A still from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
After more than a decade of silence, Middle-earth is once again preparing for the big screen. At the end of 2027, we can expect “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” — the first feature film set in Tolkien’s universe since The Hobbit. Andy Serkis is returning to his iconic role, but this time he won’t just be transforming into the Ring-obsessed creature — he’ll also be sitting in the director’s chair. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg: while some fans are waiting for “The Hunt,” Warner Bros. and New Line have already announced another project — “The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past”. What do we know about the plot, which old characters might return, and why does 2027 promise to be the biggest event for fans of the legendary fantasy?
When Will the New Lord of the Rings Be Released
The premiere of “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” is scheduled for December 17, 2027.
The project was initially announced in May 2024 with a plan for 2026, but the date was later pushed back. So far, the film has no trailer, no poster, and no official synopsis. Filming of the new Lord of the Rings is taking place in New Zealand — the same location where the original trilogy and The Hobbit were shot.
A still from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
What Is “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” About
The plot of The Hunt for Gollum, according to rumors, will unfold in the gap between the prologue of “The Fellowship of the Ring” and the main events of the story. If you recall, in the film, 17 years pass between Bilbo’s 111th birthday and Gandalf’s return to the Shire. In the books, this period is described in more detail: the wizard was gathering information about the One Ring and trying to find Gollum — a key witness who knew where the Ring had been lost. The ranger Aragorn helped him in capturing the creature.
The screenwriters promise that “The Hunt” will tell a complete story and won’t be stretched into two parts.
Cast of the New Lord of the Rings Film
The cast of the new Lord of the Rings installment is gradually being revealed. Already confirmed:
- Andy Serkis — Gollum. The actor will not only star but also serve as director.
- Ian McKellen — Gandalf. In August 2025, he officially confirmed his return.
- Elijah Wood — Frodo Baggins. His participation has also been confirmed.
There is a strong possibility that Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn in the original film, will also return. The actor previously stated that he would be willing to reprise his role if the script was right. Given the plot of “The Hunt” (the search for Gollum involving the ranger), the chances of his appearance are high.
Andy Serkis as Gollum. Image source: economist.com
Who Is Gollum
Gollum is one of Tolkien’s most famous characters. He was once a hobbit named Sméagol, but the One Ring corrupted his body and mind. Gollum turned into a thin, pale creature with enormous eyes, cowardly and obsessed with his “precious.” Years later, he lost the Ring, and it was found by Bilbo Baggins — and that’s how the story began that led to the events of “The Lord of the Rings.”
Sméagol before his transformation into Gollum. A still from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Who Is Making the New Lord of the Rings
A powerful team from the original trilogy is behind the production:
Director — Andy Serkis. Screenwriters — Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh (who worked on “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”), as well as Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou (screenwriters of the animated prequel “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”). Producers — Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Fran Walsh.
Director Andy Serkis commented on the news about the start of work on the film with the words: “Yes, my preciousss”
The creators promised they would be involved in the project at every stage. Jackson himself called the return to Middle-earth “an honor and a privilege.”
Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in previous installments of the franchise, has become the film’s director
What Is Known About “The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past”
In parallel, Warner Bros. and New Line are developing another film — “The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past” (The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past). The story takes place 14 years after the finale of the original trilogy, after Frodo departed for Valinor. The plot revolves around three familiar hobbits: Sam, Merry, and Pippin embark on a journey to revisit the places of their past adventures. Meanwhile, Sam’s daughter named Elanor uncovers an old secret and tries to understand why the War of the Ring was nearly lost before it even began.
Hobbits Sam, Merry, and Pippin
The film is inspired by chapters from “The Fellowship of the Ring” that didn’t make it into Peter Jackson’s adaptations. These include the Barrow-downs and the mysterious Tom Bombadil, master of the Old Forest. The screenplay is being written by Stephen Colbert (TV host and a big Tolkien fan) along with his son and Philippa Boyens. Peter Jackson will serve as producer.
When “The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past” will be released is not yet known, but it’s clear that the film will come out after “The Hunt for Gollum.”
By the end of 2027, we can look forward to two feature films set in Tolkien’s universe. “The Hunt for Gollum” — a story about events between the prologue and the main storyline, featuring the return of beloved characters.
