Sexagenarian Brit thespo Sir Ian McKellen has expressed hopes that he will reprise his role of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit, saying he'd be "very pleased" to get the hat and beard out of mothballs.

McKellen, 68, told Reuters: "If I am still functioning and working well, it is very likely I would be asked to do it," adding: "I am glad to read that it is looking more and more likely. I would be disappointed if they didn't want to have the original Gandalf."

Any doubt surrounding the casting of Gandalf is because Peter Jackson will not direct The Hobbit due to a legal bust-up with studio New Line. However, McKellen reportedly said: "When Peter announced he had withdrawn from The Hobbit, he sent me an email saying: 'Because I am not going to do it, it doesn't mean you have to do the same.'"

As to when The Hobbit might hit the big screen, no schedule has been announced and Jackson's replacement is unknown. ®

Related stories

• Ian McKellen to reprise Gandalf (30 April 2008)
• Hellboy helmsman to direct The Hobbit (25 April 2008)
• Peter Jackson to lord over 'Rings' prequels (18 December 2007)
• Gollum to play Haddock in Tintin (17 December 2007)
• Reader poll Elijah Wood to play Iggy Pop (18 May 2007)
• 'Hobbit' islanders given species claim boost (30 January 2007)
• Middle Earth for sale on eBay (11 February 2005)
• US couple seeks cash for Hobbit Hole (24 December 2004)