Return to Marvel and Tolkien

Ian McKellen will return to two major franchises in the coming years, playing Magneto in Avengers: Doomsday and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. These roles mark a significant return to characters he has portrayed in the past, with the first appearing in 2000 and the second in the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

New films and old friends

The actor will reunite with Patrick Stewart, who plays Professor Xavier, in Avengers: Doomsday, and with Andy Serkis, who will direct The Hunt for Gollum and reprise his role as Gollum. McKellen also mentioned that working on The Hunt for Gollum involves returning to New Zealand, where he filmed the original Lord of the Rings movies, and reconnecting with cast members from over two decades ago.

Personal reflections and new experiences

During the promotion of his film Frank and Percy, McKellen shared that returning to Middle-earth feels different from his experience on the set of the Marvel film. He noted that the Lord of the Rings cast has aged and has families, which contrasts with the younger cast he is working with on the Avengers project.

Upcoming projects and directorial involvement

Avengers: Doomsday will be directed by the Russo brothers and is expected to be a visually spectacular film. Meanwhile, The Hunt for Gollum will explore events before The Fellowship of the Ring, with Elijah Wood also appearing in the film. Andy Serkis will direct and star in the film, continuing his involvement in the Lord of the Rings universe.

Continuing a long career

At 87 years old, McKellen has no plans to retire, showing that he remains active and engaged in the entertainment industry with these new projects.