85-year-old Ian McKellen sounds willing to play Gandalf again, but “they better be quick”

Right now, everywhere you turn, there seems to be a resurgence of “The Lord of the Rings” phenomenon. From the Amazon Prime Video series “The Rings of Power” to an upcoming animated film titled “The War of the Rohirrim”, it’s clear that this beloved fantasy world is very much alive and well. For many, the Peter Jackson films from the early 2000s are the defining adaptations, and there’s a reawakening for those classics as well. Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum to life in that trilogy, will not only direct but also star in a new movie called “The Hunt for Gollum”. If you want a hint about the storyline, just look at the title!

For Natalia Lafourcade, playing the Hollywood Bowl again is the next step in her storied journey

On a bench, nestled in the Blue Ribbon Garden atop Walt Disney Concert Hall, resides Natalia Lafourcade, holding her guitar. It’s a chilly Saturday in early May, and this Grammy-winning artist from coastal Veracruz, Mexico, is bundled up in a tan coat over a long orange dress to combat the cold breeze. Nearby, two microphones stand ready; she quietly waits for the video team, positioned approximately 15 feet away, to signal the start of her performance.