Adaptations
In the BBC radio dramatizations, Gandalf has been voiced by Norman Shelley in The Lord of the Rings (1955–1956), Heron Carvic in The Hobbit (1968), Bernard Mayes in The Lord of the Rings (1979) and Sir Michael Hordern in The Lord of the Rings (1981).
John Huston voiced Gandalf in the animated films The Hobbit (1977) and The Return of the King (1980) produced by Rankin/Bass. William Squire voiced Gandalf in the animated film The Lord of the Rings (1978) directed by Ralph Bakshi. Gandalf was portrayed by Vesa Vierikko in the Finnish television miniseries Hobitit (1993).
Sir Ian McKellen portrayed Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2001–2003) directed by Peter Jackson, though Sean Connery was also offered the role. The make-up and costumes were based on designs by John Howe and Alan Lee. At the time he was cast, McKellen had never read any of Tolkien's works, but he quickly developed his knowledge of The Lord of the Rings and based his accent on Tolkien. For the first film, McKellen was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. McKellen will reprise his role as Gandalf for the upcoming three-part film adaptation of The Hobbit (2012–2013).
Charles Picard portrayed Gandalf in the 1999 stage production of The Two Towers at Chicago's Lifeline Theatre. Tom Striver portrayed Gandalf in the early 2000s stage productions of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King for Clear Stage Cincinnati. Brent Carver portrayed Gandalf in the 2006 musical production of The Lord of the Rings, which opened in Toronto.
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