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Published Sep 17, 2026, 5:17 PM EDT
Jennifer is a TV and Movie News Editor at ScreenRant. She started her journey in entertainment media in 2022 when she first joined Valnet at CBR before coming to ScreenRant.
Jennifer loves TV, especially science fiction. She also loves late-night talk shows, due to her insomnia. Alien: Earth is definitely one of her favorite shows, and she jumps on any chance she gets to write about it. Even on her days off, she will claim an Alien Earth article if one is available.
Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon are two of her favorite late-night hosts, and Conan O'Brien before he left his show.
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She was initially a finance and political editor, but her passion for pop culture convinced her to transition into entertainment journalism.
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Ian McKellen finally makes his return as the iconic wizard, Gandalf.
The highly anticipated film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, has finally dropped a major first look from behind the scenes. In a brand-new video posted by Tolkien Universe on X, the iconic actor from the original Lord of the Rings trilogy can be seen fully suited up in costume as Gandalf. Check out the video below:
The video circulating shows McKellen, who seemingly just finished his hair and makeup, wearing his Gandalf costume along with his long gray beard and hair. The short preview offers fans a glimpse of how the actor will look for his return to Middle-earth on the big screen. The clip also confirms that filming for Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is currently ongoing.
It was officially confirmed that McKellen will reprise the role. The actor first appeared as Gandalf in the first installment of Peter Jackson’s original trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, in 2001. He subsequently returned for The Two Towers and The Return of the King. Later on, he also popped up in Jackson’s The Hobbit films. Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will also be Gandalf’s first big-screen appearance in more than a decade.
The highly anticipated movie will be directed by Andy Serkis, who will also pick up his role as Gollum, also known as Sméagol, back up. Production for Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum officially began earlier this year, with Warner Bros. previously releasing a behind-the-scenes video featuring Serkis in a motion-capture suit in New Zealand.
McKellen and Serkis aren't the only familiar faces heading back to Middle-earth. Elijah Wood is returning as Frodo Baggins, while Lee Pace will once again portray Thranduil. Additionally, there will also be several newcomers joining the cast. Jamie Dornan will play Strider, a younger version of Aragorn. Leo Woodall will star as Halvard, while Kate Winslet portrays Marigol.
More to come...
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