In fact, the show is referencing Gandalf in a way that seems pretty blatant. Towards the end of the season, the Stranger says, "When in doubt, always follow your nose," a famous Gandalf line.

Faced with a choice on which way to go, Gandalf chooses the way that smells freshest, uttering the line, "If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose." Maybe nose-following is a common phrase ...

The Stranger even uttered one of Gandalf’s most famous lines: “If in doubt, always follow your nose. ... Gandalf’s journey in Season 2 ends with him saying farewell to Nori ...

The Rings of Power season 1's finale strongly suggested the Stranger is Gandalf.; Gandalf's presence in Season 2 may break Tolkien canon, as he wasn't supposed to arrive until the Third Age. ...

By the end of its first season, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power all but confirmed that the mysterious Stranger (Daniel Weyman) was none other than Gandalf himself. If his magic powers ...

The Stranger on Prime Video’s “Rings of Power,” played by Daniel Weyman, finally revealed his identity– as some viewers guessed, he is indeed a younger version of Gandalf. Weyman told the ...

Ian McKellen's performance as Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' movies was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, the actor confirms to EW.

The Rings of Power’s version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s most inscrutable character is a failure of imagination.

Sir Ian McKellen is willing to reprise his role as Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise, but it needs to happen soon. “I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and ...