‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Sets May Shoot as Ian McKellen Confirms Gandalf and Frodo’s Return

There is certainly some skepticism regarding Andy Serkis’ upcoming “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” which would reunite the original cast for this new instalment, including Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Sean Bean, and Orlando Bloom, but sans Viggo Mortensen, who decided not to return for this prequel.

Now, McKellen is confirming that he will be reuniting with Frodo in the movie—no big surprise. He also confirmed that the movie, which is scheduled for December 17, 2027, will begin filming in May.

It's going to start filming in May. It's going to be directed by Gollum, and it's all about Gollum.

But I'll tell you two secrets about the casting. There's a character in the movie called Frodo and another character called Gandalf, and apart from that my lips are sealed.

‘The Hunt for Gollum’ is set during ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ era, shortly before Frodo Baggins leaves the Shire for Rivendell. The film starts with Gandalf sending Aragorn on a quest to find Gollum.

If you’re wondering exactly how McKellen, Wood, and company can possibly come back—all of whom have aged by 20 years—then Boyens has mentioned AI technology and digital makeup.

I’m sure Serkis and the gang’s intentions on this one are noble, and that they do want to make the best possible movie, but the odds are truly stacked against them at the moment.

My biggest concern is Serkis, who will reprise his role as Gollum but is also directing this film. Somehow, Warner Bros. gave the green light to Serkis’ expensive ‘Hunt for Gollum,’ and that was before his upcoming “Animal Farm” had its trailer mocked online. In fact, Serkis’ directing work, which includes “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” doesn’t give one much hope that ‘Gollum’ will turn out great.

It should also be mentioned that Serkis, is working on another LOTR film, separate from ‘Gollum,’ but no details have been revealed about that particular project. It is rumored to potentially take place after the events of 2003’s ‘Return of the King.’

I ask again, why give Serkis the major responsibility to make these movies? It doesn’t make much sense to me.