The wizard returns: Ian McKellen takes on the role of Gandalf again. All details about the new “The Lord of the Rings” film with Andy Serkis.
Middle-earth fans can rejoice: Ian McKellen is returning to the big screen as Gandalf. The British actor confirmed his return on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The new film is titled “The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum.”
When speaking to Colbert, McKellen spoke candidly about returning to the role. With a wink, he explained to the moderator what it actually means: “And yes, I put on the pointed hat, put on the beard, the nose, the eyebrows and the mustache.”
Around 17 years before “The Fellowship of the Ring”
Between “The Hobbit” and “The Fellowship of the Ring,” Gandalf sets out to find Gollum – a phase that Tolkien only briefly describes in his books and appendices. The texts outline Gollum’s travels through Middle-earth, encounters with elves, dangerous places such as the Dead Marshes up to his capture. Whether the new film actually shows these events remains unclear. However, the title “The Hunt for Gollum” strongly suggests this.
Frodo and old friends?
The film is directed by Andy Serkis, who once again plays Gollum. McKellen already revealed at the 2025 fan convention “For The Love Of Fantasy” that both a character named Frodo and one named Gandalf will appear in the new film. However, he left it open whether Elijah Wood and himself would return for the roles.
The project also relies on continuity behind the camera. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are involved as producers. Boyens is also working on the script again. The core team of the original trilogies should ensure that the tone, imagery and narrative follow seamlessly from the well-known films.
Start of filming and theatrical release
Filming is scheduled to begin in New Zealand in July 2026. McKellen humorously commented on the planned start of filming and pointed out that it was winter there at the time. He wasn’t sure whether he really wanted to shoot in the wind and rain.
Warner Bros. is planning the theatrical release for December 17, 2027. The film will be released just in time for the big Christmas cinema wave.
Gandalf meets Magneto
Away from Middle-earth, McKellen also remains in demand: He returns as Magneto in “Avengers: Doomsday”. Laughing, Stephen Colbert explained how cool it was that Ian was now playing the good and evil characters at the same time. The Brit also said about his role as Magneto that he destroys the city of New Jersey in the new film. “Sorry, New Jersey! My bad,” he adds jokingly.
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