(NewsNation) — Sir Ian McKellen may reprise his role as Gandalf in the upcoming “Lord of the Rings” film “The Hunt for Gollum.” But the timing has to work out — for everyone.
“I’m told Gandalf is in it and I haven’t read a script and there are no plans yet just filming dates. But if it all worked out, I’d be very happy,” McKellen told The Associated Press. “It means I could go back to New Zealand for a spell, particularly in the summer. That would be lovely. But there’s other work going on and I’m not going to get too upset if these are false hopes.”
McKellen played the wizard in Peter Jackson’s Academy Award-winning “Lord of the Rings” films and the “The Hobbit” trilogy.
The 85-year-old actor realizes, however, that everything depends upon speed.
“When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So they better be quick,” McKellen told “Big Issue.”
McKellen said back in June that he was looking forward to returning to work after he toppled off a London stage mid-performance and was hospitalized.
“They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work,” he said on social media at the time.
McKellen also played Magneto in the “X-Men” films and is one of Britain’s most acclaimed Shakespearean actors, with roles including Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear.
He has won a Tony Award — for “Amadeus” — several Olivier Awards and has been nominated for two Academy Awards, five Emmys and several BAFTA awards.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy said in May that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, the Oscar-winning team behind the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, will produce, and Gollum actor Andy Serkis will direct.
The working title is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and Walsh and Boyens are cowriting the screenplay. The collaboration between Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema is expected to be released in 2026.
The “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films have made nearly $6 billion combined at the box office. “The Return of the King” won a record 11 Oscars, including best director and best picture, tying “Titanic” and “Ben-Hur” for most won.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
