Elijah Wood Teases Return in ‘The Hunt for Gollum’
Elijah Wood has revealed his enthusiasm for the new Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum, hinting at his involvement and celebrating the original team’s reunion.
Elijah Wood has opened up about his potential part in the upcoming Lord of the Rings instalment, The Hunt for Gollum. While there’s been no official word on his casting just yet, Ian McKellen let slip a few details at a fan gathering last year.
“It’s going to start filming in May. It’s going to be directed by Gollum, and it’s all about Gollum,”
McKellen said, before cheekily adding,
“But I’ll tell you two secrets about the casting. There’s a character in the film called Frodo and another character called Gandalf, and apart from that my lips are sealed.”
During a recent chat with Screen Rant at Fan Expo New Orleans, Wood was asked about McKellen’s comments. He replied,
“I can neither confirm nor deny. Listen, a wizard is to be trusted.”
He didn’t outright say he’d be back as Frodo, but went on,
“Aside from any of that, I’m not really allowed to confirm. I’m really excited about the film. I think it really is a creative ‘getting the band back together.’ A lot of the creative heads of department are back and in that space again.”
Creative Team Reunites
Wood also mentioned that Phillipa Boyens, who penned the original trilogy’s screenplay, is involved once more.
“She is co-writing it and producing it,”
he said, clearly chuffed about the reunion.
“It’s very much that core original group getting back together to tell this story that will feel like a really fun exploration of this character that we all love so much. And I’m just really excited.”
Andy Serkis, known for his portrayal of Gollum, is set to direct the new film. Wood is all for it, saying,
“It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own. I’m thrilled. It’ll be great.”
Looking Ahead for Middle-earth
When The Hunt for Gollum was announced in 2024, Warner Bros confirmed that another Lord of the Rings film would follow. Wood shared his thoughts on the future of the franchise,
“I know their intention is to make other films in this universe. And that’s exciting, interesting to see where that goes, but very exciting.”
The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled to hit cinemas on 17 December 2027, with fans already buzzing about what’s next for Middle-earth. The return of familiar faces and the original creative crew has punters keen to see how this new chapter unfolds.