Looks like Ian McKellen, and all the other LotR fans, got his wish with the release of news that yes, he would reprise the role of Gandalf in the upcoming Hobbit films. We had known that McKellen wanted to come back, and Del Toro, as the new director, wanted all of the original cast back, but you never know until things are official. Empire magazine says it’s officlal:

“Yes, it’s true,” he said. “I spoke to Guillermo in the very room that Peter Jackson offered me the part and he confirmed that I would be reprising the role. Obviously, it’s not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf.”

The return of Ian McKellen in the iconic role of Gandalf was going to be crucial to keeping the fire alive for fans. As much as I’d like to see Ian Holm back for Bilbo Baggins I don’t think it’d be possible due to his age, he’ll be nearly 80 by the time both films have wrapped around 2010. With filming set to begin in 2009 we’ll have both movies in front of us by 2011. These won’t come soon enough!