Ian McKellen to return as Gandalf in THE HOBBIT
Reuters and Empire magazine have revealed that Ian McKellen is to return to JRR Tolkien’s universe once more, to reprise his role from The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf, in Benicio Del Toro’s forthcoming pair of movies based on THE HOBBIT. This is great news for fans, as it will help secure a definite link between the Hobbit films and Peter Jackson’s trilogy of LotR adaptations. Apparently, Andy Serkis will also return to the role that made him an international star in the Lord of the Rings films, namely Gollum/Smeagol.
As previously announced, these two new Hobbit films are breaking the rules of the Tolkien adaptations so far- only one is based on the Hobbit book itself. The second film is to be based on various notes and ideas of Tolkien’s, which will link the films with that earlier trilogy (that, of course, takes place after these Hobbit films). It is not known yet whether or not any other cast members from the Lord of the Rings films will also return. To be directed by Pan’s Labyrinth/Hellboy helmer Benicio Del Toro and filmed on location in New Zealand, the films are set to kick off the Tolkien mania once again, and complete the story that was begun with the initial trilogy of blockbuster feature films. The two films are set to be released in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
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