According to Deadline, the actor and director recently responded to questions about the film’s all-white announced cast, arguing that any approach to representation should serve the story rather than satisfy outside expectations.
Andy Serkis Says Casting Should Remain Story Driven
Speaking with the BBC, Serkis was asked why the cast announced for “The Hunt for Gollum” is made up entirely of white actors, including Jamie Dornan, Kate Winslet, Lee Pace, Leo Woodall, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Serkis himself. Rather than dismissing the criticism, he acknowledged that it exists while pointing to the literary roots of Tolkien’s world.
“Tolkien himself was influenced a lot by Norse mythology,” Serkis said, adding that “The Shire feels very, very much like a very, a very white” place. He also described its inhabitants as people who “are not very concerned about what goes on beyond the borders of The Shire.”
The filmmaker recognized that the franchise has faced backlash over its lack of diversity over the years, saying, “Yes, there have been criticisms. This particular film is somewhat acknowledging that.” At the same time, he made clear that the production would not reshape its casting philosophy simply to answer those concerns.
“But I don’t think we will be doing a politically correct just-casting-for-the-sake-of-casting-and-ticking-boxes version of the film,” Serkis said. “So, it’s where relevant basically.”
What Is ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ About?
Set before and during the events of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Hunt for Gollum” follows Gandalf’s decision to send Strider on a mission to track down Gollum before Sauron’s forces can reach him. The story is told largely from Gollum’s perspective and expands a chapter of Tolkien’s mythology that was only briefly referenced in the original trilogy.
Serkis directs the film while reprising his iconic motion capture role as Gollum. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens return as producers, with the screenplay written by Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou. The fantasy adventure is currently filming in New Zealand and is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Dec. 17, 2027.