Ian McKellen Shares Major Update on Upcoming Lord of the Rings Films

Sir Ian McKellen is poised to reprise his iconic role as Gandalf in the upcoming Lord of the Rings films – and, according to the acclaimed actor, fans can anticipate more than one installment.

It’s been over two decades since the release of Return of the King. While we have seen The Hobbit trilogy and Amazon’s Rings of Power series, none have achieved the monumental success of Peter Jackson’s original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Exciting news for Tolkien enthusiasts: Middle-earth is returning to theaters. The animated film, The War of the Rohirrim, is set to debut this Christmas. Additionally, Peter Jackson is back to produce a new project titled The Hunt for Gollum.

Andy Serkis will return to portray Gollum and will take on directing duties, although it remains uncertain whether Viggo Mortensen will reprise his role as Aragorn or if Orlando Bloom will return as Legolas.

Ian McKellen as Gandalf — New Line Cinema

While McKellen’s participation is not yet officially confirmed, the actor appears enthusiastic about stepping back into the role of Gandalf – and if he does, it could involve two additional films.

“All I know is they called me up, they said these films were going to happen, they were mainly going to be about Gollum… and there would be a script arriving sometime in [2025],” he shared during an appearance on This Morning.

“And then I’ll judge whether I want to go back… but I would. I’d love to go back to New Zealand, and I also don’t like the idea of anyone else playing Gandalf.”

McKellen also mentioned he had been informed it would be “two films… I probably shouldn’t be saying that, but I haven’t read the script and I don’t even know where it’ll be filmed.”

The narrative is expected to delve into Gollum’s encounters with Sauron in Mordor before his journey to the Shire. According to Tolkien’s appendices, Gandalf sends Aragorn on a quest to locate Gollum. This could serve as a prequel, primarily unfolding between Gandalf giving Frodo the One Ring and returning to the Shire.

In the meantime, for those following Rings of Power, there’s speculation that another actor may already be portraying Gandalf, depending on the identity of the Stranger.