The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum has officially begun its anticipated journey. Warner Bros. announced that filming has started in New Zealand, sharing the first behind-the-scenes footage featuring Andy Serkis reprising his role as Gollum.
In the short video released by the studio, Andy Serkis is seen reviewing the script on set. Later, dressed in motion capture gear, the actor brings Gollum's iconic posture and expressions back to life. The promotional video concludes with stunning natural landscapes of New Zealand.
Andy Serkis Returns as Both Director and Gollum
In the new film, Andy Serkis not only reprises the role of Gollum (Sméagol) but also takes the director's chair. Behind the production is an experienced creative team that includes Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, who brought the The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies to life.
Familiar Faces Return to Middle-earth
The cast of the film sees beloved series actors like Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Elijah Wood (Frodo), and Lee Pace (King Thranduil) returning. The cast also includes Kate Winslet as Marigol, Jamie Dornan portraying Aragorn's "Strider" phase, Leo Woodall as Halvard, and Anya Taylor-Joy as the new elf character Seren.
What Time Period Will the Story Take Place In?
The Hunt for Gollum focuses on the period between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. In the film, Aragorn embarks on a dangerous mission to find and capture Gollum before revealing the location of the One Ring to Sauron.
Previously, screenwriter Philippa Boyens described the production as an adventure film with strong psychological elements. Boyens also mentioned that Warner Bros. is developing ideas for a second live-action The Lord of the Rings film, although this project has not yet been formalized.
In the past, there were claims that the film would be released in two parts. However, Philippa Boyens confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is planned as a single film.
The film is scheduled to be released worldwide on December 17, 2027.
