Andy Serkis Teases 'The Hunt for Gollum' Will Blend Surprise with Tolkien's Legacy

Andy Serkis has shared insights on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, promising a film that will both surprise fans and align with the essence of Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy.

Serkis will direct and star in The Hunt for Gollum, set for release on December 17, 2027, reprising his iconic role. Known for portraying Gollum in Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Serkis will explore the character’s journey in the years between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

In a Collider interview while promoting his new film, Animal Farm, Serkis discussed the tone of The Hunt for Gollum and provided an update on its production timeline.

“We’re in the early stages,” he said. “We’ve been developing the film over the past year. Pre-production will begin in the coming months, with filming slated for early to mid-next year. It’s a substantial project, set for release in December 2027.

“I’m thrilled to return to New Zealand with friends and colleagues to create something that will feel both surprising and deeply rooted in the trilogy’s lore. The film will reflect that same spirit while delving deeper into the character once known as Smeagol, now Gollum.”

Serkis’ remarks indicate The Hunt for Gollum will honor the established Lord of the Rings trilogy while staying true to its lore. The film will feature familiar faces, including Gandalf. Sir Ian McKellen, 86, who portrayed Gandalf, has expressed interest in returning, provided his health allows. Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, is also open to reprising his role.

The Lord of the Rings Movies in (Chronological) Order

Warner Bros. has announced that The Hunt for Gollum is the first of two new Lord of the Rings films from Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, as the studio seeks to expand the franchise.

Amazon has kept the Lord of the Rings legacy alive with its Prime Video series The Rings of Power, with Season 3 in development. Meanwhile, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an animated film, was released in December.