Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have set an exciting release date for fans of Middle-earth with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, slated to hit theaters on December 17, 2027. This eagerly awaited film is now more than two years away, marking a delay of at least a year from the previously announced 2026 target. Yet, this hasn't dampened the spirits of fantasy enthusiasts, who are already planning their Christmas celebrations around this cinematic event.
At the helm of The Hunt for Gollum is the acclaimed director Andy Serkis, known for his work on Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as Caesar in the Planet of the Apes series, will not only direct but also reprise his iconic role. Fans are thrilled to see Serkis contributing to the film both on and off the screen.
Serkis's deep understanding of Gollum's character will be complemented by a team of seasoned Middle-earth veterans, including producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Zane Weiner. The writing team comprises Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, promising a rich narrative tapestry.
Last year, Peter Jackson provided a glimpse into the film's storyline, revealing intentions to explore the pasts of beloved characters and delve into aspects of Gollum's journey that were previously untold. "We really want to explore his backstory and delve into those parts of his journey we didn’t have time to cover in the earlier films," Jackson stated. "It’s too soon to know who will cross his path, but suffice to say we will take our lead from [original author J.R.R. Tolkien]."
The Lord of the Rings Movies in (Chronological) Order
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As Warner Bros. expands the Middle-earth cinematic universe, The Hunt for Gollum is expected to introduce familiar faces from Tolkien's world. Gandalf, portrayed by the legendary Ian McKellen, is one character rumored to return, potentially appearing in two live-action films, according to Philippa Boyens' comments to Empire last October.
With The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum set to premiere three Decembers from now, fans have plenty of time to immerse themselves in the lore. In the meantime, keep an eye on updates regarding Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which has been confirmed for a third season.
