Sir Ian McKellen wants to play Gandalf in the new Lord of the Rings film

"I'm not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it."

The 85-year-old, who fell off stage back in June, told the BBC that he wants to keep going for as long as he possibly can, adding that he doesn't want anyone else to play Gandalf in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film.

Chatting to BBC Breakfast, McKellen said: "I shall just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working."

That being said, the actor did add that he would take the rest of the year off, most likely to recover from the injuries sustained in his fall from the stage.

McKellen famously portrayed Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings franchise and with a new instalment of the series due to be released in 2026, McKellen said that he wants to reprise the role.

He added: "I'm not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it."

Speaking about the upcoming film with the Big Issue, McKellen added: "Enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings shows no sign of abating.

"I can't tell you any more than that. I've just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I'll be playing him.

"When? I don't know. What the script is? It's not written yet. So, they better be quick."

There's only one Ian McKellen.