Frodo Baggins himself, Elijah Wood, has shared glowing remarks about the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, suggesting that the "creative band" behind the original trilogy is getting back together for this highly anticipated Middle-earth adventure.
TL;DR- Elijah Wood has read The Hunt for Gollum script and says it's "really good."
- He's excited about the "creative band" returning, including Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, plus original production designers filming in New Zealand.
- Andy Serkis directs and stars as Gollum, with Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Wood (Frodo) also confirmed to appear, fueling speculation of more familiar faces returning by December 2027.
Good news, Middle-earth fans! The buzz around the next big screen adventure, The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum, is getting louder, and it's coming straight from a very familiar hobbit. Elijah Wood, who we all know and love as Frodo Baggins, has offered some seriously exciting updates, confirming he’s read the script and is thrilled about the "creative band" behind the original, beloved trilogy reuniting for this new journey.
This upcoming live-action film is quickly gaining momentum as it heads towards its December 2027 release date, and Wood's comments suggest it's shaping up to be everything fans have been hoping for, especially when it comes to capturing that classic Middle-earth magic. Let's dive into what he shared at a recent appearance at Mexico's DesertCon, and what it all means for the future of the franchise.
Did AI help 'The Brutalist' get Oscar buzz? We break down the film's use of artificial intelligence the controversy and what it means for the future of movies. Read more on MoviesMoly.
The Original Middle-earth "Creative Band" is Back in Action
When asked about The Hunt for Gollum, Elijah Wood couldn't hold back his enthusiasm, even if he had to keep some secrets. "I know a great deal about it," he began, adding, "I've read it. It's really good." That alone is enough to get any fan excited!
But the real kicker came when he spoke about the team bringing this story to life. "There are some wonderful people involved. The thing that is so exciting is that it is really getting the creative band back together," Wood explained. He specifically mentioned the "brain trust behind Lord of the Rings," including:
- Peter Jackson (Executive Producer)
- Fran Walsh (Writer)
- Philippa Boyens (Writer)
These three were the masterminds who brought J.R.R. Tolkien's epic vision to the big screen so successfully the first time around. Their heavy involvement signals a strong connection to the tone and quality of the original trilogy. Wood also highlighted that "the same production designers" are returning, and that the film "is going to be shot in New Zealand." This commitment to the original crew, locations, and creative vision aims to deliver a seamless, authentic Middle-earth experience that fans will instantly recognize and cherish.
"It feels like getting that old machine up and running again with all of the right people."
— Elijah Wood
Demi Moore is making waves with 'The Substance' a body horror film that's getting Oscar buzz! Find out where to stream it what it's about and why people are talking about it. Read more on MoviesMoly!
Who's Confirmed for the Adventure, and Who Else Might Join the Quest?
While many of the details are still under wraps, we do have some solid confirmations and strong hints about who we’ll be seeing on screen. The film's director, Andy Serkis, isn't just calling the shots – he's also reprising his iconic role as Gollum. It’s hard to imagine anyone else bringing Smeagol to life, so that’s a huge win for continuity.
Beyond Serkis, the return of two more beloved characters has been confirmed, largely thanks to Sir Ian McKellen. He revealed that both Gandalf and Frodo would appear in the film. While Elijah Wood himself has been coy about formally stating his return, his deep involvement, script reading, and glowing praise make his reprisal of Frodo Baggins virtually certain. McKellen's confirmation further solidifies the notion that we'll be seeing these familiar faces once more.
The story's timeline, which places it firmly between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, specifically during the events of The Fellowship of the Ring before Frodo leaves the Shire, makes the appearance of certain characters crucial. The plot revolves around Gandalf tasking Aragorn to find Gollum before Sauron's forces do, as Gollum holds vital information about the One Ring.
This plot point naturally leads to significant speculation about other returning actors:
- Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn): Mortensen has openly stated he's "open to returning" if the story makes sense for his current age and the character's journey. Given Aragorn's central role in the hunt for Gollum according to Tolkien's appendices, his appearance seems almost inevitable, and the creative team has reportedly spoken with him.
- Orlando Bloom (Legolas): Bloom hasn't "heard a peep" about his involvement but shared a sentiment many fans feel: "I'd hate to see anyone else play Legolas." He even joked that "AI would have to come into play" to de-age him, hinting at the potential use of technology to ensure actors fit the earlier timeline.
