Andy Serkis is formally headed again to Center-earth as an actor and director, and he simply gave a promising replace on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. It’s precisely the sort of reassurance followers of the unique trilogy have been hoping for.
In a latest interview with Collider whereas selling his upcoming adaptation of Animal Farm, Serkis shared that whereas the movie continues to be in its early phases, actual motion is going on quickly.
Prep work is ramping up within the subsequent few months, with filming set to start in early to mid-2026. The discharge is slated for December 2027. Serkis talked in regards to the movie saying:
“We’re very early on within the course of. We’ve been speaking in regards to the movie over the course of the final yr. We’re about to begin a interval of prep within the subsequent few months or so.
“We might be taking pictures within the early to mid-part of subsequent yr, I suppose, after which it’ll be so long as it takes to shoot, which — it’s a large film — all prepared for a December 2027 launch.
“I’m extremely excited to return and work with my family and friends in New Zealand and really do one thing which is, I believe, going to be stunning, and but very a lot a part of the lore and the texture of the trilogy.
“The sensibility of it can really feel, I believe, near that, and but we’re investigating in larger depth the character previously referred to as Smeagol, however principally referred to as Gollum.”
Serkis is aiming for a similar tone, scope, and coronary heart of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. That ought to ease some nervousness from followers nonetheless smarting from the uneven Hobbit movies or skeptical of extra Tolkien spin-offs.
Set through the occasions of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Hunt for Gollum follows Gandalf’s pursuit of Gollum after realizing Bilbo’s ring is definitely the One Ring. It’s an interquel that fills in an important hole, and Serkis, who may also reprise his iconic function as Gollum, is the one confirmed forged member thus far. However, Ian McKellen can be anticipated to return.
Lord of the Rings followers are fairly protecting of the unique trilogy’s legacy. Increasing on that world is at all times a high-wire act. However Serkis isn’t dashing in. He’s taking his time, planning rigorously, and grounding the challenge in what made the originals so particular. His deep connection to the fabric, and to Gollum particularly, makes him a uniquely certified information for this chapter. I hoipe that he pulls it off.
If this film delivers on what Serkis is promising, a character-focused journey with the emotional and mythic weight of the trilogy, it could possibly be a strong return to type.