Summary
- Filming for The Hunt for Gollum has begun in New Zealand
- Andy Serkis is directing and returning as Gollum
- Peter Jackson is involved as a producer
- Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are returning to their familiar roles
- The film is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027
The journey to Middle-earth is beginning again, as Andy Serkis offers the first glimpse behind the scenes of “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.”
Filming for the new “Lord of the Rings” movie has begun in New Zealand, while the first official set footage shows Andy Serkis preparing to return to his role as Gollum.
The development is particularly significant for the franchise, as it marks the return of the cinematic world established by Peter Jackson, with former collaborators and familiar characters taking part in a new Middle-earth story.
The first look at the production
The short behind-the-scenes video shows Andy Serkis on set, studying the screenplay and preparing to film one of the production’s first scenes.
The actor and director is returning to the character that defined a major part of his career, once again using motion-capture technology for the digital creation of Gollum.
Production is taking place in Wellington, New Zealand, which also served as the main base for the previous film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
Andy Serkis is also directing
In addition to playing Gollum, Andy Serkis is stepping behind the camera this time.
Peter Jackson is involved as a producer, while Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are also part of the creative team. Both played crucial roles in the original “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies.
The involvement of the same core creative team suggests that the new film aims to maintain a visual and narrative connection with the previous productions.
The story of The Hunt for Gollum
The story takes place before the main events of the original trilogy and focuses on the effort to locate Gollum.
Gandalf sends Aragorn to find the creature before Sauron’s forces can extract information about the One Ring and its location.
The story is based on events referenced in Tolkien’s writings but not explored in detail in the previous films. The new production is expected to examine Gollum’s psychology more closely, along with his role in the developing conflict over the Ring.
Returning characters and the new cast
Ian McKellen is expected to return as Gandalf, while Elijah Wood will once again appear as Frodo. Lee Pace is also returning as Thranduil.
Viggo Mortensen will not reprise his role as Aragorn, since the story requires a younger version of the character. Jamie Dornan is taking over the role.
The new cast also includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet and Leo Woodall, with the film combining familiar franchise faces with newly introduced characters.
When will it be released?
“The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 17, 2027.
The release date follows the tradition established by the major Middle-earth productions, which became closely associated with the Christmas season.
What we think
The return of Andy Serkis and Peter Jackson’s creative team creates a strong connection with the franchise’s most beloved films. However, the project’s success will depend on whether its story can justify an entire new movie and offer something beyond nostalgia.
Frequently asked questions
Has filming begun on The Hunt for Gollum?
Yes. Principal production has begun in New Zealand, and the first official footage from the set has been released.
Who is directing the new movie?
Andy Serkis is directing the film while also returning to the role of Gollum.
Will Ian McKellen return as Gandalf?
Ian McKellen is expected to reprise his role as Gandalf in the new movie.
Who will play Aragorn?
Jamie Dornan will portray a younger version of Aragorn, replacing Viggo Mortensen.
When will The Hunt for Gollum be released?
The theatrical release is scheduled for December 17, 2027.
