Warner Bros. has set the stage for an epic return to the enchanting world of Middle-earth with the official announcement of a new installment in The Lord of the Rings film series.
Titled ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’, the movie is scheduled to grace screens in 2026, promising fans a captivating journey back to J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy realm.
Helming this highly anticipated project is none other than Andy Serkis, the acclaimed actor renowned for his iconic portrayal of Gollum/Smeagol. In a dual role as both director and lead actor, Serkis is poised to infuse the film with his unparalleled talent and intimate understanding of the enigmatic character, PTI reported.

Collaborating with Serkis on this ambitious venture are industry titans Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, who will serve as producers. Together, they aim to explore previously untold storylines within the rich tapestry of the Lord of the Rings universe, breathing new life into familiar characters and themes.

With a script in development by Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ promises to offer audiences a fresh perspective on the timeless saga. The project represents Warner Bros.’ continued commitment to expanding the cinematic legacy of Middle-earth, following the success of previous adaptations such as Amazon Prime Video‘s “The Rings of Power” prequel series.

Expressing their excitement for the collaboration, Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens hailed Serkis as an indispensable creative force, lauding his pivotal role in bringing Gollum to life on screen. In response, Serkis conveyed his enthusiasm for revisiting Middle-earth alongside his esteemed colleagues, emphasizing the collaborative spirit driving the project forward.

In a statement dripping with anticipation, Serkis remarked, “Yes, Precious. The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle Earth Peter, Fran, and Philippa. With Mike and Pam, and the Warner Bros team on the quest as well, alongside WETA and our filmmaking family in New Zealand, it’s just all too delicious…”

As anticipation mounts and excitement reaches fever pitch, fans of Middle-earth can look forward to embarking on a thrilling new adventure with ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.