Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf was one of the most iconic role of the veteran actor?s exemplary career to date. McKellen devoted a total of 15 years to playing the beloved and legendary wizard after appearing in six of Peter Jackson?s films.
With the six films accomplished and no plans for continuation (or books available to adapt), if there was any doubt that McKellen has permanently retired Gandalf?s robes and staff, the actor has just verbally confirmed as much to be the case.
Larry King has interviewed McKellen for an upcoming episode yet to be aired and a clip from the Ora TV show has been revealed by Comicbook with McKellen declaring himself out in regard to a Gandalf reprisal.
Despite a rising trend in Hollywood to treat successful franchises to spin off projects expanding on popular characters or lesser explored factions, this is not a likelihood on the horizon for J.R.R.
Who knows what the future may hold for future adaptations of Tolkien?s work, but McKellen?s part in Jackson?s movies will indefinitely stand as a prolific feature of his career and homage to the great classic author who envisioned the character and world he exists within.