That's a wrap! Ian McKellen's last day as Gandalf

Ian McKellen began his Gandalfian odyssey in the late 90's when Bill Clinton was President and yesterday it finally came to an end with his last official day of shooting on "The Hobbit" set. Director Peter Jackson has commemorated the occasion by releasing the photo you see at left and the following caption: "Seconds ago we finished our last shot with Gandalf. The end of an incredible adventure that began in 1999. I'm feeling very sad right now." 

There are those who are of the opinion that McKellen may return at some point to play Middle Earth's premiere defender yet again but with the rights to Tolkien's remaining works closely guarded by his heirs (who it must be said have never been particularly thrilled with Jackson's cinematic interpretations) it seems more than a little likely that "The Hobbit" trilogy is the end of the filmic line for McKellen-as-Gandalf. (sniff!)