In exciting news for fans of Legolas and the beloved franchise, more epic *Lord of the Rings* movie adventures are on the way. New details emerged at CinemaCon, announcing *The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum* will arrive in theaters in 2027, featuring some familiar faces from Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, alongside new cast members taking on iconic roles.
So, what can viewers expect from *The Hunt for Gollum*? Who will be stepping into Aragorn’s shoes, as Viggo Mortensen takes a backseat? Here’s what’s known about the film so far.
Set on the timeline between *The Hobbit* and *The Lord of the Rings*, closer to the start of *The Fellowship of the Ring*, the story features Andy Serkis reprising his role as Gollum/Sméagol. Serkis is also taking the director’s chair for this installment. In a treat for fans, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, known for their work on *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* trilogies, are producers, with Boyens and Walsh writing the screenplay alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou.
In Tolkien’s lore, Sméagol was once a hobbit corrupted by the One Ring, transforming into Gollum due to his obsession. *The Hunt for Gollum* unfolds around the beginning of events in *The Fellowship of the Ring*, specifically during the Third Age, though specifics about where the film picks up are under wraps. Leaks hint at exploring the shadowed time between Bilbo’s departure and the Fellowship’s formation.
The returning cast from the original trilogy includes Andy Serkis as Gollum/Sméagol, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, and Lee Pace as Thranduil. Joining them are Jamie Dornan as Aragorn/Strider, Kate Winslet as a character named Marigol, and Leo Woodall as Halvard. Howard Shore, composer for all previous *Lord of the Rings* projects, is also hinted to be involved.
Also announced by Warner Bros. and New Line at CinemaCon, *The Hunt for Gollum* will debut in cinemas on December 17, 2027, echoing the familiar December release pattern of the original trilogies.