Hollywood is gaining another high profile name for its return to Middle earth. According to Deadline, Kate Winslet has joined the cast of “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Sources cited by the outlet say Winslet will play the film’s female lead, though the identity of her character remains under wraps as the project continues to take shape.
A New Chapter in Middle-earth’s Cinematic Future
The project represents the first step in a renewed push to bring live action stories from Tolkien’s world back to theaters. After the rights holder Middle earth Enterprises was acquired by the Embracer Group, a new agreement with Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema opened the door for additional films set in the legendary fantasy universe.
Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum in the original trilogy, is stepping behind the camera for this installment. The screenplay is being written by longtime franchise collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. Peter Jackson is serving as a producer and active collaborator on the script.
“The Hunt for Gollum,” as the title suggests, follows a young Aragorn as he undertakes a dangerous mission to track down the elusive creature Gollum before Sauron’s forces do. The story is reportedly set during the 17-year gap between Bilbo’s party and Frodo leaving the Shire.
Apart from Andy Serkis returning as Gollum, Sir Ian McKellen has confirmed he will be reprising his role as Gandalf. Leo Woodall is reportedly in talks to play a younger Aragorn, while Anya Taylor-Joy is also said to be under consideration for a role. There are also rumors that the project could serve as the first installment in a new standalone trilogy set in Middle earth, potentially opening the door to an expanded slate of stories within Tolkien’s universe.