No, Ian McKellen Gandalf Won’t Be Recast in New LOTR Movies

Will Ian McKellen’s Gandalf be recast in the new Lord of the Rings movies? With Warner Bros. announcing new films in the iconic franchise, fans are eager to know if Ian McKellen will reprise his role as the beloved wizard in the upcoming Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. It has been more than two decades since the original trilogy’s release, and the question of who will play Gandalf has become a hot topic among LOTR enthusiasts.

Here’s everything you need to know if McKellen’s Gandalf is recast or replaced in the upcoming movie.

Will Gandalf be recast or replaced in Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum?

No, Gandalf will likely not be recast or replaced in Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum because McKellen has already been approached to reprise the beloved wizard.

In a recent interview with The Big Issue, McKellen discussed the ongoing excitement around the Lord of the Rings franchise. He revealed that he has been asked to reprise his role as Gandalf, though all the other details are still under wraps.

“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,” he said. Additionally, he doesn’t know when he will be summoned to play the role and what the script will be, as it’s not written yet. McKellen is hopeful that production will move quickly, ensuring his return as Gandalf.

Earlier, Warner Bros. announced that new J.R.R. Tolkien’s book adapted movies will hit the theaters in 2026. This film will primarily focus on the character Gollum, with Andy Serkis not only directing but also starring in the film. Peter Jackson, who directed the original trilogy, is returning as a co-producer alongside Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. The screenplay is being crafted by Phoebe Gittins, Arty Papageorgiou, Walsh, and Boyens. (via Deadline)

As of now, the film remains in development and more updates about its cast and plot will become clear in the coming days. However, one thing is clear, Ian McKellen is likely to don the iconic wizard’s hat again, ensuring that Gandalf Lord of the Rings remains a prominent figure in the franchise.

Shazmeen Navrange

Shazmeen is an Entertainment Journalist at ComingSoon. She holds a degree in multimedia and mass communication, specializing in advertising, but her ardor for cinema led her into entertainment journalism. While her cinematic preferences know no bounds, she specifically has fondness for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, psychological thrillers, horror, and films with profound philosophical undertones.