ARTICLE SERVICES            Reprint this article     Print this article       Send as an e-mail     Send Feedback       Post a comment       RELATED STORIES   The ‘saint’ instigates a duel in the sun UK cineplexes boast of diverse cinematic viewing options Capsule movie reviews GALLERY 1 Next   Zoom    British actor Sir Ian McKellen answers questions at a press conference in a Singapore theater in this July 18, 2007 file photo. McKellen, who played Gandalf the Wizard in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is hoping to reprise the role in another tale from Middle Earth. A fan asked McKellen on his official Web site if he would play the role of Gandalf in "The Hobbit," which is being produced by Peter Jackson, the director of the Rings trilogy, and is likely to be filmed in his home country of New Zealand next year. AP/JONATHAN DRAKE Michael Jackson’s legendary producer cites Cebu inmates’ ‘Thriller’ video “In every language on the planet, from prison yards in the Philippines to Thrilltheworld.com, that will be the beautiful, grand legacy of Michael Jackson.” That was h ...More ‘Sad' Madonna plans Jackson tribute Malkovich is serial killer on Vienna stage Global fans won't beat it from Jackson thrill Jackson 5's 1st gig venue for sale, in pieces King of Pop may be viewed in glass casket Fans urged to stay away from Jackson memorial Biggest showdown of stars in MMFF—MMDA head Neverland funeral ruled out as will surfaces Jackson returns to Neverland for last time More Stories » Showbiz and Style Why a bachelor like me chose to adopt Elevating the ‘toyomansi’ barbecue Instant noodles are not balanced meals Oils that help remove body toxins Deep-fried foods lower body energy Documenting heritage Wife nags husband about past infidelity Running the marathon for a healthy lifestyle Doña Maria is perfect for ‘bagoong’ rice Be practical–but keep the style Showbiz and Style Singer-actress a glorified ‘yaya’ Miley says no to dad Billy Ray’s dream Interesting stories about Michael Jackson Lessons learned from Jackson’s tragic tale King of Pop may be viewed in glass casket Global fans won't beat it from Jackson thrill I am no Michael Jackson fan ‘Sad' Madonna plans Jackson tribute Diet collapses, now out of danger 10 reasons to watch the UAAP opening weekend Family comes first for Marvin Agustin ‘Katrina, Aljur deserve a break’   Showbiz and Style Most Read RSS Jorge's Portrait Studio Look for: Baby Jimeno Tel. No.: 724.6920 or 723.3586 Mobile: 0917.8467407 Wally Gonzales Photography Look for: Arlene Lacea Tel.No.: 890.5524 or 890.1318 Mobile: 0917.8492559

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- British actor Sir Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf the Wizard in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is hoping to reprise the role in another tale from Middle Earth.

A fan asked McKellen on his official Web site if he would play the role of Gandalf in "The Hobbit," which is being produced by Peter Jackson, the director of the Rings trilogy, and is likely to be filmed in his home country of New Zealand next year.

"Yes, I will, if Peter Jackson and I have anything to do with it, he being the producer and me being, on the whole, a very lucky actor," McKellen replied in comments dated March 26.

Jackson reached a deal with New Line Cinema late last year to make two films of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," a planned prequel to the blockbuster Rings trilogy. Jackson will serve as executive producer for the "The Hobbit" movies.

Another fan asked the 68-year-old McKellen: "Have you been approached yet by Peter Jackson or anyone else" to play the ancient Wizard?

"Encouragingly, Peter and Fran Walsh [Jackson's director partner] have told me they couldn't imagine 'The Hobbit' without their original Gandalf," McKellen said.

"Their confidence hasn't yet been confirmed by the director Guillermo del Toro, but I am keeping my diary free for 2009!" he added.

Del Toro, best known for the films "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Hellboy," has yet to be officially named as director of the Hobbit movies, but McKellen's note was seen as another sign that Del Toro will helm the films.

The films have a combined budget of New Zealand $186 million (US$150 million;) and are set for release in 2010 and 2011. They are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, the same method Jackson used to make the Rings trilogy.

New Line Cinema is owned by Time Warner.

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• ‘Sad' Madonna plans Jackson tribute
• Malkovich is serial killer on Vienna stage
• Global fans won't beat it from Jackson thrill
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• King of Pop may be viewed in glass casket
• Fans urged to stay away from Jackson memorial
• Biggest showdown of stars in MMFF—MMDA head
• Neverland funeral ruled out as will surfaces
• Jackson returns to Neverland for last time