Warner Bros. Explores Gollum’s Mysteries in “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”

On April 20, 2025, the The Lord of the Rings universe by J.R.R. Tolkien continues to expand with an ambitious new film project titled “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”, slated for release in 2026 or 2027. Produced by Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, the film promises to deliver a profound story about the iconic character Gollum/Sméagol, under the direction and starring performance of Andy Serkis. This marks a bold new chapter in bringing the legendary Middle-earth back to the big screen.

Andy Serkis Returns to His Fated Role

Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum to life in the The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, will not only reprise his role but also take the helm as director. Utilizing cutting-edge motion-capture technology and support from Wētā FX, Serkis aims to portray a deeply nuanced Gollum, exploring the internal conflict between Sméagol and Gollum. “Yesssss, Precious,” Serkis shared in the official announcement, “The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle-earth Peter, Fran, and Philippa.”

The film may also see the return of familiar faces. Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) have been approached, though no confirmations have been made. Orlando Bloom (Legolas) expressed excitement after discussions with Serkis. However, Hugo Weaving (Elrond) has declined to return, citing that it would not be fitting to reprise his role.

Plot: The Untold Journey of Gollum

“The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” will focus on the period between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, specifically after Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday but before the Fellowship enters Moria. The story is expected to center on Aragorn and Gandalf tracking Gollum to prevent him from revealing information about the One Ring to Sauron, drawing from details in the appendices of Tolkien’s novel.

Producer Peter Jackson, alongside collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, emphasized that Gollum is a unique character defined by the contrast between light and darkness. The film will delve into Sméagol’s past, his corruption by the One Ring, and the moments that shaped his fate. “It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that Stinker,” Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens stated.

A Top-Tier Production Team

The film is backed by the team responsible for the monumental success of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens will serve as producers, while the screenplay is penned by Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou. Executive producers include Ken Kamins, Andy Serkis, and Jonathan Cavendish from The Imaginarium.

Filming will take place in New Zealand, with Wētā FX ensuring the visual effects meet the high standards of previous films. Warner Bros., led by Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, is committed to delivering a cinematic experience that honors Tolkien’s legacy.

Production and Release Timeline

The film is currently in the script development phase, with filming expected to begin in 2025. Initially, Warner Bros. announced a 2026 release, but Andy Serkis recently indicated that the schedule might shift to December 2027 due to the slow progress of scriptwriting. The title “The Hunt for Gollum” is provisional and may change in the future.

Rumors of the film being split into two parts or a “The Hunt for Gollum 2” have been debunked by screenwriter Philippa Boyens. However, the production team is exploring ideas for another The Lord of the Rings film, potentially focusing on Gandalf, though this project remains unconfirmed.

No “The Hunt for Gollum 2” or 2024 Release

Misinformation on social media has mentioned a “The Hunt for Gollum 2” or a 2024 release. However, credible sources such as Variety, Empire, and ScreenRant confirm that no such project exists, and 2024 only saw the release of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an animated film in the Tolkien universe.

Fan Expectations

“The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” marks Middle-earth’s return to cinemas after over a decade, building on the legacy of the iconic trilogy. With a legendary production team, advanced technology, and a compelling story about one of Tolkien’s most complex characters, the film promises to be an unmissable adventure.

Fans can stay updated through official channels like Warner Bros., Variety, or trusted X accounts such as @FellowshipFans. Prepare to journey back to Middle-earth, where Gollum and the secrets of the One Ring await!

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