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McKellen Likely to Robe up for Gandalf Reprise in The Hobbit

080430gandalf.jpg
Ian McKellan courtesy New Line
Official announcements have not been made, but all signs look good for Sir Ian Mckellen to return to his robed role as Gandalf in The Hobbit.

In one report, says the AP, McKellen tells fans that the part had been all but promised to him by Hobbit director, Guillermo del Toro. "Obviously," McKellan said, "it's not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf."

That anyone else but McKellen might actually play Gandalf seems remote. The role, which McKellen played for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, even won him an Academy Award nomination. Fingers crossed that the official word will come soon on this no-brainer-everyone-wins casting. — Anna Dimond

Use our Online Video Guide to relive the love of Lord of the Rings

Related:
• Del Toro Officially Signs on to Direct The Hobbit

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Posted by The Movie News Team
Apr 30, 2008 7:18 PM
del Toro's directing notwithstanding - if McKellen does NOT return as Gandalf, then I will not be going to the theatre to see this movie. I imagine that a lot of other fans feel the same.
Posted by The72John
Apr 30, 2008 10:58 PM
Oh please, oh please, oh please let this be true. I think Andy Serkis has agreed to reprise his role as Gollum. So having Ian McKellen play Gandalf in Hobbit again would be perfect.
Posted by anakinjmt
May 1, 2008 12:37 AM
Oh, I hope this is true. I agree that if someone else played Gandalf, I would not want to see the movie. (I usually hate people that say that, but I really couldn't watch anyone else playing him at this point!) Guillermo del Toro would be an idiot not to cast him, so I don't think it will be a problem. I do think that it's nice that Ian still wants to play Gandalf. A lot of actors absolutely don't like to reprise roles like that, so I'm very excited.

Sorry for the rambling!
Posted by footballfran
May 1, 2008 8:59 AM
McKellen confirmed his appearance in The Hobbit films yesterday in an interview with Empire magazine.

http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2277003,00.html
Posted by imaguestage
May 1, 2008 10:53 AM
I love "Ofifical" announcements. So much better than official ones.
Posted by AikenIdin
May 1, 2008 11:06 AM
Oh, that will be great if he comes back! He did a wonderful job in the LOTR films; I can't imagine anyone else playing that role now. Heck, when I re-read the books last year, I was seeing his face everytime Gandalf made an appearance on the page.
Posted by metalligirl
May 1, 2008 11:12 AM
I hope Ian does get to come back, but Im almost more excited about Andy Serkis. I feel like anyone else trying to play Smeagol/Gollum would be forced to do an Andy Serkis immitation and it would be fairly obvious.
Posted by avalon
May 1, 2008 2:06 PM
I'm with you, if he is not Gandalf and they don't bring back folks from LOTR to reprise roles current in the hobbit then it wont be worth it. I'm surprised he was never pegged to play/replace Dumbeldore in harry Potter he would have been perfect!
Posted by lisa22866
May 1, 2008 3:34 PM
I'm surprised he was never pegged to play/replace Dumbeldore in harry Potter he would have been perfect!

Especially knowing now that Dumbledore was gay! :^O

But yeah, it would have been a real travesty were Ian McKellen not cast to reprise his role as Gandalf. His portrayal in LOTR was iconic. They need to get Hugo Weaving back as Elrond, as well. It's bad enough that Peter Jackson won't be back to direct. I'm not sure if del Toro has what it takes to handle The Hobbit, but I'll give it a chance.
Posted by FrenchCelt
May 1, 2008 5:10 PM
Ian McKellen is the only choice for this role, I also agree with the others that Hugo Weaving & Andy Serkis are prime actors for reprising their roles from LOTR.
Any other casting would seriously detract from the film!
Just me, being me, :-D jcdf.
Posted by jcdf1
May 1, 2008 11:25 PM
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