The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, Gandalf and Frodo return in 2027

The Lord of the Rings is making a return to the big screen in 2027. The Hunt for Gollum features the comeback of Gandalf and Frodo in a brand-new Middle-earth adventure.

Promoted as one of the most anticipated cinema events of the decade, Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum is set to hit theaters on December 15, 2027. Produced by New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, the film marks the return of Middle-earth to the big screen, focusing on one of its most iconic characters. The project is directed by Andy Serkis, with a screenplay crafted by veteran writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, renowned for their work on adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary universe.

This new feature film continues the epic saga launched by Peter Jackson, who also serves as one of the producers. Designed as a standalone story, the film appeals both to fans of The Lord of the Rings and to newcomers exploring the universe through a more focused perspective, centered on Gollum.

The story focuses on a chapter previously only touched upon in earlier films: the pursuit of Gollum, the elusive creature whose fate is entwined with that of the One Ring. As tensions escalate across Middle-earth, various forces rally in a decisive chase with far-reaching consequences for the fragile balance between good and evil.

Through this journey, the film delves into Gollum’s inner turmoil, torn between the remnants of Sméagol and the corrupting influence of the Ring. The story aims to deepen the emotional and political stakes of this chapter, without giving away any major plot points already familiar to fans, all while expanding the existing mythology.

The official trailer will be released as soon as Warner Bros. Pictures makes it available.

Developed by New Line Cinema, the iconic studio behind the saga, and Warner Bros. Discovery, this project is part of a broader strategy to explore new stories set in Tolkien’s universe. Andy Serkis, renowned worldwide for his groundbreaking motion-capture work as Gollum, takes center stage here, both as director and lead actor.

One of the major confirmed details about The Hunt for Gollum is the return of several iconic faces from the saga. Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood will reprise their respective roles as Gandalf and Frodo, two central figures of the original trilogy. Their involvement firmly establishes the film within the direct continuity of the Lord of the Rings cinematic universe, while also emphasizing the project’s nostalgic and multigenerational appeal.

The involvement of Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens in the screenplay ensures a seamless continuation of the narrative and thematic threads from the previous trilogies. The film positions itself within the tradition of modern fantasy epics, while adopting a darker, more introspective tone reminiscent of certain moments in The Two Towers. Its target audience includes both fans of grand, epic stories and viewers who appreciate nuanced character portrayals.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
Film | 2027
Release date in theaters: December 15, 2027
Adventure, Fantasy
Directed by Andy Serkis | Starring Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood
Original title: Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum
Country: United States

Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

With The Hunt for Gollum, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema open a fresh chapter in the Lord of the Rings universe by focusing on a pivotal episode and an iconic character. The film acts as a seamless extension of the saga, deepening the lore of Middle-earth without upending its foundational stories.

To extend your cinema experience, check out the December movie releases, the must-see films of the moment, and our top blockbuster picks of the year.

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