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

Middle-earth fans have spent years hoping for one more glimpse of Ian McKellen back in Gandalf’s robes, and this year finally delivered on that wish. With production now well underway on the next chapter of Peter Jackson’s beloved franchise, the return of the legendary wizard has become one of the most anticipated moments in recent franchise history.

That anticipation reached a new level of excitement earlier this month, when the first official images of McKellen back in full Gandalf costume surfaced online. Fans got their initial look at the actor with his signature long gray beard and hair, confirming that filming was officially underway for his return to the role.

Now, a new photo shared from Weta Workshop has given fans an even more personal glimpse into McKellen’s reunion with his most iconic on-screen prop. The image shows the actor wielding Glamdring, Gandalf’s legendary sword, alongside the caption, “It was good to see you, dear friend.”

Ian McKellen wielding Gandalf's sword in a new photo

"It was good to see you, dear friend."

(via Wētā Workshop) pic.twitter.com/ne9CaPx1rr

— CoveredGeekly (@CoveredGeekly) September 21, 2026

The photo also includes McKellen posing with a sculpted head mold, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look inside the workshop responsible for crafting many of the props and effects that have defined the franchise’s visual identity for over two decades. Weta Workshop has remained deeply involved in Middle-earth’s on-screen universe since the original trilogy, making the reunion feel especially fitting.

🚨 BREAKING: The first look at Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf on the set of “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” has been released. 🎬 pic.twitter.com/slCulgs2vS

— Tolkien Universe (@Tolkienuniverse) September 17, 2026

Glamdring has been one of Gandalf’s signature weapons since McKellen first took on the role in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ back in 2001. The sword has played a pivotal role across multiple films, including Gandalf’s climactic battle with the Balrog and later appearances during the Battle of the Black Gate.

McKellen went on to reprise the role across ‘The Two Towers,’ ‘The Return of the King,’ and later ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, making Glamdring an enduring symbol of the character throughout his decades-long association with the franchise. Now, nearly 25 years after first stepping into the role, McKellen is bringing the character back for an entirely new story.

McKellen’s return as Gandalf comes as part of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,’ directed by Andy Serkis, who is also reprising his role as Gollum for the 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 story follows Aragorn, at Gandalf’s request, as he sets out to track down Gollum in an effort to prevent Sauron from learning the location of the One Ring. Jamie Dornan is set to take on the role of Aragorn, joining a cast that also includes Elijah Wood returning as Frodo Baggins and Lee Pace reprising his role as Thranduil.

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

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

With production still ongoing and more details expected to emerge as filming continues, anticipation for ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ shows no signs of slowing down.

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