Ian McKellen Teases Gandalf and Frodo’s Return in Andy Serkis’ New LORD OF THE RINGS Movie
There’s magic in the air again with Warner Bros. developing several new film projects set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. While Ian McKellen isn’t officially signed on to reprise his role as Gandalf yet, that didn’t stop him from dropping some interesting hints about The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum during a fan event in London.
At the For The Love Of Fantasy convention, McKellen was joined onstage by his Fellowship brothers Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan. And in classic McKellen fashion, he stirred up excitement by revealing that both Gandalf and Frodo are set to appear in the upcoming film, which will be directed by Andy Serkis aka Gollum.
McKellen said to the crowd:
“I hear there’s going to be another movie set in Middle-earth, and it’s going to start filming in May. It’s going to be directed by Gollum, and it’s all about Gollum.”
He then added:
“I’ll tell you two secrets about the casting: There’s a character in the movie called Frodo, and there’s a character in the movie called Gandalf. Apart from that, my lips are sealed.”
The film is slated for a theatrical release on December 17, 2027, but neither McKellen nor Wood have confirmed their involvement, though McKellen has long been open to donning the wizard’s hat once more. McKellen previously said:
“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.”
Backing the project is the powerhouse team behind the original trilogy including Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens returning as producers, with Zane Weiner also on board. The screenplay is being penned by Walsh and Boyens alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou.
With filming set to begin in May, fans can expect to learn more soon. Until then, the return of Gandalf and Frodo is more than enough to stoke the fires of of excitement and anticipation.
And yes, McKellen even revisited one of his most iconic lines from The Fellowship of the Ring during the event, because what’s a Gandalf tease without a bit of nostalgia? You can watch him talk about all about this in the videos below!
Middle-earth is calling again, and it sounds like some familiar voices are answering.
@gronkcosplay HUGE hunt for Gollum casting announcement #huntforgollum #ianmckellen #castingannouncement #lotr #breakingnews ♬ original sound - Gronk Cosplay