`Hobbit` was like homecoming: Ian McKellen

London: `Lord of the Rings` star Ian McKellen says returning to New Zealand to shoot `The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey` felt like he was going home.

The 73-year-old actor, who is battling prostate cancer for seven years, reprised his role as Gandalf the wizard from Peter Jackson`s award-winning `Lord of the Rings` trilogy in the prequel film, reported Femalefirst. "It was like going back home, really. It was more of the same, which is what was required, but it wasn`t boring. I mean, a whole new set of circumstances and a new Bilbo (Baggins) to play with in Martin Freeman, and all those 13 dwarves, and a new aspect of the story," he said. The film had a royal premiere yesterday and was attended by Prince William. PTI