"Lord of the Rings: Gollum Hunt Premieres December 2027"

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have unveiled an exciting update for fans of Middle-earth, setting the release date for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum on December 17, 2027. This eagerly anticipated film will bring Sméagol's intriguing story to the big screen, marking a significant event for fantasy enthusiasts who have been planning their Christmas celebrations around it for 2027.

The release is scheduled over two years from now, reflecting a delay of at least one year from the previously announced 2026 plan. However, this delay is unlikely to dampen the spirits of fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the saga.

Helming the project is Andy Serkis, renowned for directing Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Serkis is no stranger to the world of Middle-earth, having famously portrayed Gollum in the original The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy. Fans will be thrilled to know that Serkis will not only direct but also reprise his iconic role as Gollum, bringing his deep understanding of the character to both sides of the camera.

Serkis will be supported by a team of Middle-earth veterans, including producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Zane Weiner. The screenplay will be crafted by Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, ensuring a rich and authentic continuation of the beloved franchise.

Last year, Peter Jackson provided some insight into the film's narrative, hinting that beloved characters’ pasts will be explored. He expressed a desire to delve into aspects of Gollum's journey that were not covered in the earlier films, promising to stay true to J.R.R. Tolkien's original works. "We really want to explore [Gollum’s] backstory and delve into those parts of his journey we didn’t have time to cover in the earlier films," Jackson stated. "It’s too soon to know who will cross his path, but suffice to say we will take our lead from [original author J.R.R. Tolkien]."

The Lord of the Rings Movies in (Chronological) Order

View 7 Images

As Warner Bros. continues to expand the cinematic universe of The Lord of the Rings, The Hunt for Gollum is poised to introduce other familiar faces from Middle-earth. Gandalf, portrayed by the legendary Ian McKellen, is one name expected to appear, with Philippa Boyens hinting at his potential involvement in up to two live-action films. This news has sparked excitement among fans, eager to see McKellen reprise his role as the iconic wizard.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is now slated for release in three Decembers. While the wait may seem long, fans can stay engaged with the latest developments on Amazon Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which has been confirmed to return for Season 3 earlier this year.