In December 2027, “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” hits the big screen — the first feature film set in Tolkien’s universe since the “Hobbit” trilogy. Andy Serkis will not only reprise his role as Gollum but will also direct the film. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. and New Line are preparing another project — “Shadows of the Past.” For those who were passionate about the original films, here’s everything we know so far.
New Lord of the Rings Movies: Release Dates, Plot, and Cast
When Does “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” Come Out
The premiere is set for December 17, 2027. The film was originally planned for 2026, but the date was pushed back. There is no trailer, poster, or official plot synopsis yet. Filming is underway in New Zealand — the same location where the original trilogy and “The Hobbit” were shot.
For Russian viewers, there’s an important caveat: Warner Bros. has not been releasing its films in Russia since 2022. According to Lenta.ru, the film will most likely reach audiences through parallel distribution and later through video services like YouTube and VK Video, but there are no guarantees yet. So for many, home viewing may become the primary way to see the film — once it appears in digital stores.
What “The Hunt for Gollum” Is About — The New Film’s Plot
Gollum will be the main character of the next film. Image: goha.ru
According to available information, the plot takes place in the gap between the prologue of “The Fellowship of the Ring” and the main events. If you recall 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: Gandalf was gathering information about the One Ring and trying to find Gollum — a key witness who knew where the ring had been lost. Aragorn helped him in the hunt.
An important detail: the screenwriters have promised that “The Hunt” will tell a complete story and won’t be stretched into two parts. After the “Hobbit” trilogy, which many criticized for being artificially padded, this sounds encouraging.
The Cast of the New “Lord of the Rings”
The cast is gradually being revealed. The following actors have been confirmed:
- Andy Serkis — Gollum. He is also directing the film.
- Ian McKellen — Gandalf. He officially confirmed his return in August 2025.
- Elijah Wood — Frodo Baggins.
It’s the same Gandalf!
There is a strong possibility of Viggo Mortensen returning as Aragorn. The actor previously stated his willingness to play the role again, provided the script was right. Given that the plot of “The Hunt” is directly connected to Aragorn as a ranger, the chances of his appearance are high, but there has been no official confirmation yet.
Who Is Behind the Production of “The Hunt for Gollum”
Behind the project is a team well-known to fans of the original trilogy:
Serkis is both the director and the lead actor. Image: kp.ru
- Director — Andy Serkis
- Screenwriters — Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh (who worked on “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”), as well as Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou (writers of the animated prequel “The War of the Rohirrim”)
- Producers — Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Fran Walsh
Peter Jackson called the return to Middle-earth “an honor and a privilege” and promised to be involved at every stage. This is not a situation where the franchise was handed over to outsiders — the core creative team remains the same.
“The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past” — The Second Film Set in Tolkien’s Universe
Alongside “The Hunt,” Warner Bros. and New Line are developing another project — “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, who embark on a journey through 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 central characters of “Shadows of the Past”
The film is inspired by chapters from “The Fellowship of the Ring” that didn’t make it into Jackson’s adaptations — specifically the Barrow-downs and the enigmatic Tom Bombadil, master of the Old Forest. The screenplay is being written by TV host and well-known Tolkien fan Stephen Colbert (along with his son) and Philippa Boyens. Peter Jackson is once again serving as producer.
The exact release date for “Shadows of the Past” has not been announced, but the film will come out after “The Hunt for Gollum.”
Where and How to Watch the New Lord of the Rings Films
Given the absence of official Warner Bros. theatrical distribution in Russia, the primary way for most viewers to watch will likely be through Russian services RuTube and VK Video. Previous Lord of the Rings films, after disappearing from Kinopoisk and other domestic online cinemas, are available on RuTube and VK Video.
By the way, the VK social network’s video service is available on Apple TV, meaning you’ll be able to watch the new Lord of the Rings films on the big screen. On the other hand, let’s hope that Warner Bros. returns to Russia and we’ll be able to watch their films officially.
In summary: by the end of 2027, we can expect two feature films set in Tolkien’s universe. “The Hunt for Gollum” — a story featuring returning key actors from the original trilogy and a familiar production team. “Shadows of the Past” — a project with a new storyline and previously unadapted chapters from the books. For fans, this is undoubtedly the biggest cinematic event of the year. For everyone else — a reason to rewatch the original trilogy and decide whether it’s worth returning to Middle-earth.
