Andy Serkis Returns to Middle-earth as Director and Star in "Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," Announces Warner Bros

Warner Bros Motion Picture Group has excited fans worldwide with the announcement of a new addition to the Lord of the Rings film saga, titled "The Hunt for Gollum." This upcoming project will not only see Andy Serkis reprise his iconic role as Gollum but also mark his directorial debut in the series. The film is being developed in collaboration with New Line Cinema and is scheduled for release in 2026.

The news broke overnight as Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy of Warner Bros shared that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens—the celebrated Oscar-winning trio behind the original Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies—will be producing the film. Serkis expressed his excitement about his dual role, quoting his famous character: "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… It's just too delicious."

The working title of the film, "Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," hints at a narrative focused on the enigmatic and pivotal character, Gollum. Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are co-writing the screenplay, promising to delve deeper into the backstory of one of Tolkien's most complex figures.

De Luca and Abdy also emphasized the production's commitment to maintaining the high standards set by the previous films in the series, which have collectively grossed nearly US$6 billion worldwide. They stated, "This team represents our commitment to excellence and continuing the rich cinematic history of the Lord of the Rings."

Adding to the excitement, the producers confirmed that parts of the new films would be shot in New Zealand, continuing the tradition of utilizing the scenic landscapes that have become synonymous with the visual portrayal of Middle-earth. This decision is set to bring numerous job opportunities for the local film and production industry, benefiting New Zealand's economy and its creative sectors.

Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens, renowned as lifelong scholars of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, expressed their enthusiasm about returning to Middle-earth. They highlighted the special significance of working with Serkis, who they described as having "unfinished business with that Stinker—Gollum!"

Furthermore, Warner Bros has another Tolkien-related project in the pipeline, an animated fantasy titled "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim," which is set to hit theatres in December. This release aims to enrich the already vast lore of Middle-earth and attract both new fans and longtime followers.

With such developments, the Lord of the Rings franchise continues to be a pivotal part of cinematic history, capturing the imaginations of audiences around the globe and setting new benchmarks in the fantasy genre. The anticipation for "The Hunt for Gollum" and the involvement of a talented ensemble both in front and behind the camera promise to make this upcoming film a landmark event in the continuing saga of Middle-earth.