Every returning and new actor in ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’

The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum is coming in 2027, but which actors are signed up for the film? Find out what we know so far below. 

The new entry in the J.R.R. Tolkien big-screen saga will tell of the events that took place between The Hobbit trilogy and The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, with Aragorn and Gandalf setting out to find Gollum and learn more about Bilbo Baggins’ ring. 

The film, which is currently slated for a December 17, 2027 release, is set to be directed by Andy Serkis, who will also reprise his role as Gollum. Peter Jackson is returning as a producer, along with his partners from the earlier films, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. 

To coincide with Tolkien Reading Day last month, Jackson gave an update on the film’s progress. “Andy is doing a terrific job. It’s looking amazing,” he said. “The script is coming together really well and I think it’s going to be a really good film.”  

Released between 2001 and 2003, The Lord Of The Rings trilogy was a celebrated hit, winning a combined 17 Oscars and making over $2.9billion (£2.1billion) worldwide. A trilogy based on The Hobbit book was released between 2012 and 2014, also directed by Jackson. The three movies made around the same amount at the box office as their predecessors. A TV series, The Rings Of Power, debuted in 2022 on Prime Video, but is not officially connected to the films. 

It was also recently announced that another film, The Lord Of The Rings: Shadows Of The Past, is in development too. It will pick up 14 years after the passing of Frodo Baggins and will follow Sam, Merry and Pippin as they retrace the first steps of their adventure. Long-time Tolkien fan Stephen Colbert is co-writing the film alongside his son. 

Every returning and new actor in The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum 

As well as Serkis returning to his iconic motion-capture role of Gollum, there has been widespread speculation that other original cast members from Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy will also be returning for The Hunt For Gollum. 

In August last year, Ian McKellen strongly hinted that he had signed on to return to his familiar role of Gandalf the Grey. “I’m not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it,” he said. 

Last month, Elijah Wood gave a similarly strong tease that he too is back on board to reprise his role of Frodo. 

The actor told The Times: “It hasn’t been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian sort of let the cat out of the bag. So there is a good chance. I’m not able to officially say anything until it’s announced, but I will say I’m thrilled with the prospect of another film. 

“It’s always a little nerve-racking when people talk about new movies for a world like Middle-earth. Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling. There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together. 

“I’m just excited,” he added, before responding to McKellen saying he wouldn’t allow another actor to play Gandalf. 

“Well, no, and I totally get that,” Wood said. “I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able. And I can also recognise what fun that is going to be — when you are in the cinema and you see the hat turn around and it’s Gandalf. Because I’m also a fan, and excited to see how it all comes together.” 

Neither Wood nor McKellen have been officially confirmed, but one actor that has definitely signed on is Kate Winslet. She is reportedly set to play the female lead, although the exact role is not yet known. 

One star who will not be returning, however, is Viggo Mortensen. In an interview with Screen Rant, Serkis confirmed that the role of Aragorn will be re-cast. “I don’t know what’s out there at the moment, but I know there’s a lot of speculation, but let’s just say we are recasting the role and we are on the way to finding someone,” Serkis said. 

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