Elijah Wood, known for his portrayal of Frodo Baggins, addressed ongoing rumors about his return to the “Lord of the Rings” universe during a recent appearance, fueling interest in the upcoming film, “The Hunt for Gollum,” which remains closely tied to the legacy of Ian McKellen‘s Lord of the Rings era. Speaking at Fan Expo New Orleans, Wood chose not to confirm or deny his involvement, keeping fans and media guessing about the casting.
When asked directly if he would reprise his beloved role, Wood offered a playful but evasive response, signaling the level of secrecy surrounding the production.
“I can neither confirm nor deny. Listen, a wizard is to be trusted,”
Elijah Wood, Actor
“Aside from any of that, I’m not really allowed to confirm.”
Elijah Wood, Actor
Returning Creative Team and Wood’s Excitement for the Project
While Wood did not explicitly state his participation, he openly expressed enthusiasm about the creative direction of “The Hunt for Gollum.” The project sees many familiar talents from the original films reuniting, including key contributors both behind and in front of the camera.
“I think it really is a creative ‘getting the band back together.’ A lot of the creative heads of department are back and in that space again. Philippa [Boyens], I think, is co-writing it and producing it. It’s very much that core original group getting back together to tell this story that will feel like a really fun exploration of this character that we all love so much. And I’m just really excited.”
Elijah Wood, Actor
The involvement of Philippa Boyens as a co-writer and producer celebrates a reunion of the creative minds that helped shape the original trilogy. The announcement also noted that Andy Serkis, renowned for his performance-capture work as Gollum, would take on the directing role in addition to starring in the film.
“I’m excited for Andy [Serkis] to direct it. It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own. I’m thrilled. It’ll be great. And I’m excited to see…. I know their intention is to make other films in this universe. And that’s exciting, interesting to see where that goes, but very exciting.”
Elijah Wood, Actor
Ian McKellen Stirs Anticipation with His Own Tease
Last August at the For the Love of Fantasy event in London, Ian McKellen, celebrated for his role as Gandalf, hinted at further developments in Middle-earth. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd and speaking alongside LOTR co-stars like John Rhys-Davies, Dominic Monaghan, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Elijah Wood himself, McKellen referenced a new film primarily focused on Gollum’s character. The event underscored the enduring appeal of the franchise and heightened speculation regarding potential casting returns.
“I hear there’s going to be another movie based in Middle-earth, and it’s going to start filming in May. It’s going to be directed by Gollum, and it’s all about Gollum,”
Ian McKellen, Actor
He teased the audience further by hinting at key character appearances:
“I’ll tell you two secrets about the casting: There’s a character in the movie called Frodo, and there’s a character in the movie called Gandalf,”
Ian McKellen, Actor
“Apart from that, my lips are sealed!”
Ian McKellen, Actor
Production Updates and Timeline
In mid-2024, it was announced that Peter Jackson, who directed the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, would return as a producer on the new film. Andy Serkis’s dual role as director and star marks both a creative evolution and a preservation of the iconic franchise’s spirit. The movie, formerly scheduled for a 2026 release, is now expected to premiere on December 17, 2027, providing ample time for the returning creative team and cast to deliver a project worthy of Middle-earth’s rich legacy.
What the Future Holds for Middle-earth on Screen
The collaboration among original LOTR talents like Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Philippa Boyens, and the possible involvement of Ian McKellen signals a concerted effort to expand the cinematic world detailed by J.R.R. Tolkien. With the intention to explore more stories set in Middle-earth, fans can expect this revived era to blend nostalgia with new adventures, keeping the legacy of the Ian McKellen Lord of the Rings era vibrant for both longtime followers and newcomers alike.
