Gandalf & Frodo Set to Return: Ian McKellen Confirms Casting for Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum
ENTERTAINMENT
Andy Serkis’ upcoming film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will see Sir Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood return to their iconic roles as Gandalf the Grey and Frodo Baggins.
Gandalf the Grey & Frodo Baggins Confirmed to Return in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
Middle-earth fans, rejoice! Two of the most beloved characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world are officially making their way back to the big screen. Sir Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood will reprise their iconic roles as Gandalf the Grey and Frodo Baggins in Andy Serkis’ highly anticipated directorial venture, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
McKellen Drops the Big Reveal
During the For the Love of Fantasy fan event in London on August 17, McKellen himself confirmed the news with a playful smile.
“I hear there’s going to be another movie based in Middle-earth, and 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 there’s a character in the movie called Gandalf. Apart from that, my lips are sealed!”
This revelation instantly sparked excitement across the fandom, as both characters hold a special place in the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.
About The Hunt for Gollum
First announced in 2024, the film is being produced by original trilogy director Peter Jackson, with Andy Serkis (Gollum himself) stepping behind the camera while also reprising his role. Initially slated for 2026, the release has now been shifted to December 2027.
The story is set in the timeline between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and will focus on Gollum’s mysterious journey during those years.
Warner Bros. Confirms Priority Project
Warner Bros. has placed The Hunt for Gollum at the forefront of its upcoming slate, confirming it as the first of two new Middle-earth films in development. During the studio’s earnings call, President David Zaslav highlighted the project as part of Warner’s top-tier lineup alongside major titles like the new Batman, Superman, and Harry Potter films.
With McKellen and Wood back in action, Serkis directing, and Peter Jackson producing, The Hunt for Gollum is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited fantasy films of the decade.