is confirmed that Serkis will both act in and direct the film under Warner Bros., with none other than Peter Jackson producing, alongside his trusted collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. This powerhouse team has fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling adventure in Middle-earth.
