In 2027, we return to Midde-earth in style with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Directed by Andy Serkis and produced by Peter Jackson, the movie is set up to be the triumphant return to Middle-earth that we've all hoped for. Many of the original, beloved cast are getting back together — including Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins.
The Hunt for Gollum takes place parallel to the events of The Fellowship of the Ring, between Bilbo's disappearance and the formation of the Fellowship. During that time, Gandalf instructs Aragorn to track down Gollum across Middle-earth out of fear that the creature would reveal the One Ring's location to Sauron.
Outside of the returning cast, the movie has also picked up some high profile Hollywood talent starring as original characters. Newcomers include Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren, a Sindar Elf of the Woodland Realm, Kate Winslet's Marigol, and Leo Woodall's Ranger of the North, Halvard. Then there's casting switch-ups, notably with Jamie Dornan playing Aragorn, a role so beloved after being played by Viggo Mortensen in the original movies.
The movie has now officially begun production in New Zealand, the spiritual home of all things Middle-earth. Of course, Peter Jackson filmed all three Lord of the Rings movies in New Zealand, returning there for The Hobbit trilogy. Moreover, Prime Video's series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power also filmed there for its debut season, switching to the United Kingdom for the bulk of its second season.
"We’ve literally just completed a week," director Andy Serkis said in an interview with Variety. "We’re finally up and running, so it’s great. It’s really exciting."
For Serkis, the whole occasion feels like a homecoming. He's been involved in the frachise since the very beginning in 2001, working alongside legendary filmmaking trio Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. "It couldn’t be better, and it’s not just those guys who obviously I adore and love and have spent so many years working with, but the entire crew, practically from 25 years ago. So it’s great. And there are generations of their kids too. So it is a big family affair," he explained.
Of all the cast members, it's Jamie Dorman who has the most monumental task: doing justice to Aragorn, a character synonymous with being played by Viggo Mortensen. According to Serkis, fans need not be apprehensive. "I’ve got to say, Jamie’s doing extremely well," he said. "He’s fantastic."
Production on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is expected to wrap later this year. Naturally, there will be a lengthy post-production. The movie will release in theaters on December 17, 2027.
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