Ian McKellen keen to reprise Gandalf in Lord of the Rings prequel

Imagining anyone but Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings is challenging, and the actor himself shares that sentiment.

McKellen, now 85, made history in Peter Jackson’s acclaimed trilogy and its spin-offs, portraying the beloved wizard Gandalf. From the original trilogy to the Hobbit prequels, his portrayal has become iconic. McKellen’s performance has made it difficult for any other actor to step into the role.

He emphasised this point on BBC Breakfast, saying, “I’m not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it.”

In a discussion with the BBC, McKellen referred to an upcoming prequel film, The Hunt for Gollum. Slated for release in 2026, Andy Serkis is set to reprise his role and direct the film.

McKellen has shown interest in returning as Gandalf for The Hunt for Gollum and other future projects. He told The Big Issue, “Enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating.”

“I can’t tell you any more than that. I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I’ll be playing him,” he continued. “When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So, they better be quick.”

The Lord of the Rings universe continues to grow, with Prime Video’s prequel series, The Rings of Power, and an upcoming animated film, The War of the Rohirrim, set for release in December.

In June, McKellen experienced a fall while performing in Player Kings in London’s West End, injuring his wrist and vertebrae. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he mentioned while he has physically recovered, he still has some emotional healing to do.

“I said to myself as I tripped and slid off the stage, ‘This is the end.’ These were the words in my mind, ‘This is the end,’” he recalled. “And apparently I shouted out, ‘My neck is broken, I’m dying.’ I don’t remember saying that, so there was a lot going on in my head as the body responded to the fall.”