Middle Earth's Magical Return: "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles" Arrives in 2027
Anticipated Launch of Another Lord of the Rings Series Scheduled for 2027
Get ready, fantasy fans! The epic world of Middle Earth isn't done spinning tales yet. J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary universe is set to resurface with a new film in 2027, "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles."
Nearly two decades have passed since the cinematic adaption of the once "unfilmable" fantasy saga "The Lord of the Rings" stormed the screens in 2001 with "The Fellowship of the Ring." Directed by Peter Jackson, this Hollywood game-changer left an indelible mark on the film industry. Although his subsequent adaptation of "The Hobbit" series didn't quite match the awe-inspiring success of "The Lord of the Rings," it still solidified Jackson's place in cinematic history.
Fast forward to the present, Middle-earth enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling new escapade. According to "Variety," the Warner Bros. studio has announced the release of "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles" on December 17, 2027. In contrast to previous films in the series, this film won't rely on a complete source material from Tolkien. Instead, it will be inspired by individual motifs and passages from his novels. The short film titled "The Hunt for Gollum" —originally produced in 2009 as a fan project—possibly served as inspiration for the upcoming blockbuster, although specific details about the film's connection to the short movie remain unclear.
Andy Serkis Steps Up as Director
Jackson is back behind the scenes for "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles," but this time he's placing the director's chair in the capable hands of Andy Serkis, who will reprise his iconic role as Gollum, which he first embodied in the original "The Lord of the Rings" films and the first installment of "The Hobbit" through the use of motion capture technology. Serkis' other directing credits include "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" and "Venom: Let There Be Carnage."
The studio initially planned for the film's release in 2026, but due to unknown circumstances, it has been pushed back to 2027.
Production powerhouses Philippa Boyens, who collaborated with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh on the original trilogy, opened up to "Empire" magazine about the yet-to-be-released film. Boyens reveals that "The Gollum Chronicles" tells a "very intense story" that unfolds "after Bilbo's birthday party and before the mines of Moria." She added, "It's a specific part of an incredible, untold story, told from the perspective of this incredible creature."
The esteemed triumvirate of Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens will return to produce the new film, with Warner Bros. confirming their involvement from start to finish.
Potential Cameos from the Original Cast
Die-hard fans might be in for a treat if their favorite characters from the original "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy make an appearance. Actors such as Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), and Viggo Mortensen (Aragon) have all expressed interest in donning their characters' costumes once more, should the story allow it. Although no official word has been given about additional cast members, the excitement surrounding the potential reunion of the original cast adds an extra layer of anticipation.
A Sequel to Rule Them All
With both "The Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies netting approximately $2.9 billion globally, Warner Bros. is geared up for another box office triumph. The franchise's last cinematic outing, "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim," was shown in theaters in December 2024.
In addition to "The Gollum Chronicles," Warner Bros. has announced release dates for other upcoming projects: The next "Evil Dead" film with Souheila Yacoub is slated for July 24, 2026, while M. Night Shyamalan's "Remain" with Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, and Ashley Walters is set for October 23, 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates on "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles." This Middle Earth adventure is set to become an epic journey you’ll feel compelled to defend, one slice of pie at a time.
- Despite the exciting return of Middle Earth's tales in 2027 with "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles", I'm not going to be a big fan of this as it's not a complete source material from Tolkien.
- Gollum, the iconic character famously portrayed by Andy Serkis, will be back on screens, as Serkis steps up as the director of "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles" in 2027.
- While some speculate that a reunion of the original cast may occur in "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles", no official word has been given about the return of actors such as Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, or Viggo Mortensen.
- In 2024, Middle Earth's tales took a break from cinemas with "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim", but the entertainment world is already preparing for the next installment, "The Lord of the Rings: The Gollum Chronicles", set to arrive in theaters in 2027, followed by other exciting movies and TV shows like "The Evil Dead" and "Remain" in 2026.