- Liv Tyler (Arwen): While not directly quoted on her return, Arwen plays a key role in Aragorn's story during this period, leaving the door open for Tyler's possible involvement.
Wood's comments about "continuity" and "so many people who are a part of Lord of the Rings" further fuel the hope that more familiar faces will grace Middle-earth again, even if through cameos or smaller roles.
A look at the essential Adam Sandler movies that define his career from comedy hits to dramatic performances and his lasting impact on Hollywood.
The Hunt's Story: Filling in a Crucial Gap in Middle-earth History
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum isn't just a random spin-off; it delves into a period of Middle-earth history that's crucial but largely unseen in the original films. Canonically, Aragorn's search for Gollum took place between Bilbo Baggins' 111th birthday party and Frodo's departure from the Shire. This means the film will need to seamlessly integrate into the existing narrative of The Fellowship of the Ring, exploring Gandalf's desperate efforts to locate Gollum before Sauron extracts critical information about the One Ring.
The journey itself is fraught with peril. Gandalf, having discovered that Gollum knew the words "Baggins" and "Shire" before being captured by Sauron's forces, realizes the Dark Lord is actively seeking the Ring. He enlists Aragorn, then a Ranger of the North, to track the creature. This quest isn't just about finding Gollum; it's a race against time and the encroaching shadow of Mordor.
For Aragorn, this prequel offers a unique opportunity for character development. In the original trilogy, we see him as a confident, albeit burdened, hero. The Hunt for Gollum could explore a more nuanced version of the character, perhaps showcasing how he cultivated his unwavering hope and leadership in the face of despair, especially considering the tragic backstory of his family and people. It's a chance to see him transition from a wandering Ranger to the future King of Gondor we deeply admire, building upon his journey without contradicting his established arc.
BLACKPINK's Lisa is having a moment! From lighting up the Oscars stage to releasing her solo album 'Alter Ego' and starring in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Get all the details on MoviesMoly!
Addressing the "Nostalgia Trap" and Why This Movie is Different
Some critics and fans have voiced concerns about the franchise's tendency to lean heavily on familiar characters and timelines, sometimes to its detriment, as seen with The Hobbit trilogy and even aspects of The Rings of Power series. There's a valid debate about whether Middle-earth needs to move beyond the original trilogy's shadow and explore new characters and ages, especially given the vast lore available.
However, The Hunt for Gollum seems poised to be an exception. While it very literally "goes back to the well" by focusing on an event within the original trilogy's timeframe and featuring key characters, the critical difference lies in the specific story being told and the "creative band" returning. This isn't an arbitrary expansion; it's an adaptation of a specific, pivotal event from Tolkien's appendices that directly impacts the main saga.
Elijah Wood’s excitement, alongside the confirmed involvement of Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, suggests a deep respect for the source material and a commitment to quality storytelling. It feels less like a cash-grab relying solely on cameos and more like an effort to enrich the existing narrative with the same creative spirit that made the original films masterpieces. By focusing on a "missing" piece of the puzzle, The Hunt for Gollum has the potential to add meaningful depth rather than simply rehashing old ground.
British composer Daniel Blumberg snagged an Oscar for his score to 'The Brutalist'! We unpack the movie its themes Adrien Brody's performance and the buzz around Brutalist architecture. Get the details on MoviesMoly.
Production Kicks Off Soon for a Late 2027 Release
So, when can we expect to embark on this new Middle-earth journey? The film is slated for release on December 17, 2027. Production is anticipated to begin in early 2026, with filming taking place in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, ensuring that iconic visual continuity we've come to expect from the franchise.
The enthusiasm from Elijah Wood, combined with the proven talent of the returning creative team and the promise of a story directly linked to the beloved saga, makes The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum one of the most anticipated fantasy films on the horizon. It genuinely feels like that "old machine" is revving up, ready to transport us back to Middle-earth in the hands of the people who know it best.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
- Various entertainment news articles (ComicBook.com, IGN, CBR, MovieWeb, GeekTyrant, JoBlo.com, GamesRadar+, ET Canada, Comic Basics, Winter Is Coming, Gold Derby)