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An emblematic character in Tolkien's universe, Gandalf the Grey, who became Gandalf the White, came to life and flesh in the guise of the Briton Ian Mckellensince the first film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, released in 2001, and until his last appearance on the big screen in the final installment of the Hobbit trilogy, The Battle of the Five Armies. Also, after having spent several years embodying it and having marked the public's imagination, it becomes very difficult to imagine another actor putting on the costume – including for the actor himself:
“If I can help it, I won't let anyone else wear the pointy hat and beard.”
Guest of the program BBC Breakfast of the British media, Ian Mckellen confided in his relationship with Gandalf and gave some update on his health, following his recent fall from the stage during a theater performance in June. Although it was more of a scare than anything, the actor claimed to be hurt both physically and emotionally, and he assures that he will rest until the end of the year before returning to the cinema…. For The Hunt for Gollum ?
Announced a few months ago, this first project in a long series around the franchise marks Andy Serkis' return to Middle-earth as both director and actor, in the shoes of the vile, stinking and sneaky creature, hunted by Aragorn and Gandalf. An episode ousted from Peter Jackson's adaptations, but narrated in the novels during the Council of Elrond.
The new Lord of the Rings movie has a name and a director!
And if Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) would agree to return to the race under certain conditions, for Ian Mckellen, things seem to be on the right track. As proof, the latter confirmed to The Big Issue, another British newspaper, having been approached by Warner Bros. to reprise his role:
“I can't tell you much more at this point. I've just been told that there's going to be several movies and that Gandalf is going to be involved and they're hoping I'll play him. When? I don't know. What's the script? It's not written yet. So they better hurry up.”
Twenty-five years have passed since then The Return of the Kingand Ian Mckellen recently celebrated his 85th birthday. While The Hunt for Gollum takes place during the first trilogy, how will they manage to make us forget the time passed by in front of actors who have aged – and a few wrinkles?
Co-written by the writers of Lord of the RingsFran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, filming has already started in New Zealand and the film is expected to be released in 2026. In the meantime, fans will be able to rediscover the trilogy, which is being re-released in theaters this Wednesday, and relive the magician's cult passages.