The Rings of Power showrunners Patrick McKay and JD Payne, their decision to introduce Gandalf to the series narrative was made primarily because, simply put, he’s one of the franchise’s most recognizable character.

In the season finale, the mysterious, gray-haired wizard, played by Daniel Weyman, finally learns his name, acknowledging, “Gandalf. That’s what they’re going to call me, isn’t it?”

Literally right before filming that scene was the first time I learned that I was going to utter those words.”