Sir Ian McKellen Hints at Gandalf Return in New Lord of the Rings Films
Renowned actor Sir Ian McKellen, 85, suggests he may reprise his iconic role as Gandalf in upcoming Lord of the Rings films. He also discusses his recent stage accident and shares views on the US presidential election.
Sir Ian McKellen, the esteemed British actor, has recently hinted at the possibility of reprising his iconic role as Gandalf in forthcoming Lord of the Rings films. The 85-year-old thespian, known for his versatile performances across stage and screen, shared this intriguing information during an interview with the Big Issue.
Warner Bros, the studio behind the original film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy novels, is reportedly planning new installments in the franchise. Andy Serkis, renowned for his portrayal of Gollum, is set to direct and star in the first of these films, tentatively titled "The Hunt for Gollum."
McKellen, who has portrayed Gandalf in six films spanning both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, expressed enthusiasm about potentially donning the wizard's hat once more. He stated, "I may even be going back to play Gandalf again," while noting that specific details about the script and production timeline remain undisclosed.
The actor's potential return to Middle-earth comes amidst his recovery from a recent stage accident. In June 2024, McKellen experienced a fall during a performance at the Noel Coward Theatre, resulting in wrist and neck injuries. The incident occurred during a fight scene in the play "Player Kings," an adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry IV parts one and two.
Following this setback, McKellen has decided to take the remainder of 2024 off from acting commitments. He reflected on the emotional impact of the fall, stating, "We all trip all our lives, it's just when you get to my age you can't always get up again."
Throughout his illustrious career, McKellen has garnered numerous accolades, including six Laurence Olivier Awards for his stage performances. He was knighted in 1991 for his contributions to the performing arts and has been a visiting professor at Oxford University, teaching Shakespearean acting.
Beyond his acting prowess, McKellen has been a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist since coming out as gay in 1988. He co-founded Stonewall, an influential LGBTQ+ rights lobby group in the UK, demonstrating his commitment to social causes.
In the interview, McKellen also shared his thoughts on the upcoming US presidential election, expressing support for Vice President Kamala Harris over former president Donald Trump. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and finding common ground, stating, "Nothing wrong with having a good argument but let's hear what the disagreements are."
As fans eagerly await confirmation of McKellen's return to the world of Middle-earth, his potential involvement in new Lord of the Rings films continues to generate excitement among audiences worldwide.
"Enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating."
