Ian McKellen to Reprise Role as Gandalf in "The Hobbit"

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Ian McKellen is returning to Middle Earth.

The 71-year-old actor will reprise his role as Gandalf in Peter Jackson's two-part blockbuster "The Hobbit."

McKellen confirmed his casting on his website Tuesday, writing that his "worry that I could not easily escape from Middle Earth was lifted."

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit," the two films follow the first adventures in Middle Earth, predating Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Production is to begin in New Zealand in February.

Also returning for "The Hobbit" are Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett and Andy Serkis, reprising their respective roles as Frodo, Galadriel and Gollum.

The Hollywood Reporter writes that new dad Orlando Bloom has an offer to return as Legolas, but it's "too early" to tell whether  a deal will be made.