If Amazon is planning to cast Gandalf for their upcoming “Lord of the Rings” TV show, Sir Ian McKellen wants first dibs.
In November, the studio made a deal to adapt to series J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novels, a franchise that many associate first and foremost with McKellen’s badass wizard. During an appearance on Graham Norton’s BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday, McKellen was asked if it will bother him if another actor puts on his wizard hat. He responded, “What do you mean, another Gandalf?”
“I haven’t said yes because I haven’t been asked,” McKellen added. “But are you suggesting that someone else is going to play it? Gandalf is over 7000 years old, so I’m not too old.”
Though the multi-season production commitment (which also includes the potential for spin-off series) is huge news for fans, the books have already been heavily reproduced in Peter Jackson’s equally-cherished series of films.
The original series will be produced by Amazon Studios in cooperation with the Tolkien Estate and Trust, HarperCollins and New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment.
Set in Middle Earth, the small-screen “LOTR” will explore new storylines preceding Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” per Amazon.
In case you forgot how awesome McKellen is as Gandalf, you can watch a clip of one extremely iconic “Lord of the Rings” scene below. You’re welcome.