The Hunt for Gollum is bringing back some big Lord of the Rings names, but there are others that fans would love to see return more than Gollum.
The Lord of the Rings fans are long used to seeing memorable characters returning in later projects. The Hobbit (for better or for worse) brought back Gandalf, Galadriel, Legolas, and others to link the two trilogies together. The Rings of Power, set thousands of years in the past, features Galadriel, Gandalf, and Sauron.
Now, all eyes are on The Hunt for Gollum, a spinoff movie directed by Andy Serkis, who also reprises his role as the twisted figure who once owned the One Ring. It’s confirmed that the movie will have appearances from Gandalf and Frodo.
Yet there are a lot of LOTR characters that fans would much prefer getting a movie—or even a show—before Gollum. Many are favorite characters who would be great to see back, while others are smaller characters with story potential.
Tom Bombadil
Let’s get this out of the way now. Tom Bombadil has long been a unique character in LOTR lore, as his role in the books is quite small. Yet fans have latched onto him as a favorite, and The Rings of Power finally brought him to the screen, played by Rory Kinnear.
This joyful forest dweller could anchor a show exploring the nature of Middle-earth and the creatures living there. It’s an offbeat idea, but it could fit well and let this fan-favorite character get more of a big spotlight.
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Gimli
The movies saw Gimli more as a comic relief character, with John Rhys-Davies being wonderful in the role. Having him at the center of a TV show or movie can be closer to the Gimli of the books, a tough warrior who learns to become a leader. It could focus on his early life and how he grew up in the clans with the rivalry with the elves. It could also take place after the movies as Gimli helps Legolas hunt down the remnants of Sauron’s forces, leads mining, and rebuilds his clan.
This could put a fine focus on the dwarves, and Rhys-Davies could still pull off the role to continue this beloved character’s arc in LOTR lore.
Saruman
Christopher Lee may have left us, but the potential for a return of this character is still there with recasting. One great idea would be exploring the younger days of Saruman and how he was once a truly great wizard. His friendship with Gandalf is also promising material to show how close they were.
The real journey is seeing Saruman’s arrogance and secret lust for power slowly overcome him and lead him to darkness. Examining the rise and fall of this powerful wizard would be a very compelling project to make him more than a one-note villain.
Boromir and Faramir
The bond of these brothers would be the backbone of a prequel movie or show. We know each is an established warrior, not as much for Boromir before his death. This could play into how Boromir was always the favored child, despite Faramir being just as capable, and the fact that they never saw each other as rivals would lend it warmth.
It could also delve into Denethor's character and how the pressures of ruling Gondor slowly eroded his strength. While a project exploring Faramir after LOTR and with Éowyn is tempting, seeing how the two brothers established themselves before these events is far more promising.
Beorn
This strange shape-changing fighter has a brief appearance in the theatrical version of The Hobbit, but has a bigger part in the extended versions. While presented as a calm and stoic figure, when turned loose in battle, Beorn is a terror, changing into a giant bear or other forms. He’s someone worth delving deeper into with his powers, his long life, and a window into the more supernatural side of Middle-earth.
Via Beorn, we could learn more about the odder creatures of this world and their own history that even the wizards don’t fully understand. Seeing this shape-changing hero battling his own evil enemies has plenty of excitement while stretching the “creature feature” aspect of LOTR.
Eomer
It’s interesting how LOTR cast Karl Urban as Eomer before the actor became a genre favorite. If anything, Urban would be better in the role today as an older and more hardened Eomer who now rules Rohan. He can pull off the stunts, showing his old daring now tempered by wisdom and a good alliance with Gondor.
A movie around this character could update fans on what’s happened with the kingdom and Eomer dealing with a new threat, as well as the politics of the nations of men. With so many projects under his belt, Urban could easily handle this to provide more action for a LOTR favorite.
Radagast
This wouldn't just be the eccentric wizard played by Sylvester McCoy in the Hobbit films, but also a focus on the various wizard classes. Radagast himself can be fun as he comes off as a bumbling, eccentric figure whose appearance includes a beard so thick that birds nest in it. However, in a fight, he’s quite capable and more powerful than he seems.
It wouldn't be unlike a Middle-earth version of Doctor Who (which makes sense as McCoy was the Seventh Doctor), and it would be fun to follow Radagast on more misadventures while linked to the natural side of the land. It’s a bit more of a reach, yet Radagast has potential for a returning character getting a spotlight.
The Nazgûl
The Rings of Power may eventually touch on this, and it would be a vital part of the lore. We know that the Nazgûl, or Ringwraiths, were once nine mortal kings who were given the Rings of Power and corrupted by them. Their leader became the Witch-King, a fierce warrior. Yet there's so much we want to learn about them.
The Nazgul could carry an entire series or movie on their own, showing their fall from grace under Sauron’s control, transforming into these monsters and their long lives serving their master. Exploring who they were before they became the Nazgul would be fodder for a strong series.
You can watch the Lord of the Rings movies right now on HBO Max, and watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video.