First Real Set Photo of Ian McKellen As Gandalf From ‘The Hobbit’

No, Ian McKellan is not taking over the role of Rufus in the third Bill and Ted Movie. This is a picture of him checking out some 3D footage on the set of ‘The Hobbit’. This photo, recently shot by Peter Jackson is the first real shot of Mckellen in his Gandalf garb on the set of The Hobbit.

He looks great, and the glasses actually make a fun addition to the costume. When he posted it on his flckr account he appropriately referred to himself as ZZ Gandalf.

Source: flikr

Here’s the official synopsis:

The Hobbit follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.