They say that time heals all wounds, but what about the bruises that the inescapability of time itself inflicts on us?
An inspiring pipe-smoking and immensely powerful wizard, J. R. R. Tolkien’s Gandalf is an epic Lord of the Rings character who quickly asserted himself as a favorite amongst the fandom. And if there’s someone fans love more than the wise old wizard, it’s Ian McKellen – the man who portrayed him on-screen.
But as the wand of time brings about the inevitability of old age, McKellen – who is hailed for his emotionally charged performance as Gandalf – may not get to reprise the role even if he wanted to.
Ian McKellen Addresses the Potential Return of Gandalf
Right from The Fellowship of the Ring, Ian McKellen’s impeccable rendition of Gandalf has had a hold over fans’ hearts. Even though The Hobbit trilogy garnered mixed reviews from the audience, McKellen’s contribution to the franchise as the leader of the Fellowship of the Ring has been cardinal, to say the least.
It’s not much of a surprise then that fans would love to see the X-Men star’s comeback as Gandalf in the forthcoming Lord of the Rings outing that will be produced by Peter Jackson.
In a recent conversation with The Sunday Times, McKellen, 85, admitted that he would be more than happy to be a part of the new Andy Serkis-helmed movie as the fan-favorite wizard, save for a macabre caveat. “If I’m alive,” the Academy Award-nominated star said. Oh well, that’s enough to make a grown man cry.
Furthermore, while The Good Liar star is willing to consider a reprisal of his most celebrated role, “there is no script, there is no offer, there is no plan” for him to even weigh his options, let alone make the decision.
Ian McKellen’s Morbid Remark Has Lord of the Rings Fans Getting Emotional
Ian McKellen brought Gandalf to life in The Lord of the Ring movies and The Hobbit trilogy; his passionate performance seems to have left an indelible mark on fans of the fantasy series because the harsh reality of his age seems to have stirred bouts of poignancy amongst people (via DiscussingFilm).
Damn! This response hurts knowing that he’s old and time ain’t on his side no more
— 🔥✘✘・ẞℓooď ẞa✞h・✘✘🔥🐉 (@ChuckysCarnage) June 8, 2024
We can’t think of anyone other than him as Gandalf
— Viji Sai (@vijisai_) June 8, 2024
I will give him my life force if it were possible pic.twitter.com/vGnAptcKy6
— Klaud Van Damme (@KlaudVanDamme) June 9, 2024
Aww man pic.twitter.com/nN0qN9ztj1
— JAY (@Jayhatesports1) June 8, 2024
Get Ian McKellen to the movie set ASAP!
— Kirk the Cat (@ItsReally_Tommy) June 8, 2024
Whether McKellen may or may not return to the fabled Tolkien land as the kindly, bearded wizard, is too soon to tell considering how the new Lord of the Rings feature is still in the nascent stages of script development. Nevertheless, fans will surely find out in a couple of years’ worth of time.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is due to be released in 2026.
