Like we doubted it for a second! But I always love hearing from Sir Ian McKellen, he's just so gracious and charming. Empire caught him at the Speed Racer premiere, and made him speak the words to quicken the hearts of all Middle Earth fans. "Yes, it's true," he said. "I spoke to Guillermo in the very room that Peter Jackson offered me the part and he confirmed that I would be reprising the role. Obviously, it's not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf."And Gandalf loves being onscreen. "We talk occasionally and he's looking forward to coming out of retirement, yes. Guillermo will be getting around to starting the script in about six weeks when he's finished filming Hellboy 2."
As to how they will finagle two movies out of one book, even Gandalf isn't privy to the inside information, but he's not at all worried. "Well I've read The Hobbit so I've got a good idea of what the story would be. But as to how it's going to work over two films and what's going to happen on screen, well Guillermo has not got down to working out the major details yet – I can tell you it's going to be amazing though."
Off the subject of Middle Earth, he did squash one ongoing rumor -- unlike his X-Men costar Hugh Jackman, he is not going to be appearing in a Magneto origin film any time soon. "They are making a Magneto spin-off but I don't think it will involve me because it's about the younger Magneto, it's a back-story. "Would I be willing to return to play a young Magneto? A cameo in my own movie? I don't think so," he said. "I don't think I could get away with playing a 19-year-old."
McKellen returning as Gandalf. It is the best news of the year, I think. Let us unite in world peace over anticipation for The Hobbit. If anyone can achieve it, it is Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf.
1. Honestly, this is to be expected. Sir Ian Mckellen was the best thing about the Lord of the Ring movies and if he didn't reutrn for the hobbit... I think neither would I.
Posted at 1:58PM on Apr 30th 2008 by eugene