Middle-earth's Fascination Continues: Gollum's Return in 2027's "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum"
Anticipated Release of Another Lord of the Rings Series in the Year 2027
Strap in, Tolkien fanatics! Dust off your Elven cloaks and get ready for a return trip to Middle-earth. In the year 2027, we're setting foot back in J.R.R. Tolkien's enchanting universe with a fresh take on "The Lord of the Rings": "The Hunt for Gollum".
Two and a half decades have passed since the cinematic universe of "The Lord of the Rings" first graced our screens with that epic opener, "The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001). Well, Hollywood history was written, and Peter Jackson's film trilogy adaptation of Tolkien's novels became the stuff of legends. He then continued the magic with the trilogy adaptation of "The Hobbit" (2012-2014), even if it didn't quite live up to "The Lord of the Rings."
Now, fans of Middle-earth can join in on another thrilling adventure. Warner Bros. - the studio behind the franchise - announced that "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" is slated to hit theaters on December 17, 2027 (yes, you'll need to clear your calendar).
Unlike previous films, this one won't have a complete source material from Tolkien. The new movie will utilize key themes and passages from the acclaimed author's works instead. Remember that quirky short film, "The Hunt for Gollum," released back in 2009? Its creators had worked almost on a shoestring budget, but somehow it managed to capture some recognition. It's uncertain how much the upcoming blockbuster will be inspired by it.
Andy Serkis Takes the Helm
You might wonder, "Who's droppin' the ring this time?" Well, Peter Jackson is in the backdrop for "The Hunt for Gollum," but he's handing the director's mantle to Andy Serkis. Old fans will recognize him as the man beneath the motion capture technology that brought Gollum to life in the original "The Lord of the Rings" films and the first part of "The Hobbit". Serkis' directing credentials include "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" and "Venom: Let There Be Carnage."
Initially, the studio intended for the film to be released in 2026. But buckle up, folks, as the film we're eagerly awaiting in 2024 has been bumped up to the summer of that year.
Philippa Boyens, the production powerhouse behind the original trilogy, dished to "Empire" magazine that "The Hunt for Gollum" has an intense, unheard-of story. The tale unfolds "after Bilbo's birthday party and before the mines of Moria." Boyens continued, teasing, "It's a specific part of an incredible, untold story, told from the perspective of this incredible creature."
Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Boyens have a firm grip on the production reins for this film. Warner Bros. emphasized in their announcement that these three will be present during every step of the project.
Armor up, grab your popcorn, and prepare to witness more Middle-earth madness on the big screen! Both the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies raked in approximately 2.9 billion US dollars worldwide. We last saw Tolkien's legendary characters in theaters in December 2024 with the anime film "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim."
Besides "The Hunt for Gollum," Warner Bros. has also launched a slew of other projects: Souheila Yacoub-led "Evil Dead" and M. Night Shyamalan's "Remain" (starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, and Ashley Walters) are scheduled for July 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026, respectively.
Source: ntv.de, vpr/spot
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[1] No specific cast members confirmed their return. However, hints and rumors suggest some might reprise their roles, according to entertainment news outlets. (Wink, wink!)
I'm not going to be a big fan of this movie release in 2026, contrary to what Warner Bros. initially planned for "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum." Gollum, the notorious character from Middle-earth, will be brought to life once again by Andy Serkis, who originally played the role in the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This upcoming movie, set for release in 2027, won't have a complete source material from J.R.R. Tolkien, but it will incorporate key themes and passages from his works. Movies-and-tv enthusiasts can expect to see "The Hunt for Gollum" in theaters on December 17, 2027.
