Warner Bros. announced that audiences will be officially returning to Middle-Earth in 2026 with the first of their planned new Lord of the Rings films. The project is now in the early stages, with the working title “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” The film is said to focus on the devious character played through motion capture by Andy Serkis in the original Lord of the Rings films.
Not only will Andy return to the role for the new film, but will also direct it as well. In addition, Peter Jackson himself is producing “The Hunt for Gollum” and will be heavily involved in the creation of the film, much to the delight of fans. The news comes from a press release sent out by Warner Bros. to outlets with the announcement. In a statement with the writers of the film, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson expressed excitement for returning to the world of Middle-Earth once again.
“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that Stinker — Gollum! As life-long fans of Professor Tolkien’s vast mythology, we are proud to be working with Mike De Luca, Pam Abdy and the entire team at Warner Bros. on another epic adventure!”
Andy Serkis also made a statement in the press release about reprising his iconic role of Gollum for the new movie. “… 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…”
The three Lord of the Rings movies are seen as some of the best fantasy films ever released, grossing nearly $3 billion worldwide and 30 Academy Award nominations. While details are sparse about the new film, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav tells eager fans to expect great and interesting things. “[The movie] will explore storylines yet to be told…”
