The Hobbit Set for McKellen and 3D

It appears that Ian McKellen will indeed return to The Shire for the two-part adaptation of The Hobbit. McKellen recently said that he had yet to sign a contract for the two-part film

TheOneRing.net points out this update at McKellen's official site that seemingly confirms his return as Gandalf: "The Hobbit's, two films, start shooting in New Zealand in February 2011. Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth."