Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have set an exciting release date for fans of Middle-earth: The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is slated to premiere on December 17, 2027. This announcement positions the film's release over two years away, marking at least a one-year delay from the previously announced 2026 plan. Yet, this hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of fantasy aficionados, who are already marking their calendars for a magical Christmas in 2027.
At the helm of this eagerly anticipated project is none other than Andy Serkis, renowned for directing films like Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Serkis is no stranger to the world of Tolkien, having brought to life the iconic character of Gollum in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy. Fans will be thrilled to know that Serkis will not only direct but also reprise his role as Gollum, bringing unparalleled authenticity to the film.
Serkis will be supported by a team of Middle-earth veterans, including producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Zane Weiner. The screenplay is being crafted by Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou. Last year, Peter Jackson provided a glimpse into the narrative direction, hinting that the film will explore beloved characters’ pasts and delve into stories not previously covered. "We really want to explore [Gollum’s] backstory and delve into those parts of his journey we didn’t have time to cover in the earlier films," Jackson remarked, emphasizing a commitment to the lore established by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The Lord of the Rings Movies in (Chronological) Order
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As Warner Bros. ventures further into the expansive world of Tolkien, The Hunt for Gollum is expected to reintroduce familiar faces from Middle-earth. Gandalf, portrayed by the legendary Ian McKellen, is one name expected to appear in potentially two live-action films, as revealed by Philippa Boyens to Empire last October. If plans come to fruition, McKellen's return would add an extra layer of nostalgia and continuity to the franchise.
With The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum scheduled for release three Decembers from now, fans have plenty of time to stay engaged with the Tolkien universe. In the interim, keep an eye on developments with Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which has been confirmed for a third season.
