TLDR: After months of speculation, Ian McKellen has officially confirmed he will reprise his iconic role as Gandalf in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum.

Ian McKellen Return to Middle-earth

Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the 87-year-old actor revealed filming begins in July—though he’s not thrilled about the timing.

“It’s winter down there in New Zealand, and I’m not sure I want to be out there in the wind and the rain,” McKellen said. “And yes, I put on the pointy hat and the beard and the nose and the eyebrows and the mustache.”

What We Know So Far About The Hunt of Gollum

Directed by and starring Andy Serkis as Gollum, The Hunt for Gollum is set during the 17-year period between Bilbo leaving the Shire and the formation of The Fellowship of the Ring.

Rumors suggest Elijah Wood will also reprise his role as Frodo, while Viggo Mortensen has expressed interest in returning as Aragorn.

Fun Fact: Did you Know TGV Cinemas is Doing a Re-run For The Lord of The Rings Movies?

Yes, you heard it right.

TGV Cinemas will be rescreening the extended version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy at the big screens somewhere in Mar 2026!