Ian McKellen returning to role of Gandalf in Hobbit

Ian McKellen is set to reprise his role as Gandalf the Wizard in the cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy classic “The Hobbit,” a British film magazine reported Wednesday.

While final arrangements haven’t been made yet, Empire magazine’s Web site quoted McKellen as saying that director Guillermo del Toro told him he would again be playing the white-haired wizard. The 68-year-old British actor said:

“He confirmed (del Toro) that I would be reprising the role. Obviously, it’s not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf.”

Guillermo del Toro, director of Pan’s Labyrinth, has recently sign on to shoot both The Hobbit and its sequel.

The 43-year-old filmmaker will move to New Zealand for four years to make the films back-to-back with executive producer Peter Jackson

McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy delighted fans and critics, earning him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.

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