OG Lord Of the Rings star explains prequel movie recasting

Two Lord of the Rings prequels are on the way, and with their development comes a movie recasting that has split fan opinion.

Lord of the Rings fans knew that a prequel was in the works, however, they weren't aware that there would in fact be two films.

In addition to this, news that Legolas will be recast has infuriated fans who can only envisage Orlando Bloom in the role.

More recasts could happen yet as explained by one OG Lord of the Rings actor.

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Fans had assumed that Sir Ian McKellen would reprise his role as Gandalf, yet McKellen doesn’t believe it’s as cut and dry as that.

During an interview with This Morning, McKellen said, “Well, all I know is they called me up and said these films were going to happen. They're mainly going to be about Gollum.

“Andy Serkis who played Gollum is going to direct. And there will be a script arriving sometime in the new year – that's next year. Then I'll judge whether I want to go back.”

This isn’t a case of the veteran actor not wanting to do the role, but rather he’ll take the role on if he’s alive.

His words, not ours – we hope there’s a lot of life left in the 85-year-old actor yet.

Jokes about his age aside, McKellen is keen to play Gandalf again if given the opportunity.

“I would: I would love to go back to New Zealand, number one. I also don't like the idea of anybody else playing Gandalf,” he added.

Of course, while a recast is unlikely, it has been done before with a major role as McKellen was quick to point out.

“Don't forget there were two Dumbledores,” he teased when the This Morning host said they didn’t want someone else to play the iconic wizard.

None of the above means that Gandalf will be recast, only that it could happen if fate intervenes and McKellen is unable to do so.

We hope that doesn’t happen as we’d love to see him as Gandalf again.