The 86-year-old British actor, who played Gandalf in both of Peter Jackson’s trilogies, says his character will return in the new Gollum movie.
In a conversation with The Times Ian McKellen noted that he has not seen a script, a plan, or a proposal. When asked if the actor was ready to return to the screen as a wizard, he jokingly replied:
«If I live».
McKellen played Gandalf (Gray and White) in all three of Peter Jackson’s «Lord of the Rings» films, and returned to the role in the «Hobbit» trilogy in 2012-2014.
The new film from the «Lord of the Rings» universe will focus on Gollum, who will be portrayed by Andy Serkis (the actor will also take on the role of director). Peter Jackson will return to work as a producer.
«It is an honor and a privilege to return to Middle-earth with our good friend and colleague, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with Gollum,» Jackson said earlier.
Another actor in the trilogy «The Lord of the Rings» Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, said he would return to the role of in case it is appropriate:
«I like playing this character. I learned a lot playing him. I would come back if it was right for my age. Otherwise it would be unwise».
«The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum», which is currently in the early stages of scripting, will be the first in a series of new films in the i, likely to be released in 2026. In December 2024, we also expect an animated film «The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirim».