Ian McKellen is considering returning to play Gandalf in the upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. However, his potential reprisal of the iconic role is contingent upon one crucial factor: his own mortality. The 85-year-old actor, who last portrayed Gandalf in 2014, expressed interest in returning if he is still alive by the time the film is set to release in 2026. Other actors from the original trilogy, such as Viggo Mortensen, have also hinted at a possible return. The Hunt for Gollum will delve into the backstory of Andy Serkis' character and explore aspects of the lore not previously covered in Peter Jackson's original films. Despite its delayed release, fans are eager for more content from the beloved franchise.