Ian McKellen is known for his remarkable work as an actor and one of his most celebrated performances also includes his portrayal of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings franchise. And he has once again been approached to reprise his role in the franchise’s upcoming film, The Hunt for Gollum.
However, considering his experience working in the franchise and the treatment of his character in The Hobbit trilogy, the reprisal doesn’t appear in the best interest of his Gandalf legacy. Fans also weigh in their opinion, with many believing that he should decline the offer.
The New Lord of the Rings Movie Seeks Ian McKellen’s Return as Gandalf
Earlier this year, Warner Bros. revealed their plans for the future of The Lord of the Rings franchise, confirming that the next two films would focus on Gollum, played by Andy Serkis.
The actor will be reprising his role along with taking on the directorial duties for both films. Adding to the intrigue, it is now suggested that along with Serkis, Ian McKellen could also reprise his role as Gandalf in the upcoming films.
As he recovers from a recent stage fall in London’s West End production of Player Kings, the actor recently told The Big Issue that Gandalf is meant to be involved in upcoming films, and the studio hopes for him to reprise the role.
He said, as per Deadline,
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 are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I’ll be playing him.
However, the 85-year-old actor expressed uncertainty about the timing and script details for the new films. While McKellen has not confirmed if he will return to the role, fans have voiced concerns that he should decline the offer.
Fans Conflicted on Ian McKellen’s Potential Return as Gandalf
While many fans have warmly received the possibility of Ian McKellen returning to his iconic role, there is significant concern about this potential decision.
Better he should reject this
— 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐮 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡 (@ABprakash01) September 2, 2024
i don't think Ian McKellen was overly happy on the set of The Hobbit – over use of CGI ?
— Dook 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🇳🇿 (@dook42_domini) September 2, 2024
I’m sure he’ll say yes, but you can’t really blame him if he doesn’t.
— ManOfSteel (@manofsteelhere) September 2, 2024
Nahh , we don't need him anymore
— ibrahim💫 (@Deaib_szn) September 2, 2024
Can’t imagine anyone else as Gandalf! But do we really need another LOTR spinoff? 😅
— 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐚ᵗᵒˣⁱᶜ (@LoyalYashFan) September 2, 2024
I don’t understand why he would be interested in reprising his role. Sir Ian McKellen didn’t have a great time working on The Hobbit, acting against green-screen which caused him to break down in tears. Plus, his performance in The Hobbit felt like he was on autopilot.
— Ben Bissett (@BenBissett8) September 2, 2024
Don’t know how I feel about that tbh
— Nexy (@Nexyyy7) September 2, 2024
“Better he should reject this,” one X (Twitter) user said responding to the news. Many others also echoed these sentiments, noting McKellen’s difficult experience while working on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, particularly due to the heavy use of CGI and green screens.
“I don’t think Ian McKellen was overly happy on the set of The Hobbit – over-use of CGI ?” another X (Twitter) suggested. During production, Peter Jackson shifted to greenscreens for scenes with McKellen’s Gandalf, as opposed to practical effects to portray the height difference.
However, the process left McKellen isolated from his co-stars, who were filming on fully-decorated sets. He has openly discussed how the process left him feeling miserable and brought him to tears.
Additionally, in The Hobbit films, Gandalf’s character is considered mistreated due to an expanded, overly powerful portrayal that dilutes his original traits of wisdom and subtlety. This approach contrasts with the nuanced depiction in The Lord of the Rings, failing to enhance his legacy or inspire hope as effectively as the original books.
Despite this, he has previously expressed a desire to return to the role if possible. As of now, McKellen has not confirmed his decision but is expected to reprise his role in the upcoming film The Hunt for Gollum.
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies are available to watch on Max.
The Hunt for Gollum is expected to be released in 2026.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire