The recently announced new Lord of the Rings film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is set at a time when many well-known characters populate the world of Middle Earth. Accordingly, fans of Peter Jackson’s previous fantasy cinema adventures want to know who could return in the latest big screen outing. And Sir Ian McKellen, who has already played the wizard Gandalf six times, has now hopeful answer.
Lord of the Rings Gollum movie could bring Ian McKellen back as Gandalf one last time
Andy Serkis is shooting the film The Hunt for Gollum in New Zealand, with the backing of Peter Jackson as producer. What is already known about the new Lord of the Rings film is still limited at this early stage of production. However, it is expected that the fantasy film, as its title suggests, will focus on Gandalf and Aragorn’s search for the former ring bearer Gollum/Sméagol, who threatens to reveal the new owner of the hobbit ring to the villain Sauron.
After Aragorn star Viggo Mortensen recently confirmed his cautious interest in returning, as long as his character’s age is correct, Gandalf actor Ian McKellen also spoke to the London Times about his potential magical return (via CBR ):
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Gandalf in the Hobbit trilogy
I heard something is moving in the land of Tolkien […]. I have … myself [wegen meiner aktuellen Theaterrolle] haven’t shaved for months. But there is no script yet, no offer [an mich als Schauspieler] and no plan. If I am still alive, [bin ich aber interessiert].
The 85-year-old Lord of the Rings star definitely has the energy to portray his iconic Middle Earth character once again. Even though he says to himself with every new role offer: “This could be my last job.”
Unlike Aragorn, Gandalf, with his long beard and grey robe, is not so tied to the age of the people of Middle Earth. Even though Ian McKellen has aged 23 years since The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, he would probably be the actor most likely to slip into the role of the (old from the start) wizard again.
Gandalf returns: When will the Lord of the Rings film The Hunt for Gollum be released in cinemas?
A specific date for the live-action return to the Lord of the Rings universe has not yet been announced. But one year has been announced: 2026. According to the previous Middle Earth adventures, many are expecting a reunion at Christmas with Gandalf, Aragorn, Gollum and Co.
A new animated Lord of the Rings film called The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will be released in theaters this year on December 12, 2024.