Undoubtedly, “The Lord of the Rings” main franchise stands as one of the most influential film series of all time, grossing over $2.988 billion worldwide across three movies. Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works has left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.
Recognizing its immense success, the entertainment industry has expanded the universe in various ways, from “The Hobbit” trilogy to “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” series, ensuring the enduring legacy of Frodo Baggins‘ tale.
Just a few hours ago, exciting news have emerged: “The Hunt for Gollum,” a fresh installment of the franchise, is now in pre-production with Peter Jackson on board as producer. Check all the details here.
Who will direct “The Hunt for Gollum”?
According to Variety, not only will Andy Serkis return to voice Gollum, but he is also set to direct the upcoming project! This marks the first time in the film franchise that a filmmaker other than Jackson will helm the project.
Although Serkis has starred in over 100 movies and TV shows, he has only directed six productions thus far. Among the most famous are “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” and “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.”
Nevertheless, Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav stated that Peter Jackson and his team would be involved in every aspect of the process. Therefore, it’s very likely that this next title will still carry his creative influence.
When will “The Hunt for Gollum” be released?
As confirmed by Zaslav himself, “The Hunt for Gollum” will be released in 2026. Although he hasn’t specified a specific date, we can look out for some clues from factors within its production process.
Andy Serkis in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. (Source: IMDb)
Firstly, considering the extensive nature of epic movies like those in “The Lord of the Rings” universe, we can anticipate the movie’s release, at the earliest, after the first half of 2026, around June or July.
However, there is another factor that may prolong the process. Currently, Peter Jackson is deeply involved in two films related to Tintin Adventures, one of which he will direct and the other he will produce. Additionally, Andy Serkis is set to star in both installments as Captain Haddock.
With both Jackson and Serkis committed to these projects first, it’s likely that “The Hunt for Gollum” will be released in late 2026, possibly closer to the holiday season. Additionally, it has become customary for the franchise to always release its movies in December, so its very probable that it hits theatres at that time.
What will “The Hunt for Gollum” be about?
Although there is no official plot announced yet, “The Hunt for Gollum” will likely focus on Gollum’s complex backstory. It could follow his life before finding the Ring, his gradual transformation into a monster due to its influence, and his obsessive quest for his precious over the years.
It could also delve into his internal conflict between his former self, Sméagol, and his dark alter ego, Gollum. Overall, it would be a fascinating exploration of one of Middle-earth’s most iconic and tragic characters.
