View 2 Images

The movie is currently scheduled for theatrical release on December 17th, 2027(Image: east2west news)

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is a highly anticipated live-action feature helmed by and starring Andy Serkis in the iconic role. With the original trilogy’s creative powerhouse – Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens – producing, it marks a major return to Middle-earth for cinema audiences.

Taking place during the gap between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, this fresh Lord of the Rings instalment explores a “hidden chapter” where Gandalf and Aragorn track down Gollum to prevent him from revealing the One Ring’s location to Sauron. The Hunt for Gollum’s story unfolds primarily through Gollum’s eyes, described as a “psychological drama” and a gripping “interior story”.

Andy Serkis returns to embody Gollum once more, whilst Sir Ian McKellen has confirmed he’ll be back as Gandalf. Elijah Wood is also expected to appear as Frodo Baggins.

Although Viggo Mortensen has expressed interest in reprising Aragorn, recent rumours suggest the character may be recast to depict a younger version of the Ranger.

View 2 Images

Sir Ian McKellen has confirmed his return as Gandalf in the film(Image: PA)

The picture is presently scheduled for theatrical release on December 17th, 2027, with filming slated to begin in May 2026 in New Zealand.

Whilst certain enthusiasts are excited about the venture, others all have the same comment about the film – that they ‘have little hope’ for the production. In a Reddit thread discussing the upcoming film, one devotee admitted: “To me this is starting to feel more and more like some of the OG cast, who have been friends for 20+ years at this point, just want to come back together in New Zealand again, have some fun, and try and recreate the magic.

“I’m not putting any hopes up and I think it’s really not the point, but what they’re making seems to be born out of love and if it’s better than we expect that’s a bonus.”

Another agreed they “have very little hope” for the project.

Meanwhile, a third suggested: “If it’s about the cast getting back together, they should just do a non-canon sitcom about the four Hobbits as older men living in the Shire. The first episode would start with Frodo making a surprise return from Valinor.”

Multiple fans also expressed scepticism regarding 86 year old Ian McKellen’s return as Gandalf.

One person remarked: “I’d go so far as to say Ian McKellen playing Gandalf for this movie is a stretch. The smoothing they did on him in The Hobbit so that he didn’t look older than FOTR Gandalf already looked weird, and that’s years ago now.

“I could see it working if they have McKellen’s Gandalf narrating the story from a later date, but that would have worked to have Viggo in the movie too.”

Another chimed in: “Honestly, he looks old and Gandalf is kind of portrayed as older looking. Just let him look old, its better than sore thumb CGI.

“I haven’t read in to anything for the movie but the only way this feels like it could work is if Aragorn and Gandalf are sitting in Minas Tirith going, ‘Hey remember when that scrappy little guy could have destroyed the world?’ before diving into a 2-hour flashback.”

Meanwhile, other viewers expressed their desire for a completely different approach, with one fan remarking: “Absolutely crazy to me that they don’t just make a ‘Days of the King” movie or show where it follows Aragorn into the later days of his rule.

“There you don’t need to worry about the age of actors. Sure you can’t have Gandalf, but at least this would make more sense.”