Elijah Wood has teased the possibility of his return as Frodo in the highly anticipated film “The Hunt for Gollum,” scheduled for release on December 17, 2027. Although Wood did not confirm his involvement directly, his comments suggest that there may be some truth to co-star Ian McKellen’s earlier hint that both Frodo and Gandalf would appear in the new installment.
Speaking at Fan Expo New Orleans, Wood expressed enthusiasm about the film and the reunion of many creative talents from the original trilogy. He mentioned, “I’m really excited about the film. I think it really is a creative ‘getting the band back together.’” This sentiment reflects the strong ties among the original team, with Philippa Boyens co-writing and producing the project alongside Peter Jackson.
Wood is particularly enthusiastic about Andy Serkis taking on the role of director. Serkis, who has portrayed Gollum since “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” brings a unique perspective to the direction of the film. Wood commented, “It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own.”
Warner Bros. initially announced “The Hunt for Gollum” in the summer of 2024 with plans for a 2026 release, but the timeline has since shifted, with a new release date set for late 2027. The film is expected to delve into a specific period in Middle-Earth’s lore, occurring between Bilbo’s birthday party and the events in the Mines of Moria, which Boyens described as “quite an intense story” told through Gollum’s perspective.
As anticipation builds for this new entry in the beloved saga, fans are eager to see how this blend of old and new talent will present Gollum’s complex narrative. The reunion of the original creative team, along with the excitement around Serkis’s involvement, suggests a promising continuation of the Middle-Earth legacy.