The Dark Resurgence: Gollum Makes a Comeback in 2027's "The Lord of the Rings" Film
Anticipated Debut of Another Lord of the Rings Series Scheduled for 2027
Echoes of triumph and tragedy in Middle-earth shall continue to resonate. Hollywood is prepping a new flick, set in the universe of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic "The Lord of the Rings," with a twist—this time, it's all about the enigmatic, tormented figure of Gollum.
More than two decades have passed since the legendary tale of "The Lord of the Rings" first saw the light of day with "The Fellowship of the Ring" in 2001. Peter Jackson's cinematic rendition of Tolkien's novels is etched in Hollywood history, leaving its mark and subsequently spawning the "The Hobbit" trilogy (2012-2014), albeit with mixed results.
The fan-base of Middle-earth dwellers now stands on the brink of a new adventure. Industry scoops indicate that "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" will premiere on December 17, 2027.
In contrast to previous instalments, this movie won’t be rooted in Tolkien’s complete work. Instead, it'll draw from selected themes and fragments from the author's novels. Back in 2009, a self-produced short film titled "The Hunt for Gollum," though produced on a shoestring budget and semi-professionally, garnered some attention. The upcoming blockbuster’s connection with this project remains unclear.
Directorial Power Shift
Jackson remains behind the scenes for "The Hunt for Gollum," but this time he’s handing over the director’s megaphone to Andy Serkis. Known for his role as Gollum across the original "The Lord of the Rings" movies and the first part of "The Hobbit," Serkis will step in front of the camera once more thanks to motion capture technology. Serkis’ directorial accomplishments include “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.”
The studio initially intended to release the film in 2026, but the start of production, announced in the summer of 2024, has been postponed by a year.
Philippa Boyens, who formed part of the production team with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh for the original trilogy, disclosed to "Empire" magazine that "The Hunt for Gollum" is a "mostly tense" tale that unfolds in the period after Bilbo's birthday party and before the mines of Moria. Boyens added: "It's a specific part of an unspoken, powerful story told from the perspective of this conflicted character."
The ensemble of Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens will continue to work on this production, with Warner Bros. stressing in the film announcement that the trio will be involved in every stage of the process.
The Familiar Faces We Long to See
With Gollum at the fore, fans can hope that beloved characters from the original "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy may resurface. Iconic actors such as Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), and Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) have hinted at their readiness to return if the plot allows. However, there is still no official confirmation regarding additional cast members.
Besides "The Hunt for Gollum," Warner Bros. has announced upcoming releases such as the next "Evil Dead" film with Souheila Yacoub (July 24, 2026) and M. Night Shyamalan's "Remain" with Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, and Ashley Walters (October 23, 2026).
Overall:
In a breath-taking turn, "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," directed by Andy Serkis, is set for a 2027 release. The plot, quite cryptic in nature, is expected to revolve around the pursuit of Gollum and the exploration of his transformation, serving as a prelude to the impending battles in Tolkien's saga.
Plot Summary:
The film dwells upon the intriguing, mysterious aspects of Gollum's character, set against the backdrop of the terrifying landscapes of Middle-earth. The narrative carries a sense of impending doom, hinting at the hunter's relentless pursuit not for blood, but for silence, before the deafening screams of war begin. The darker dimensions of Gollum's psyche come forth as he is hunted, while the audience gets a brief glimpse into his treacherous nature.
Faithfulness to Tolkien's Original Material:
Maintaining the essence of the original texts is crucial for the devoted followers of Tolkien's world. Serkis's attachment to Gollum and experience with the role (as well as the involvement of Peter Jackson and WETA) instills faith among fans, hoping for an adaptation that stays true to Tolkien's vision. Given the story's positioning between "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," it’s reasonable to expect that it'll be rooted in the appendices and the lore surrounding Gollum's escapades, before he is ultimately ensnared by Aragorn and brought to the Fellowship.
Ultimately, "The Hunt for Gollum" promises to plunge us into uncharted territories of Tolkien's universe, focusing on Gollum’s intrigues, retaining the spirit of the original works, and raising anticipation for a faithful interpretation amidst the faithful creative team.
[1] The verge: https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/21/21420095/lord-of-the-rings-gollum-film-warner-bros-pezproduction-details[2] Comicbook: https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lord-of-the-rings-gollum-movie-details-plot-peter-jackson/
- Despite my initial reservations, I'm not going to be a big fan of this Gollum-centric movie in the "The Lord of the Rings" universe due to the possibilities of straying too far from the source material.
- In 2027, we may see a return of Gollum in the cinematic world of movies-and-tv's entertainment sci-fi-and-fantasy genre, titled "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," directed by Gollum-portrayer Andy Serkis.
- As production for "The Hunt for Gollum" is delayed until 2026, fans will be on the lookout for beloved characters such as Gandalf, Legolas, and Aragorn making their return to Middle-earth.
- The upcoming "The Hunt for Gollum" movie, based on selected motifs and fragments from Tolkien's original novels, navigates the complexities and darker dimensions of Gollum's psyche during a specific time period after Bilbo's birthday party and before the mines of Moria.
