In the latest development, Ian McKellen hints at the return of Gandalf and Frodo in the forthcoming Lord of the Rings movie, stating, "Beyond that, I remain tight-lipped!"
In an exciting development for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, Ian McKellen has confirmed his and Elijah Wood's return to the franchise in the upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The announcement was made at the "For the Love of Fantasy" fan convention in London in August 2025[1][2][4].
McKellen, reprising his iconic role as Gandalf, teased the new film by saying it will be based in Middle-earth and will focus on Gollum. The film's plot follows Smeagol in the gaps between Frodo leaving The Shire and the Fellowship arriving at the Mines of Moria.
While the casting of the characters Frodo and Gandalf was mentioned, specific actors have not been named yet[2][3]. However, Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn in the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, has expressed openness to returning for the new film[6].
Andy Serkis, known for his work in motion-capture performances, is directing the film, with Peter Jackson, director of the original trilogy, producing it[5]. The production team will take their lead from Professor Tolkien, ensuring a faithful adaptation of the source material.
The film is set to start filming in May 2026 and is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027[1][4]. It's worth noting that this release date and the casting details are currently based primarily on Ian McKellen’s public comments at the event rather than a formal statement or press release from Warner Bros.[1][2][3][4][5].
In summary, while Ian McKellen has confirmed his and Elijah Wood's return for the film, Warner Bros. has not yet publicly confirmed this casting information. More Lord of the Rings films are planned after The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
[1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11597178/ [2] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/26/ian-mckellen-elijah-wood-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum [3] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ian-mckellen-elijah-wood-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-1235164518/ [4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-59038650 [5] https://variety.com/2025/film/news/peter-jackson-producing-new-lord-of-the-rings-film-1235164518/ [6] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viggo-mortensen-open-to-returning-for-new-lord-of-the-rings-film-1235164518/
Read also:
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
- Legal Dispute Dismissed with Humor: Supreme Court Laughs off Another Civil Matter Mislabeled as Criminal Prosecution
