Andy Serkis has shared some initial thoughts on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, hinting that it will feel both surprising to fans and yet maintain a tone consistent with Peter Jackson's acclaimed trilogy.

Serkis is set to direct and star in the film, scheduled for release on December 17, 2027. He will reprise the role that established his career, having previously portrayed Gollum throughout Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. More than a decade after The Battle of the Five Armies, Serkis returns to explore Gollum's untold journey in the years between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

While promoting his new film Animal Farm in an interview with Collider, Serkis discussed the anticipated tone of The Hunt for Gollum and provided a timeline for the start of production.

“We're still in the very early stages of development,” he explained. “We've been discussing the project over the past year. Pre-production is expected to begin in the coming months, and we plan to start filming in early to mid-next year. As this is a substantial film, the shooting schedule will reflect its scale, all leading toward the planned December 2027 release.

“I'm incredibly excited to return to New Zealand and collaborate once again with my friends and colleagues. I believe we are creating something that will be both surprising to audiences and deeply rooted in the world of the original trilogy. The film's overall sensibility will feel familiar, yet we are delving much deeper into the character once known as Sméagol, who we primarily recognize as Gollum.”

Serkis's remarks indicate that The Hunt for Gollum will honor the legacy of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and will be mindful of the established lore. It has also been confirmed that several beloved characters will return, including Gandalf. Sir Ian McKellen, 86, who played the wizard in the original films, has expressed his openness to returning, provided his health permits. Similarly, Viggo Mortensen, who portrayed Aragorn, has also indicated he is willing to reprise his role.

The Lord of the Rings Movies in (Chronological) Order

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Warner Bros. has announced that The Hunt for Gollum will be the first of two new Lord of the Rings films developed by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The studio is looking to expand the franchise further.

Amazon has also maintained interest in the franchise with its Prime Video series, The Rings of Power, which is currently in production for its third season. Additionally, the animated film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, set in Tolkien’s world, was released in December.