Who better to play Gandalf than Ian McKellen?

That's what the actor thinks, and apparently the director of the upcoming "The Hobbit" films agrees as reports begin to circulate that McKellen will indeed reprise his role as the great wizard in the films.

McKellen apparently told Empire magazine that he has been asked by director Guillermo del Toro to return to the role, although the actor's publicist is cautioning the media and fans not to jump the gun.

"Of course he wants to do it, but nothing's been agreed or signed," Clair Dobbs said.

It would be a tremendous role for McKellen to pick up again after earning an Oscar nomination for his portrayal in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy that was directed by Peter Jackson. Jackson will return to executive produce the two new movies with Warner Bros. and MGM.

The first three movies have grossed $2.8 billion, and McKellen has made it clear in the past that he would be very interested in coming back to don the wizard's cap once again.

Filming is expected to begin in New Zealand next year.

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