Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially announced that The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will hit the big screens on December 17, 2027. This eagerly anticipated release date places the premiere more than two years away, marking a delay of at least a year from the previously scheduled 2026 release. Despite the wait, fantasy aficionados are already marking their calendars and planning their Christmas celebrations for 2027 around this epic event.
The film is set to be directed by Andy Serkis, known for his directorial efforts in Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Serkis is also renowned for his acting prowess, particularly for portraying Caesar in the 2010 Planet of the Apes trilogy and, most famously, Gollum in both the original The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Fans will be thrilled to know that Serkis will not only direct but also reprise his iconic role as Gollum.
Serkis's deep understanding of Gollum's psyche will undoubtedly bring authenticity to the film. He will be joined by a team of Middle-earth veterans, including producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Zane Weiner. The screenplay is being penned by Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, ensuring a rich and detailed narrative.
Last year, Peter Jackson provided some insights into the film's storyline, hinting that audiences can expect to delve into the pasts of beloved characters. The director expressed a desire to explore aspects of Gollum's journey that were not covered in the earlier films, drawing inspiration directly from J.R.R. Tolkien's works. "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 stated, leaving fans curious about which characters might intersect with Gollum's path.
The Lord of the Rings Movies in (Chronological) Order
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As Warner Bros. continues to expand its universe of The Lord of the Rings films, The Hunt for Gollum may not be the only new addition. Other returning characters are likely to appear, with Gandalf being a prominent name expected to feature. Philippa Boyens hinted last October to Empire that Gandalf could appear in up to two live-action films, potentially portrayed once again by the original actor, Ian McKellen.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is slated to release in three Decembers from now. While fans eagerly await this cinematic journey, they can stay updated with the latest developments on Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which was confirmed for a third season earlier this year.
