EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Rings of Power’s Stranger actor reveals exactly when he was told about the Gandalf reveal and whether he’s reached out to Ian McKellenWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Rings of Power’s Stranger actor reveals exactly when he was told about the Gandalf reveal and whether he’s reached out to Ian McKellenWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Prime Video)
Surprise! After years of sleuthing, the identity of The Stranger has been revealed during The Rings of Power season 2 ending.
Yes, Daniel Weyman’s staff-wielding wizardisGandalf. Speaking to GamesRadar+, the Gandalf actor (as we can now officially call him) says he hasn’t yet reached out to Ian McKellen – but pinpoints what their performances have in common.
“I haven’t yet, no. Gosh, having a chat with Ian would be a wonderful thing. I’d feel very honored to do that,” Weyman says. “All the people who have played the wizards on screen have been extraordinary.”
“I read some interviews recently and going back to Tolkien seems to be both our approaches. There’s something about Tolkien’s stories, certainly for Gandalf, there are seeds that are the very heart of him – the idea of kindness, of love, of warmth, of looking for the best in people… Those things, from what I’ve heard, are very similar things that we both have taken from Tolkien.”
Surprisingly, Weyman hasn’t actually been holding this secret for years. In fact, he was only told about the Gandalf reveal during the tail-end of filmingThe Rings of Power season 2in Tenerife.
“I actually found out when they were about to break down the internal sets for Tom Bombadil[’s] house,” Weyman says.
“They said, look, we’ve got to do the episode eight scene and I think we were in episode six at the time. Charlotte [Brandstrom], who directed it, and showrunner Patrick McKay sat me down and said, ‘[Here’s] what other beings in Middle-earth are going to call him – it’s Gandalf.'”
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter
Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox
Reflecting on the “exciting” moment, Weyman shared his initial reaction to stepping into Gandalf’s well-worn robe.
“I’ve played in my head that there are things about who he might turn into, all the fan theories. But to hear any name was always going to be exciting, and to hear that name in particular was really humbling because I know how much it means to huge numbers of people,” Weyman recalls.
The Rings of Power season 2 is now streaming on Prime Video. For more, check out our guide to everything we know so far about The Rings of Power season 3.
More about lord of the rings tv showsThe Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all yearThe Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible"LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
More about lord of the rings tv showsThe Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all yearThe Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible"LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
More about lord of the rings tv showsThe Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all yearThe Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
More about lord of the rings tv shows
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all yearThe Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year
The Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
The Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
Latest
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
See more latest►
Most PopularLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingJames Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed"Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digitalEscape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discountNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneYou might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeathThe team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about itNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken"Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Most PopularLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingJames Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed"Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digitalEscape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discountNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneYou might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeathThe team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about itNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken"Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Most PopularLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingJames Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed"Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digitalEscape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discountNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneYou might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeathThe team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about itNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken"Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Most Popular
League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane”
After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming
James Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed”
Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digital
Escape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discount
Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted one
You might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeath
The team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about it
Nosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief”
Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken”
Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”