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Gandalf is one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable characters in modern fantasy. Created by J.R.R. Tolkien for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, he serves as the definitive blueprint for the wise wizard archetype. His status as a global icon was cemented by Sir Ian McKellen's masterclass performance as the legendary figure in Peter Jackson's film trilogies, for which he earned universal acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for The Fellowship of the Ring. After a significant live-action screen hiatus, Gandalf is officially returning for the third season of Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Gandalf's emergence in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 marks the first live-action appearance from the character since McKellen's portrayal in the final Hobbit film, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, which was released in December 2014. Actor Daniel Weyman is officially picking up the staff for Prime Video's flagship series, and by the looks of it, he is fully embracing his new identity, as a first look at the character in costume has been revealed ahead of this year's San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).
As reported by GamesRadar, Weyman's iteration of Gandalf was unveiled in new imagery plastered on the side of an SDCC tram. The ad, promoting The Rings of Power, was shared online by X @SD_Comic_Con, giving social media users a long-awaited glimpse at Weyman's wizard. One half of the transit vehicle features Dark Lord Sauron (played by Charlie Vickers), as previously revealed in a promotional image, while the other showcases the small screen version of Gandalf the Grey. He appears to be fully leaning into the classic aesthetic of the character, as he is pictured wearing a pointed wizard hat and robes while gripping onto his wooden staff, which he acquired at the end of Season 2 after a long search through the deserts of Rhûn.
Weyman was introduced in Season 1 of The Rings of Power as a mysterious traveler known only as "The Stranger," but the earth-shattering Season 2 finale officially confirmed his identity when he claimed his staff and finally named himself Gandalf. Now fully realized, Gandalf will be stepping into the broader conflict as the threat of Sauron grows. Amazon has confirmed via its official synopsis for the third season that the saga will feature a significant time jump, leaping forward several years from the devastating fall of Eregion.
"Jumping forward several years from the events of Season 2, Season 3 takes place at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, as the Dark Lord seeks to craft the One Ring that will give him the edge he needs to win the war and conquer all Middle-earth at last."
The Rings of Power Season 3 is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on Nov. 11, 2026, with an official teaser trailer highly anticipated to drop during the show's panel at SDCC, potentially offering a closer look at Gandalf before he returns to our screens. The character is returning in a major way, as the iconic wizard is also getting a massive cinematic comeback, with McKellen reprising the role for a new film, titled The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The live-action adventure, directed by Andy Serkis and executive produced by Peter Jackson, is slated for a theatrical release on Dec. 17, 2027, so there is a bit of a wait for that yet.
