Orlando Bloom Ready to Return to 'The Hunt for Gollum' — And AI Can Be as Helpful as Ever

Orlando Bloom’s journey as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings left an unforgettable mark on fans worldwide. Now, with whispers of The Hunt for Gollum potentially kicking off a new Rings trilogy, Bloom is open to stepping back into those elven boots — under one intriguing condition.

Speaking with MovieWeb’s George Edelman about his new film Deep Cover, Bloom shared his thoughts on returning to Middle-earth:

"I think first of all, I’d like to see [Legolas] the same age as he was [in the original trilogy]. So, AI would have to come into play. I think I’d like to see him lithe and breezy and warrior-like so AI would have to come into play. And I think if they asked me, I would say, 'Absolutely!"'

He’s clearly enthusiastic about the idea, even imagining a return to New Zealand — "the place to be right now" — for filming. But time is a tricky thing when it comes to iconic characters. The Hunt for Gollum story overlaps chronologically with The Fellowship of the Ring, meaning Legolas would have to look as youthful and agile as before. Bloom’s suggestion that AI might digitally de-age him points to how technology could help bridge the gap.

Warner Bros. Discovery is eyeing their biggest IPs to build fresh stories, and this new Rings trilogy could be a major player. But casting presents a massive challenge: how to honor beloved characters while embracing new filmmaking tools.

If Orlando Bloom’s ready and the tech is up to the task, Middle-earth fans might just get the best of both worlds — classic Legolas with a modern twist.

One thing’s for sure: returning to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes sounds like a dream no elf could resist.