Serkis: Gollum Film Stays True to Jackson's Trilogy

Andy Serkis has offered his first insights about the upcoming Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, describing it as "surprising" for fans while maintaining narrative continuity with Peter Jackson's original trilogy.

Serkis Returns to Middle-earth

The acclaimed actor will both direct and reprise his iconic role in The Hunt for Gollum, slated for release on December 17, 2027. This marks Serkis' return to the character that launched his career after last appearing in 2014's The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. The new film will explore Gollum's untold story during the years between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies.

While promoting his new film Animal Farm, Serkis revealed production details to Collider: "Pre-production begins in the coming months, with principal photography scheduled for early-to-mid 2025. It's a substantial production building toward our 2027 release date."

Honoring the Trilogy's Legacy

Serkis emphasized preserving the original films' aesthetic: "We're crafting something that will feel authentic to Middle-earth while offering fresh insights into Gollum's complex psychology. The visual and narrative approach will resonate with fans of Jackson's trilogy."

Returning Legends

The production may see original cast members reprise their roles. Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) have both expressed interest in returning, pending scheduling and health considerations given McKellen's advanced age.

The Expanding Middle-earth Universe

Warner Bros. confirms this marks the first of two new Tolkien adaptations from Jackson's creative team. This cinematic expansion coincides with Amazon's Rings of Power series (currently filming Season 3) and December's animated feature The War of the Rohirrim.

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