"The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" Hits Theaters in Two Years
Gollum-centric motion picture slated for theater release in 2027 - Gollum's cinematic solo adventure to grace screens in 2027
If yer a fan of Tolkien's Middle-earth, mark yer calendars! Warner Bros. announced the release date for their upcoming flick, "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" (Ger: "Die Jagd nach Gollum"). Set to be released on December 17, 2027, just in time for holiday movie marathons!
Andy Serkis Returns to the Director's Chair and As Gollum
Andy Serkis (61), known for embodying the tortured creature through motion-capture technology since "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" in 2002, will not only play Gollum but also take on the director role. Other directing credits under his belt include "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" and "Venom: Let There Be Carnage".
Originally, the studio anticipated the film to hit theaters in 2026, but the film's start, revealed back in the summer of 2024, has been delayed a year.
Adventure Between "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings"
Details about the film's plot have already been shared. Philippa Boyens, who co-produced the original trilogy alongside Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, told "Empire" magazine that "The Hunt for Gollum" offers an "intense story" taking place "after Bilbo's birthday party and before the mines of Moria". She further explained, "It's a specific part of an incredible, untold story, told from the perspective of this incredible creature."
The trio of Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens will produce this film to ensure every aspect stays true to Tolkien's original work.
More Familiar Faces Expected
While there's no official confirmation, there's hope that other familiar faces from the original trilogy may make a comeback. Actors like Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), and Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) have expressed interest in returning, based on the story's potential.
With "The Hunt for Gollum," Warner Bros. continues its successful Middle-earth saga. The "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies grossed approximately $2.9 billion worldwide each. The latest theatrical appearance of the franchise was "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of the Rohirrim," an anime film released in December 2024. "The Hunt for Gollum" will be the first live-action film from the "Lord of the Rings" universe since "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" in 2014.
Additional Warner Bros. Productions
Apart from "The Hunt for Gollum," Warner Bros. has scheduled release dates for other upcoming productions: The next "Evil Dead" film featuring Souheila Yacoub is set for July 24, 2026. Meanwhile, M. Night Shyamalan's psychological thriller "Remain," starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, and Ashley Walters, is expected on October 23, 2026.
- New Adventure in Middle-earth
- Warner Bros.
- Andy Serkis
- Philippa Boyens
- Timeline of Middle-earth
- Coming Soon
Plot of "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum"
An intense story unfolds in "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" as it delves into a period not significantly explored in Peter Jackson's movies, 17 years following Bilbo's birthday, during which Frodo receives the One Ring from Bilbo. By this point, the heroes are negotiating their next steps, but Gandalf is worried about Gollum potentially revealing crucial information about the Ring to Sauron if captured. Consequently, Gandalf enlists Aragorn's ranger skills to track down Gollum, thwarting Sauron's forces before they do.
Roles of Andy Serkis and Philippa Boyens in the Project
- Andy Serkis: With experience directing films such as "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" and "Venom: Let There Be Carnage," Andy Serkis takes on the director's role for "The Hunt for Gollum." His involvement promises a fresh take on Middle-earth storytelling, capitalizing on his ability to craft captivating narratives with intricate characters [2].
- Philippa Boyens: Philippa Boyens, one of the producers of the film, contributes to the project's success by ensuring the storyline remains true to Tolkien's spirit while exploring new untold aspects. Boyens described "The Hunt for Gollum" as an intense story offering a distinctive viewpoint on the character of Gollum, situating it within a specific timeline in the Middle-earth chronology [2].
- The upcoming movie "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," directed by Andy Serkis, follows the story of a period not significantly explored in Peter Jackson's movies, set 17 years after Bilbo's birthday party.
- Andy Serkis, known for embodying Gollum since "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" in 2002, will not only reprise his role as Gollum but also take on the director role for this film.
- Philippa Boyens, one of the producers of the original trilogy, ensures that "The Hunt for Gollum" remains true to Tolkien's original work while exploring new, untold aspects of Gollum.
- Set for release on December 17, 2027, "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" will be the first live-action film from the "Lord of the Rings" universe since "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" in 2014.
