Last year’s confirmation of more live-action films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novels, “The Lord of the Rings,” has left fans eagerly awaiting updates. The wait is over as it’s now official: the first of these highly anticipated films is set to hit theatres in 2026. And there’s more excitement stirring as Andy Serkis steps into the director’s chair while reprising his role as the unforgettable Gollum.
Joining Serkis in this grand cinematic endeavour are none other than the original trilogy’s visionary director, Peter Jackson, along with his esteemed writing partners, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. They’re on board as producers, promising to guide the project every step of the way, as confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.

“Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful and revered franchises in history and presents a significant opportunity for theatrical business,” added the WBD boss.
With the working title unveiled as “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” fans are buzzing with anticipation about what this upcoming installment will bring. While this time period wasn’t extensively explored in Tolkien’s novels, it’s referenced, notably by Aragorn, who reveals his pursuit of Smeagol to gather crucial information about the One Ring before the wretch’s tragic descent into Sauron’s grasp.
The potential for storytelling within this premise is vast, offering glimpses into untold adventures and encounters. And if the likes of Aragorn and Gandalf are indeed involved, it’s likely we’ll see new actors taking on these beloved roles. Stay tuned as more details emerge about this exciting new chapter in the cinematic journey through Middle-earth!

“It is an honour and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that Stinker – Gollum!,” Jackson, Boyens and Walsh said in a statement. “As life long fans of Professor Tolkien’s vast mythology, we are proud to be working with Mike De Luca, Pam Abdy and the entire team at Warner Bros. on another epic adventure!”
“Yesssss, Precious. The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle Earth Peter, Fran and Philippa,” added Serkis. “With Mike and Pam, and the Warner Bros team on the quest as well, alongside WETA and our film making family in New Zealand, it’s just all too delicious…”.
“For over two-decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran and Philippa have shown towards protecting the legacy of Tolkien’s works, and to ensure audiences could experience the incredible world he created in a way that honors his literary vision,” WBD film chiefs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca added. “We are honored they have agreed be our partners on these two new films. With Andy coming aboard to direct Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum(*WT), we continue an important commitment to excellence that is a true hallmark of how we all want to venture ahead and further contribute to the Lord of the Rings cinematic history.”
This news is absolutely thrilling! As a fan of Tolkien’s rich and immersive world, the prospect of delving into the untold stories surrounding characters like Aragorn and Gollum is incredibly exciting. “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” promises to be a captivating addition to the cinematic universe, offering fresh insights into familiar characters and events. I can’t wait to see how Andy Serkis brings his unique vision to the director’s chair while reprising his iconic role as Gollum. Are you as excited as we are for this upcoming adventure? Drop us a comment below and share your thoughts!
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