Ian McKellen is eager to reprise his role as Gandalf in Warner Bros’ Lord of the Rings spinoff, tentatively titled The Hunt for Gollum — so much so that he’s become the main source of updates for the upcoming film. The actor was one of the first to reveal that the project was even happening, and that his Gandalf the Grey would play a role. Though its creative team was a long way from producing a script then, McKellen seemed to know plenty about their plans; he even claimed that the eponymous search for the Hobbit known as Gollum would be split into two films.
Updates on The Hunt for Gollum have been scarce in the months since, likely because Andy Serkis (who’ll reprise his role as Gollum, in addition to directing), former director Peter Jackson, and the rest of the team are working hard to nail down this story. McKellen hadn’t yet read a script for the film in 2024, but there’s a chance he’s gotten his hands on one since. During an appearance at the For the Love of Fantasy fan event in London last week, the actor had more updates on The Hunt for Gollum. According to his sources, filming is set to begin next May, putting the film on track for a 2027 release.
