Upcoming "Lord of the Rings" Cinematic Sequels - Will Ian McKellen resume his role as the enchanted Gandalf wizard character?
The new season of "The Rings of Power" on Amazon Prime Video has folks in a frenzy, and they're getting some supernatural updates straight from Middle-earth. Legendary actor Ian McKellen (85), known for his role as Gandalf in the original trilogy and "The Hobbit" films, might be back for the upcoming "Lord of the Rings" films headed by Andy Serkis (60). During an interview with "Big Issue," McKellen admitted he's been approached for the revival, but with age coming into play, there's a sense of urgency.
McKellen expressed his enduring passion for "The Lord of the Rings." He shared, "It seems the excitement for this tale isn't dying down any time soon. They told me recently we're having additional 'Lord of the Rings' films, and they hope I return as Gandalf again." However, he's still in the dark on the specifics: "As for when and how the plot unfolds, I'm clueless. The script isn't even penned yet, so they better act fast."
McKellen's acting career, even at 85, seems far from over. He'd previously mentioned in an interview on "BBC Breakfast" that he intends to continue acting as long as his bodily functions permit.
Recently, Warner Bros. surprised us by announcing new films in the "Lord of the Rings" universe, with the first one slated for 2026. "The Hunt for Gollum" and its sequels will focus on Gollum again, played by Andy Serkis. Serkis will also be making his directing debut, while Peter Jackson (62), who previously directed "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," will serve as a consultant. Jackson will collaborate with longtime allies New Zealand screenwriters Fran Walsh (65) and Philippa Boyens (62) on the script for the first Gollum film.
They expressed their enthusiasm in a May statement: "Being a part of Middle-earth once more with our pal Andy Serkis who still has a score to settle with Gollum is an honor and a privilege! As fans of the extensive J.R.R. Tolkien mythology, we're proud to work on another epic adventure!"
Additionally, "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim," directed by Kenji Kamiyama (58), will be released later this year on December 12. Set 260 years before "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," it's an animated prequel.
McKellen's potential return as Gandalf in the upcoming "Lord of the Rings" films has become a hot topic among fans, with many news outlets covering the story. The announcement of new "Lord of the Rings" films, including "The Hunt for Gollum" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim," has generated a lot of news and excitement within the fantasy genre.
