Elijah Wood has sparked anticipation about reprising his role as Frodo Baggins in the forthcoming Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum, which is set for release on December 17, 2027. Wood’s involvement adds significant excitement to fans eager to revisit Middle-earth’s beloved characters, as he cautiously addressed the possibility during a recent interview.
Actor Expresses Enthusiasm While Staying Tight-Lipped on Details
Speaking with ScreenRant, Wood revealed,
“I can neither confirm nor deny,”
he said.
“I’m not really allowed to confirm. I’m really excited about the film. 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.”
Wood’s enthusiasm reflects a reunion of the original creative minds who shaped the iconic trilogy, promising a narrative that explores familiar yet unexplored elements of the story through a beloved character’s eyes.
Andy Serkis to Direct and Reprise Gollum Role
Wood also expressed excitement about Andy Serkis returning not only as Gollum but also as the film’s director. He remarked,
“It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own,”
followed by,
“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.”
Serkis’ dual role brings a unique perspective to the project since he has embodied the character of Gollum for years, making his directorial involvement especially meaningful for fans and creators alike.
Ian McKellen Reveals Clues About the Film’s Cast
While Wood remains discreet regarding his character’s return, co-star Ian McKellen offered intriguing hints at a recent fan event. McKellen shared,
“I hear there’s going to be another movie set 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,”
and added,
“I’ll tell you two secrets about the casting: there’s a character in the movie called Frodo, and there’s another character called Gandalf. Apart from that, my lips are sealed!”
This confirmation of Frodo and Gandalf’s presence strongly fuels speculation about Wood’s involvement and the continuation of related storylines within Middle-earth’s expansive universe.
Philippa Boyens Highlights the Story’s Place in Middle-earth Lore
Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote the original Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit series, shared insights with Empire Magazine about what audiences can expect from The Hunt for Gollum. She explained,
“It’s quite an intense story, which falls after the birthday party of Bilbo and before the Mines of Moria,”
and further described it as,
“It’s a specific chunk of incredible untold story, told through the perspective of this incredible creature.”
This situates the film in a crucial narrative interlude, offering fans a deeper look into events that shape the journey of protagonists in the larger saga.
Production Nears with Andy Serkis Preparing in New Zealand
Serkis recently confirmed that production is about to begin, mentioning to Metro that he was preparing to head to New Zealand to start work on the film. Reflecting on his connection to the project, he joked,
“I’m thrilled to return to the family that I’ve loved working with for many years, and a character that I cannot escape from.”
His words underline the strong bond Serkis has with both the cast and the character, promising dedication to bringing the story alive.
The Anticipation and Future of the Middle-earth Cinematic Universe
The anticipation surrounding The Hunt for Gollum is building not only because of the return of key characters like Frodo and Gandalf but also due to the reunion of much of the original creative team. With Philippa Boyens co-writing and producing and Andy Serkis directing, the film is positioned to honor the original spirit of the Lord of the Rings saga while expanding its lore. Additionally, the intention to develop further films within this universe suggests a long-term vision that will continue to engage fans and introduce new stories from Middle-earth.
Elijah Wood’s measured yet hopeful comments about his possible return have only intensified excitement among fans eager to see Frodo back in action. As production moves forward in New Zealand and the December 2027 release date approaches, the project stands as a promising addition to the enduring legacy of Tolkien’s world on screen.
