The original costume I wore in LOTR hangs rather mournfully on a stand by the camera. I can’t wear it in The Hobbit, because it has been noted “of historic status.” Ann has made two changes which few may notice but please me because they revert to Tolkien’s introduction in Fellowship of the Ring, where he mentions a silver scarf and black boots. In the film, a scarf appeared just once, tied to Gandalf's cart at Hobbiton but oddly not thereafter. I now have a substantial, magic-looking silvery scarf to wear and act with and perhaps find some part of its own to play. I've already twisted it into a stylish turban. And, as per JRR Tolkien, below the familiar gown, a new pair of black boots may be spied. They will not look new of course. They are riding boots, the sort that can be pulled on in a hurry. Gandalf is often in a hurry. His previous boots were laced and needed Emma to get on and off. Not good for a wizard on the run. And they were grey not black.

Makes me wonder what other changes (for the better) [yes, I know that "better" is a matter of your own opinion] in the returning characters, not only in costume but also speech, mannerisms, magic, etc might be made.

Definitely looking forward to it.

Other than the inclusion of the silver scarf and black boots, the one thing I have they change regarding Gandalf the Grey is the beard.

I've come to terms with that fact that we're not getting a beard down to McKellen's waist, and I understand why we won't. Plus, McKellen's update on March 29th pretty much confirms that it'll be the same length as FoTR.

What I didn't like about the FoTR beard was that it was really thin, really scraggly, and really fake-looking. I really hope they go with a thicker, bushier beard this time around - as that's the kind of beard I've always seen Gandalf portrayed with.

I hated how they shortened Gandalf the White's hair and beard. Their attempts to make him look rejuvenated/reborn ultimately cost him his wizardy appearance.