Ian McKellen expressed his willingness to reprise his legendary role as Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" series, should his health allow.
Upon the recent revelation by Warner Bros about a new LOTR franchise, speculations arose among enthusiasts regarding the potential appearance of McKellen's iconic character.
With hints of developments in Tolkien's land, the 85-year-old English actor has disclosed that he had "been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I'll be playing him."
Fans can look forward to the latest addition to the series, "The Hunt for Gollum," which will be released in 2026.
When asked about the potential of appearing in this upcoming movie, McKellen told BBC Breakfast, "I'm not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it."
In the initial trilogy of movies and "The Hobbit" series, McKellen portrayed the character of Gandalf under the direction of New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson.
However, "Beauty and the Beast" actor shared that his participation in the production hinges on the continued functionality of his legs, lungs, and mind, especially after his recent fall during a "Player Kings" West End stage performance that left him with wrist and neck injuries.
In a separate interview with the Big Issue, the award-winning actor revealed, "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 will be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I'll be playing him."
"When? I don't know. What the script is? It's not written yet. So, they better be quick."
Ian McKellen's Tragic Onstage Fall
He emphasized to the BBC that the incident was accidental and unrelated to his age.
In a separate discussion with BBC Radio 4's Today show, McKellen shared, "It's emotionally that I've got some residue that I've got to deal with."
"I said to myself as I tripped and slid off the stage, 'This is the end'. These were the words in my mind, 'This is the end.'"
"And apparently I shouted out, 'my neck is broken, I'm dying'. I don't remember saying that, so there was a lot going on in my head as the body responded to the fall."
Following his unfortunate incident, McKellen temporarily stepped away from his West End acting commitments, leading to his replacement in the cast of "Player Kings" during the show's tour across the UK.
