Everything You Need to Know About 'The Hunt for Gollum': Release Date, Plot & More
We should prepare for the winter of 2027 – for a new encounter with the world of Middle-earth as we know it.
Ever since Peter Jackson said goodbye to Middle-earth in 2014, Lord of the Rings fans have been hoping for the big return. The Hunt for Gollum promises to do just that, closing (or opening?) another chapter in Tolkien's legendarium.
The Hunt for Gollum is a prequel set during the dark period between Bilbo's gatherings of hobbits and the formation of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Andy Serkis, who played Gollum and made the world fall in love with this pitiful, treacherous, and tragic creature almost twenty years ago, is directing.
Judging by the first details, it will be more than just a nostalgic trip – it will be a full-fledged adventure starring Aragorn, Gandalf, and, of course, Gollum.
When Will 'The Hunt for Gollum' Be Released?
The premiere is scheduled for December 17, 2027. Filming will begin in July 2026, and Ian McKellen has confirmed that he will head to New Zealand then:
“I think in July, which is unfortunate because it's winter down there in New Zealand. But we'll be indoors probably most of the time. Yes.
And I put on the pointy hat and the beard. And the nose. And the eyebrows. And the mustache. And the gloves, I dare say.”
What Will 'The Hunt for Gollum' Be About?
The plot unfolds between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. After losing his Precious to Bilbo, Gollum leaves the caves and sets out in search of it.
Realizing that discovering the Ring's location would spell disaster for Middle-earth, Gandalf tasks Aragorn with tracking the elusive creature. The Strider embarks on a perilous journey through the darkest corners of the world.
The movie promises to test the future king's resilience and delve deeper into Sméagol's soul long before the Ring consumes him.
Who Is in the Cast of 'The Hunt for Gollum'?
The main returnee is, of course, Andy Serkis – he will reprise his role as Gollum and also direct. Ian McKellen has officially confirmed his involvement as well.
Elijah Wood will return as Frodo, though his appearance in the prequel remains a mystery. The prequel takes place long before the events of The Lord of the Rings, so perhaps he will appear in flashbacks.
The most intriguing question concerns Aragorn. Rumors circulated that the creators would try to bring back 67-year-old Viggo Mortensen, but the idea was apparently abandoned – the actor is too old for the role.
Who will take his place has not yet been announced. One thing is for certain: Aragorn will be the movie's central character, and his search for Gollum will form the basis of the plot.
