Sir Ian McKellen Mum on The Hobbit; Not Under Contract Yet

My first reaction was "WHAAAAAAAA?!"

Over the past year or so, how many times has Sir Ian McKellen talked up about The Hobbit, telling everyone when filming would start and then nothing happened? That's right, a lot. For awhile, it looked like he was the sole cheerleader behind the productions. By such statements, we assumed he'd long been committed to return as Gandalf the Grey.

Nope. Speaking to Broadway World, McKellen revealed that nugget of info. Even more interesting to note, he wouldn't confirm or deny whether he's had any meetings over his return. That would explain why he wasn't mentioned alongside Martin Freeman's Bilbo Baggins as the new cast was announced last week. Then again, neither was Andy Serkis if memory serves me correct.

All this translates to is his desire (rightfully so, I'd add) to get a piece of the Middle Earth pie. It sounds like nothing more than negotiation tactics on McKellen and his representation's half. I doubt anyone thinks we'll see The Hobbit without McKellen as Gandalf.