Ian McKellen might play Gandalf in 'Hunt for Gollum'—conditions apply!
What's the story
Sir Ian McKellen, the actor who famously portrayed Gandalf in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, has expressed his willingness to reprise the role in the upcoming film, The Hunt for Gollum.
However, the 85-year-old actor's return is contingent on his health following a recent unfortunate onstage accident.
McKellen sustained severe wrist and neck injuries during a performance in June.
Health concerns
'I'm not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat...'
McKellen confirmed to BBC Radio 4 that there were "stirrings in Tolkien land," and that he has been informed of plans for more films featuring Gandalf.
However, he emphasized that his participation would depend on his health, specifically whether "the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working."
"I'm not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it," he said. However, he urged the film's writers to "be quick."
Onstage accident
McKellen's injuries resulted from a dramatic fall onstage
The actor's health concerns stem from a dramatic fall he experienced while performing onstage in June.
To recall, he was playing the role of John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre when he lost his footing, which resulted in a chipped vertebrae and a fractured wrist.
Notably, McKellen has decided to take the rest of the year off to fully recover.
Upcoming film
'The Hunt for Gollum' is first of several planned franchises
The Hunt for Gollum—announced by Warner Bros earlier this year—is the first of many new LotR franchises planned for release in the coming decade.
The film will be directed by Andy Serkis—who played Gollum in Jackson's original trilogy. It will follow Rings of Power, which is currently airing its Season 2.
Serkis expressed his enthusiasm: "The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends—the incomparable guardians of Middle Earth Peter, Fran and Philippa."