Sir Ian McKellen is to reprise his role as Gandalf from the Lord of The Rings Trilogy in the upcoming film of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit.

Sir Ian recently confirmed on his website that he will again play the wizard, subsequently allowing his return to New Zealand.

Clearly showing much respect for director Peter Jackson and enthusiasm towards the role, Sir Ian writes: "Yes, I will, if Peter Jackson and I have anything to do with it, he being the producer and me being, on the whole, a very lucky actor."

Jackson, whose third film in the trilogy, The Return of the King, equalled the biggest ever haul of Oscars, has agreed to be executive producer of The Hobbit.

When asked by another fan if he had been approached by Jackson or anyone else, Sir Ian replies: "Encouragingly, Peter and Fran Walsh have told me they couldn't imagine The Hobbit without their original Gandalf.

"Their confidence hasn't yet been confirmed by the director, Guillermo del Toro, but I am keeping my diary free for 2009."

Whilst plans are under way to start shooting one of the two The Hobbit films next year, it is not yet confirmed whether a contract has been signed by Sir Ian.

Sir Ian was made a Companion of Honour by the Queen in this year's honours, recognising his portrayal of the wizard and his Shakespearean performances.