Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have set an exciting release date for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, planning to unveil Sméagol's tale to audiences on December 17, 2027. This eagerly awaited premiere is slated more than two years from now, marking at least a one-year delay from the previously announced 2026 plan. Yet, this hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of fantasy fans, who are already dreaming up how they'll celebrate Christmas in 2027 with this cinematic treat.
The film is being helmed by Andy Serkis, the acclaimed director of Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Serkis is no stranger to the world of Middle-earth, having brought Gollum to life in both the original The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as portraying Caesar in the 2010 Planet of the Apes trilogy. Fans will be thrilled to know that Serkis is not only directing but will also reprise his iconic role as Gollum, offering a unique blend of performance and vision.
With his deep understanding of Gollum's psyche, Serkis will collaborate with a team of 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 and detailed narrative.
Peter Jackson has already given fans a glimpse into what to expect from the story, highlighting that the film will delve into the pasts of beloved characters. "We really want to explore [Gollum’s] backstory and delve into those parts of his journey we didn’t have time to cover in the earlier films," Jackson explained. "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. continues to expand the universe of The Lord of the Rings, The Hunt for Gollum and potential future films are expected to bring back familiar faces. Gandalf, played by the legendary Ian McKellen, is one such character anticipated to return, with Philippa Boyens hinting at his appearance in possibly two live-action films to Empire last October.
With The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum now set to enchant audiences in three Decembers, fans have plenty of time to stay updated. In the meantime, keep an eye on Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which has been confirmed to return for Season 3 earlier this year.
