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We already know that at least one Lord of the Rings actor will be returning for the new Peter Jackson-prodced, Andy Serkis-directed Hunt for Gollum film; that is the titular Gollum, played by Serkis. But one other actor that's been very vocal about his desire to return to the world J.R.R. Tolkien created is Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf in both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, respectively. Now, McKellen's ramping up his claims, telling reporters that "I'm not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it."

The quote comes from a BBC Breakfast interview with McKellen published September 2. In it, McKellen spoke of his desire continue acting even after a very public on-stage injury this year, saying "I shall just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working." McKellen goes on to clarify that, even though he's "been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved," he does not know any particulars about returning as Gandalf in The Hunt for Gollum.

"When?" he says, "I don't know. What the script is? It's not written yet. So, they better be quick."

McKellen is 85 years old at the time of this writing and would be at least 86 by the time Hunt for Gollum begins filming in earnest. But remember, this is Lord of the Rings, the franchise that brought screen great Christopher Lee back as Saruman for three Hobbit films filmed in his 90s. Age is just a number in Middle-Earth.

One thing we should note before we leave you, though, is that Gandalf might have already been recast... at least, on the small screen. The Rings of Power's mysterious Stranger character, who we know is an Istari (that's "wizard" in Tolkien-speak), has been speculated to be the Grey wizard since his very first appearance in episode one. And while actor Daniel Weyman has revealed nothing about his character, there's a very real possibility that he's going to turn out to be Gandalf by the show's end.

Let's just hope he got clearance from the first guy to play him. Remember, this is Magneto we're talking about too.

Whether you're Shirefolk, Elven, Dwarven, or something else, there's a good reason to love Lord of the Rings. We do! With that in mind, we have a dragon's horde of goodies for you from a Lord of the Rings reading guide, a Lord of the Rings watch guide, details on the upcoming animated film Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, a full the Lord of the Rings reunion panel you can watch, how the OG Hobbit actors stay in touch every day on a groupchat, and the true message of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, according to Gimli himself - John Rhys-Davies.