Ian McKellen Pleased to Reprise Role as Gandalf in 'The Hobbit'

Multi-awarded actor Ian Mckellen is pleased to reprise his character as Gandalf in the movie “The Hobbit” an adaptation of the novel penned by J.R.R. Tolkien.

In his website, the 71-year old actor said he is fit and all he had was what to decide with the time given to him.

McKellen said, as my agent continued to negotiate with Warner Brothers, I kept wondering was Gandalf what I most wanted to do, more than a new play for instance or indeed a new part?

The veteran actor explained that the deciding factor is not about money but the dates. According to him, “Gandalf is needed on set over the next 18 months but with sizeable breaks when I can work on other projects.”

“I am happy to say I start filming in Wellington on February 21 2011,” said the actor.

McKellen earned a nomination for The Academy Award for his portrayal of the wizard Gandalf the Grey in the movie The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings.

Other cast members who will be working again with McKellen in The Hobbit are Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, Andy Serkins who will also reprise his character Gollum, Cate Blanchett will also appear again in the movie as Galadrial.

Martin Freeman will portray the character of Bilbo Baggins and Orlando Bloom as Legolas.

Peter Jackson will be directing the movie and he said, "It is quite simply an honor to work with Ian. He is one of the greatest actors working in the world today and he also happens to be one of the nicest."

The Hobbit is a story about Local Shire hobbit Bilbo Baggins, Frodo’s uncle who is living a peaceful life Gandalf the Grey knocks on his door to hire poor Bilbo for a quest (as a burglar) to recover a treasure which entails defeating a dragon, a great battle and many adventures until he meets Gollum.