Ian McKellen hints at return as Gandalf in Andy Serkis' upcoming LOTR films

Sir Ian McKellen is likely to reprise his Gandalf character in Andy Serkis' The Lord of the Rings films. McKellen 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.”

The Gandalf star, who is recuperating from an injury he picked up after falling from stage in the West End, London, also said, “When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So, they better be quick.”

The actor also told BBC Breakfast about his lack of intention to quit acting. He stated, “I shall just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working,” as he promoted his new film The Critic.

Serkis will act in and direct two LOTR films for Warner Bros. Discovery, with the working title Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, the first of which is scheduled for a 2026 release. The writers of the original LOTR trilogy, Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh are attached to the project as the screenwriters, alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. The maker of the original trilogy, Peter Jackson is also associated with the project as the producer.