'The Hunt for Gollum': Plot, Release Date & Everything We Know about the Upcoming Movie
Production on The Hunt for Gollum has already begun, and fans can look forward to the return of several characters from the original trilogy.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will be the first feature-length live-action movie based on J.R.R. Tolkien's universe since The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
This spin-off will explore Gollum's story and Andy Serkis will reprise his role and will also serve as director.
We will tell you about the potential plot of The Hunt for Gollum, reveal the movie's release date, and share information about the cast.
When Will 'The Hunt for Gollum' Be Released?
In May 2024, a spin-off of The Lord of the Rings was announced. It was revealed that the project, titled The Hunt for Gollum, would be released in two years.
However, in early 2025, the movie's director, Andy Serkis, announced that the release date had been pushed back a year, from December 2026 to December 2027.
The official premiere of The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for December 17, 2027. So far, the project has no poster, trailer, or official synopsis. As happens with many major blockbusters, the release date for the film could change again.
What Will 'The Hunt for Gollum' Be About?
Key plot details for The Hunt for Gollum are currently being kept under wraps.
The movie is expected to cover the events that took place in Middle-earth between the prologue of The Fellowship of the Ring and the start of its main story. In other words, it will cover the events between Bilbo's 111th birthday and Gandalf's return to the Shire.
Screenwriter Philippa Boyens says that The Hunt for Gollum will tell a complete story and will not be split into two parts.
Who Is in the Cast of 'The Hunt for Gollum'?
The full cast of The Hunt for Gollum has not yet been announced, but we know Andy Serkis will return as Gollum.
In September 2024, Ian McKellen stated that he had no plans to give his role of Gandalf to another actor. In August 2025, McKellen confirmed that he would reprise the role in the new film.
He also announced that Elijah Wood would reprise his role as Frodo.
Another key character, Aragorn, may also return. Viggo Mortensen had previously mentioned the possibility of reprising his role as Aragorn.
'The Hunt for Gollum' Production
Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, who worked on three Lord of the Rings films, returned to write the script. They are joined by Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, who wrote the plot for The War of the Rohirrim, an animated prequel to the franchise.
Additionally, Walsh and Boyens have been appointed producers, alongside Peter Jackson. Warner Bros. stated that the producers will be involved in all stages of the new project.
Filming is expected to begin in early 2026.
