Ian McKellen Would Do The Hobbit

[Guest]

<p><span class="articleThumb floatright"><a href="javascript:openGalleryItemWindow('http://www.theonering.com/gallery/item.sd?iid=7710',740,560,7710);"><img src="http://www.theonering.com/images/medialibrary/001.jpg_thumb.jpg"></a><span class="articleThumbCaption">Ian McKellen as Gandalf the White</span></span>Ian McKellen has told the Reuters news service that he would be happy to reprise his role as Gandalf, should <em>The Hobbit</em> be filmed.</p><p>McKellen was hoping Jackson would direct The Hobbit, but said he had the director's blessing to play Gandalf whichever director is involved.

"When Peter announced he had withdrawn from The Hobbit, he sent me an e-mail saying 'Because I am not going to do it, it doesn't mean you have to do the same,'" McKellen said. "'Of course, you must play Gandalf whether I direct or not.'"

McKellen continued: "I am glad to read that it is looking more and more likely. ... I would be disappointed if they didn't want to have the original Gandalf. I suppose if I am still functioning and working well, it is very likely I would be asked to do it, and if I were, I would be very pleased to do it."
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[*=Blackenemy=*]

It would be terrific if they did cast Sir Ian for the part of Gandalf again. He did an amazing job with him in the Trilogy, and would be an enormous shame, should he not be asked to play him again.

[Kiriwana]

I don't understand why Ian McKellen should not do The Hobbit - can't imagine anyone better for it...

[Ivriniel]

I suppose if I am still functioning and working well, it is very likely I would be asked to do it, and if I were, I would be very pleased to do it."

Anybody else find this line a little worrying?

It sounds like either:

a) The Hobbit is a long ways off being made.

or

b) Ian McKellen's health is sliding for some reason.

[Gungnir]

I suppose if I am still functioning and working well, it is very likely I would be asked to do it, and if I were, I would be very pleased to do it."

Anybody else find this line a little worrying?

It sounds like either:

a) The Hobbit is a long ways off being made.

or

b) Ian McKellen's health is sliding for some reason.

If you look at the date of the article it was back in October before the movie was officially announced. At the time it looked like there wouldn't be a hobbit movie announced for a couple of years at least and Ian M isn't a young man. If the film was 10 years away he would be in his 70s at that point.

I think his silence on the matter since the announcement bodes well. If he hadn't been asked to keep quiet by the filmmakers I think we would have seen some statements in the press about it from him.

[Ivriniel]

Thanks.

I didn't check the date before.

[Lalaith-Elerrina]

I wouldn't want anyone else but Sir Ian being Gandalf. Like Blackenemy said,

can't imagine anyone better for it...

[*=Blackenemy=*]

Actually I didnt say that, it was Kiriwana. But I do agree, no one would be better for the part.

[Rhys]

I dont think The Hobbit would be the same without Ian McKellen.