The 'Mr. Holmes' actor would love to reprise his role in Middle Earth in the upcoming 'The Hunt for Gollum' which has Andy Serkis attached as the director.
- June 10, 2024
AceShowbiz - Acclaimed actor Sir Ian McKellen, well-known for his iconic portrayal of Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" franchise, has expressed a willingness to return to Middle Earth in the forthcoming 2026 movie "The Hunt for Gollum," produced by Peter Jackson and directed by Andy Serkis. In an interview with The Times, McKellen humorously stated the key condition for his return, "If I'm alive."
Reflecting on his prolific career, McKellen, 85, acknowledged that he approaches each new role as if it might be his last. The veteran actor has remained exceptionally active, undertaking six stage roles in three years, including playing Hamlet in both 2021 and 2022. Currently, McKellen is starring as Falstaff in "Player Kings," a role he elaborates on with nuance.
"I never thought he was particularly funny. But [director] Rob [Icke] has a honey tongue. He pointed out that Falstaff is a thoroughly objectionable person: he's a liar and a hypocrite, a glutton, a drunk, careless with his relationships," McKellen explained.
"He must have some sort of charm, though. He can make people laugh. But he's a very disappointed man. Several times he calls himself old, so there are all these negatives which you are putting against the standard, laughing fat-man Toby-jug idea of Falstaff," he added.
"The Hunt for Gollum" was officially announced last month, sparking excitement among Tolkien enthusiasts. The production features an all-star team, including familiar names like Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou on the writers' team. The upcoming film promises to reunite many from the original trilogy's cast and crew.
Andy Serkis, who originally portrayed Gollum, shared his enthusiasm in a statement, "Yesssss, Precious. The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle Earth Peter, Fran and Philippa. With Mike and Pam, and the Warner Bros team on the quest as well, alongside WETA and our film making family in New Zealand, it's just all too delicious..."
The original "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which kicked off in 2001 with "The Fellowship of the Ring," was a monumental success, earning over $800 million worldwide and garnering 13 Academy Award nominations. Its sequels, "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King," as well as the prequel "The Hobbit" trilogy, have solidified the franchise's place in cinematic history.
Younger audiences can look forward to another exciting adventure in Middle Earth when "The Hunt for Gollum" hits theaters, potentially with the legendary Ian McKellen back as Gandalf - conditions permitting.
