Ian McKellen to Return as Gandalf for "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum"

There's plenty of news for "The Lord of the Rings" fans: in addition to the anime film "The War of the Rohirrim" in late 2024, we can expect another movie called "The Hunt for Gollum" in 2026. And for this, a true icon could make a return!

We are, of course, talking about Ian McKellen, who, according to initial information, will once again be appearing as the wizard Gandalf. The now 85-year-old actor had already hinted a few months ago that he would be willing to play Gandalf again – provided he was "still alive" by then.

Now, in an interview with the British magazine Big Issue, McKellen has confirmed that there are concrete plans for his return. McKellen's health is likely to play a decisive factor, however, especially after his fall from a theater stage in London in June this year, which caused concern among his fans.

Producer Peter Jackson has already indicated several times that some well-known characters could return. For example, Viggo Mortensen is also in talks to play Aragorn. "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" will be released in 2026 and will be directed by Andy Serkis, who is also set to play Gollum.