Everyone’s favorite wizard and motion-capture actor are back for their iconic roles. Andy Serkis portrayed the creature that not only let James Cameron know technology was ready for Avatar, but changed the way we say “my precious” for eternity. After locking down another returning cast member, Elijah Wood, Deadline is reporting that Serkis has just closed his deal to return as the character in Peter Jackson‘s upcoming $500+ million two-part prequel. THR is also reporting that Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf.
Serkis’ part is quite small, for those unfamiliar with J.R.R. Tolkien‘s classic book. During their quest, our hero happens upon Gollum’s hide-out to sneak a peek at the ring. As for McKellen, he “sets the adventure going” as well as “appearing along the way.”They will join our lead Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins (Don’t worry, the original Ian Holm is in talks to return in a brief role). Cate Blanchett is confirmed, while Christopher Lee and Orlando Bloom are still in talks. We previously reported the large number of dwarfs also joining.
Also buried in the news story, comes a quick note that Serkis will also be coming back for another Peter Jackson collaboration. He plays Captain Haddock in Steven Spielberg‘s The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn and “reshoots are planned” before its December 2011 release. This is quite normal for any big-budget blockbuster, and certainly one as advanced as Spielberg’s upcoming mo-cap adventure. James Cameron even continuously called back his actors to refine Avatar.
Peter Jackson begins production this February in New Zealand.
Captain Haddock or Gollum? Which Serkis role are you more looking forward to? Excited for Gandalf’s return?