Set Pictures and Thoughts From Ian Mckellen

Yesterday, Hobbit fans were blessed with a gift from Peter Jackson, which was a 10 minute behind the scenes video of The Hobbit set, with Peter Jackson himself hosting it.  Just that glimpse brought back those old familiar feelings when he first took us to Middle Earth with Lord of the Rings.

Jackson isn’t the only one giving updates.  Ian Mckellen is also doing a great job of capturing his journey along the way as he returns as Gandalf and sharing his experience with his fans.  As you can see from the pictures he took, he is enjoying New Zealand.

In addition to his pictures, Mckellen also had some inside information to share about returning as his character.  He said:

“The original costume I wore in LOTR hangs rather mournfully on a stand by the camera.  I can’t wear it in The Hobbit, because it has been noted “of historic status.”  Ann has made two changes which few may notice but please me because they revert to Tolkien’s introduction in Fellowship of the Ring, where he mentions a silver scarf and black boots.  In the film, a scarf appeared just once, tied to Gandalf’s cart at Hobbiton but oddly not thereafter.  I now have a substantial, magic-looking silvery scarf to wear and act with and perhaps find some part of its own to play.  I’ve already twisted it into a stylish turban.  And, as per JRR Tolkien, below the familiar gown, a new pair of black boots may be spied.  They will not look new of course.  They are riding boots, the sort that can be pulled on in a hurry.  Gandalf is often in a hurry.  His previous boots were laced and needed Emma to get on and off.  Not good for a wizard on the run.  And they were grey not black.

All are nearly content — yet still the nose is not as it was or as it should be, all agree.  Why?  A book is consulted.  A glorious book.  I have it at home, with other LOTR treasures, the farewell present from Philippa and the Jackson’s ten years ago.  It has 100 photographs, iconic and mischievous, a family album of people rather than places.  Gandalf’s nose features in a couple of full-page close-ups.  What’s different to the way I look now?”

These are not the only changes being made to Gandalf.  In fact, Mckellen also talked about the facial hair, giving warning of a SPOILER ALERT, saying (keep in mind the date of this was April 1st ; )   ):

“It’s now been suggested that the wizard’s wig and beard look too scarily hairy. An aside from me has been noted and so Gandalf in The Hobbit is now going to be bald as Patrick Stewart. So much for the wig. Whether the beard is also to be cut, is not yet revealed.”

We are glad to have such an engaged cast and crews of The Hobbit movie who realize the importance of sharing the journey with its fans!