Andy Serkis has shared some initial thoughts on "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," describing it as a film that will surprise fans while retaining the tonal familiarity of Peter Jackson's cherished trilogy.
Serkis is set to both direct and star in "The Hunt for Gollum," scheduled for release on December 17, 2027, stepping back into the role that first brought him widespread recognition. Having portrayed Gollum in Jackson’s "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies, Serkis will revisit the character over a decade after "The Battle of the Five Armies." This new story will explore Gollum's activities during the period between "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
While promoting his latest film "Animal Farm" in an interview with Collider, Serkis offered insights into the expected tone of "The Hunt for Gollum" and provided an update on the start of filming.
"We're still in the very early stages," he remarked. "We've been discussing the film for about a year now. Pre-production is set to begin in the coming months, and filming is likely to start in early to mid-next year. Given that it's a substantial production, the shooting schedule will reflect that, all leading up to the planned December 2027 release."
"I'm incredibly excited to return to New Zealand and collaborate once again with close friends and colleagues. We're aiming to deliver something that feels both surprising and deeply rooted in the established world and atmosphere of the original trilogy. While the film’s overall sensibility will align closely with those earlier works, we’ll be delving much deeper into the character originally known as Sméagol—now primarily recognized as Gollum."
Serkis’ remarks indicate that "The Hunt for Gollum" will be crafted with the spirit of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy as its foundation, likely respecting the lore and continuity established in those films. It has also been confirmed that several beloved characters will make a return, including Gandalf. Sir Ian McKellen, 86, who played the wizard in the original trilogy, has expressed his openness to reprising the role, provided he remains physically able. Similarly, Viggo Mortensen, who portrayed Aragorn, has also indicated a willingness to return.
The Lord of the Rings Movies in (Chronological) Order
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Warner Bros. has stated that "The Hunt for Gollum" marks the first of two new "Lord of the Rings" films from Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. This initiative reflects the studio’s intention to further expand the franchise.
Amazon has also maintained momentum in the "Lord of the Rings" universe with its Prime Video series "The Rings of Power," which is currently in production for a third season. Additionally, the animated film "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim," released in December, further explores Tolkien’s world.
