Ian McKellen Reunites With Gandalf’s Legendary Sword in New Weta Workshop Photo

Laura Bais
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Middle-earth enthusiasts have longed for another glimpse of Ian McKellen donning Gandalf’s robes, and this year, that wish has finally come true. With production well underway on the next installment of Peter Jackson’s cherished franchise, the return of the iconic wizard has become one of the most eagerly awaited moments in recent franchise history.

This excitement reached new heights earlier this month when the first official images of McKellen in full Gandalf costume emerged online. Fans were treated to a first look at the actor sporting his signature long gray beard and hair, confirming that filming was officially in progress for his return to the beloved role.

Now, a fresh photo shared by Weta Workshop has provided fans with an even more intimate look at McKellen’s reunion with his most iconic on-screen prop. The image features the actor wielding Glamdring, Gandalf’s legendary sword, accompanied by the heartfelt caption, “It was good to see you, dear friend.”

The photo also captures McKellen alongside a sculpted head mold, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workshop that has crafted many of the props and effects defining the franchise’s visual identity for over two decades. Weta Workshop has remained intricately involved in Middle-earth’s cinematic universe since the original trilogy, making this reunion feel particularly fitting.

Glamdring has been one of Gandalf’s signature weapons since McKellen first portrayed the character in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ in 2001. The sword has played a crucial role in various films, including Gandalf’s epic battle with the Balrog and subsequent appearances during the Battle of the Black Gate.

McKellen reprised the role in ‘The Two Towers,’ ‘The Return of the King,’ and later in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, making Glamdring a lasting symbol of the character throughout his decades-long association with the franchise. Now, nearly 25 years after first stepping into the role, McKellen is set to bring the character back for an entirely new story.

McKellen’s return as Gandalf is part of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,’ directed by Andy Serkis, who is also reprising his role as Gollum for this project. The film is based on events referenced in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ and the appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original novel.

The narrative follows Aragorn, at Gandalf’s behest, as he embarks on a quest to locate Gollum to prevent Sauron from discovering the One Ring’s location. Jamie Dornan will portray Aragorn, joining a cast that includes Elijah Wood returning as Frodo Baggins and Lee Pace reprising his role as Thranduil.

Filming for the project commenced in mid-July, with the screenplay crafted by Arty Papageorgiou, Phoebe Gittins, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ is currently slated for release on December 17, 2027, providing fans with over a year to anticipate McKellen’s full return to Middle-earth.

For a franchise that has spanned more than two decades on screen, witnessing McKellen reunited with such an iconic piece of the character’s identity carries significant emotional weight for fans who grew up with the original trilogy. It serves as a poignant reminder of Gandalf’s enduring presence within the broader cultural landscape of fantasy filmmaking.

With production still ongoing and more details expected to surface as filming progresses, excitement for ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ shows no signs of waning.

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