Confirmed: Sir Ian McKellen is Gandalf

There were speculations that Ian McKellen will be reprising her role as Gandalf. Now those speculations are speculations no more. The actor has confirmed that the role was indeed offered to him and that he has accepted the offer.

via digitalspy:
"Well, I haven't had the contract yet but it's everyone's intention that I play Gandalf so yes, I will be returning to the role," McKellen told Empire. "Although it's not until 2010, I'm very much excited about returning."

I'm excited too, Sir Ian. But 2011 [the targeted date of movie release] is such a long wait. What will Hobbit fans be doing between now and then? I guess we'll have to settle for America's Got Talent and its Elvis impersonators, eh?