Bridging the gap between the The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Andy Serkis is reprising the role of Gollum in the new 2027 Lord of the Rings film. Serkis is also directing The Hunt for Gollum, and he described the process as “insane” in a recent interview with The Times. We’d imagine doing double duty as a director and actor would be very exhausting, and Serkis confirms that. “I’m waking up at night,” Serkis said. “Actually, I don’t know if I’m asleep or awake, but I think, Am I directing you Gollum? Or you me?”
A central character in the films, Gollum is a combination of Serkis’ portrayal and generated elements through CGI. After playing two roles on set, he doubts the fan-favorite character will ever leave him. And this time around, Serkis will portray a younger Gollum.
The film will travel back in time to explore new storylines between The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring. Exploring young Aragorn’s adventures as a ranger, viewers follow him on his journey to capture Gollum. In doing so, he hopes to keep the Ring’s location from Sauron. Due to the age of Aragorn in the film, Viggo Mortensen will not reprise the character nor will he appear in flashbacks. Instead Jamie Dornan will make his Lord of the Rings debut as young Aragorn.
Now that he’s directing a fourth movie no one expected, Serkis is not backing down from the challenge. The Hunt for Gollum will prove whether or not there’s more to tell around the Rings. With Gollum as the focal point of the film, I think it’s only fitting that Serkis is the one to direct. He believes characters alter who are as an actor, “you learn something either about yourself or the world that changes your worldview,” Serkis exclaims to The Times.
The Hunt of Gollum hits theatres December 17, 2027. Returning alongside Serkis are Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Lee Pace (King Thranduil). Cast additions include Kate Winslet, (Marigol), Leo Woodall (Halvard) and Anya Taylor-Joy as an elf.