As Sir Ian McKellen prepares to tackle a new iconic role in the West End version of The Exorcist, the legendary performer has told Graham Norton’s Radio 2 show that he’s reluctant to let one of his greatest roles go to another actor.
With the news that Amazon are to create their own middle-earth TV series that will take place before the movie trilogy, Norton asked McKellen how he’d feel knowing that another actor was take on the role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for The Fellowship of the Ring.
The presenter begun by saying “Amazon are doing a TV series of Lord of the Rings, now isn’t that annoying? That there’s going to be another Gandalf in town?”
McKellen came back with “What do you mean, another Gandalf?”, which caused Norton to ask if that meant he would be taking part in the big-budget TV series.
Tantalisingly, the former Gandalf the Grey replied in a manner befitting of the playful wizard by stating “I haven’t said yes because I haven’t been asked,” adding “Gandalf is 7000 years old, so I’m not too old [yet]”.
SEE ALSO: Amazon’s Middle-earth series to take place before The Lord of the Rings
It’s hard to gauge audience interest in this project, what with the mixed reception given to Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, but surely the involvement of Sir Ian McKellen would make this must-see television? Let us know what you think in the comments section below…
Source – Digital Spy
Originally published December 16, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
