New Delhi:
Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf the Gray Inn The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The actor surprised fans with a sneak peek of his look as the legendary magician from the sets of the upcoming film.
The video circulating online showed Ian McKellen wearing a Gandalf costume with his long gray beard and hair, having his hair and makeup done. The sneak peek gave fans a glimpse of how the actor will look for his return to Middle-earth on the big screen. Many social media users started comparing Ian’s look to Gandalf, sharing pictures alongside the original film. Fans also praised the actor’s look and praised the styling team for maintaining his look after more than two decades.
Take a look at the video:
???? BREAKING: The first look at Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf on the set of “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” has been released. ???? https://t.co/slCulgs2vS
— Tolkien Universe (@Tolkienuniverse) September 17, 2026
The actor first appeared as Gandalf in the first installment of Peter Jackson’s original trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingIn 2001. He returned later two towers And Return of the King. Later, Ian also appeared in Jackson the hobbit movies The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will also mark Gandalf’s first big-screen appearance in over a decade.
Andy Serkis will direct the highly anticipated film and reprise his role as Gollum. Along with Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis, other familiar faces including Elijah Wood and Lee Pace are set to return as Frodo Baggins and Thranduil, respectively.
Several newcomers will also join the cast. Jamie Dornan is set to play Strider, a younger version of Aragorn, while Leo Woodall will play Halward and Kate Winslet will play Marigol. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum Set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027.
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