“I was glad to be rid of…”: Ian McKellen Absolutely Despised 1 Thing About ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Films

The Lord of the Rings is one of the most influential film series in the history of movies. The films were the successful adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books about Middle-earth created by Peter Jackson, with a talented cast that included actors like Ian McKellen as Gandalf.

McKellen undertook the legendary portrayal of the role of the wise wizard, who appeared in both The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit series. Although his role became hugely popular and critically acclaimed, the actor still had a strong feeling about the journey of his character.

Ian McKellen despised Gandalf’s evolution

Ian McKellen took on the role of Gandalf the Grey in 2001’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. He then became Gandalf the Grey in the latter two installments of the trilogy. Later, McKellen returned to being Gandalf the Grey in The Hobbit trilogy.

This change of Gandalf from Grey to White was also critical in The Lord of the Rings story. When Gandalf had his battle with the Balrog, he emerged as Gandalf the White with more strength and power but a different being. This transition is something that McKellen didn’t like.

In an interview with Empire magazine, when he was asked about how different his experience in working on The Hobbit trilogy was from that in The Lord of the Rings, McKellen replied, “I was glad to be rid of that old stick Gandalf the White. The Grey was always my favorite.”

The actor also revealed in an interview with Gizmodo that neither he nor Peter Jackson was a fan of Gandalf the White. McKellen said,

The White was not our favorite. We stuck with him through two movies, but we’re very glad to get back to the long-bearded, straggle-bearded Gandalf the Grey.

The change of character meant the loss of some of the warmth and humor inherent in Gandalf the Grey. McKellen believed Gandalf the Grey “appeals to really young people” as he told Rotten Tomatoes (via GeekTyrant). Gandalf the White was not as easygoing as he was before and was more of a representative of the Valar.

Will Ian McKellen return as Gandalf?

The 85-year-old star could possibly be far from finished with Middle-earth. During an interview with Big Issue, McKellen talked about the upcoming The Lord of the Rings movies and mentioned that he wants to play Gandalf once again. Though, time is an important factor. He said,

I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I’ll be playing him. When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So they better be quick!

The possibility of McKellen returning to the role, just as he did with both versions of his character, is definitely exciting for fans. The actor’s authentic portrayal and attention to detail could be attributed to a thorough reading of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books.

For Gandalf the Grey, McKellen was able to add positivity and wisdom and made a character who was both powerful and approachable. These changes look more profound as he brought Gandalf the White in a more serious and calculated version of the wizard, without changing the very soul of the character.

Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis are now working on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which is aimed for 2026. Although rumors of McKellen’s involvement are still in doubt, a comeback will be a treat for fans who have grown up watching him as Middle-earth’s most beloved wizard.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy are available to stream on Prime Video.