The Hunt for Gollum has finished filming and is scheduled for theaters on December 17, 2027. Andy Serkis directs and returns as Gollum, while Jamie Dornan plays Aragorn and Elijah Wood returns as Frodo. The story follows Aragorn hunting Gollum as Gandalf investigates Bilbo’s mysterious ring before Sauron learns more.
What Is the Latest Update on The Hunt for Gollum?
Image © 2012 Warner Bros. / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures
The Hunt for Gollum has finished principal photography after filming began in New Zealand in July 2026. The new Lord of the Rings film is now moving into post-production ahead of its December 17, 2027 release date. Andy Serkis directs and reprises Gollum, while Jamie Dornan plays Aragorn and Elijah Wood returns as Frodo. The story sits between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, with Gandalf trying to understand Bilbo’s One Ring before Sauron learns more.
Has The Hunt for Gollum Finished Filming, and When Will It Be Released?
Yes. Production is complete, and Serkis described the shoot as “an incredible journey.” Dornan also confirmed that he had finished his work, saying, “I finished like three weeks ago.” He called the experience “incredible” and said playing Aragorn was “an absolute dream and an honor.”
- Filming is complete: Principal photography began in July 2026 and wrapped in November.
- The release date is set: Warner Bros. plans to release the movie in theaters on December 17, 2027.
- Serkis leads the project: He is both director and the actor behind Gollum.
- The original creative team returns: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Phoebe Gittins are involved in writing and producing.
- Frodo is back: Elijah Wood has filmed new material and told Deadline that returning felt “beautiful and surreal.”
- More familiar faces return: Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf, while Lee Pace returns as Thranduil.
Serkis has also described the mental strain of directing while playing the creature again. He said, “Am I directing you, Gollum? Or you me? Are we arguing?” He later added, “I don’t suspect that Gollum will ever leave me, quite frankly.”
What Is The Hunt for Gollum About, and Who Is in the Cast?
The plot follows Aragorn as he is sent to find Gollum before Sauron’s forces can learn what the creature knows about the One Ring. Serkis said the movie “sits absolutely between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies” and called it “a deep dive into the psychology and history of Gollum.”
- Jamie Dornan plays Aragorn: He said, “I cried. I actually cried,” after landing the role.
- Dornan respects Viggo Mortensen: He said, “For me, Aragorn will always be just Viggo.”
- Elijah Wood returns as Frodo: His exact role size is still unknown.
- Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf: The story connects his search for answers about Bilbo’s ring to Aragorn’s quest.
- Lee Pace returns as Thranduil: His screen time has not been revealed.
- New characters join Middle-earth: Variety reports Kate Winslet as Marigol, Leo Woodall as Halvard, and Anya Taylor-Joy as an elf.
The movie expands a part of Tolkien’s timeline only briefly covered in the novels and previous films. For now, the main confirmed update is simple: filming is done, the cast is set, and the wait continues until 2027 for its worldwide theatrical release.
Final Thoughts
The Hunt for Gollum expands the Lord of the Rings franchise by exploring a part of Middle-earth only briefly covered in the original trilogy and Tolkien’s writing. With Andy Serkis directing and starring as Gollum, the film connects the Hobbit trilogy, including An Unexpected Journey and The Battle of the Five Armies, with the later Rings story.
FAQs
The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for release in theaters on December 17, 2027.
Jamie Dornan portrays Aragorn, taking on the role previously associated with Viggo Mortensen in the original Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Lee Pace are among several actors returning to the Middle-earth world.
The story takes place between the Hobbit films and The Fellowship of the Ring, during Aragorn’s quest to find Gollum before Sauron learns more about the One Ring.
Yes, Peter Jackson is involved as a producer and writer, while Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Phoebe Gittins also contribute to the film’s creative team.