Warner Bros. has revealed plans for a new installment in the beloved Lord of the Rings franchise. Titled “The Hunt for Gollum,” this upcoming film is set to mark the beginning of a fresh wave of movies set in Middle-earth, with the first release scheduled for 2026.
“The Hunt for Gollum” will see Andy Serkis reprising his role as Gollum while also taking on the directorial duties. It promises to delve into untold storylines from J.R.R. Tolkien’s rich mythology, presenting audiences with new perspectives on the beloved fantasy world. Notably, this will be the first major live-action film set in the Lord of the Rings universe since “The Hobbit” trilogy.
Adding to the excitement for fans, Peter Jackson, the visionary director behind the original Lord of the Rings movies, will be involved in the project as a producer. Alongside Jackson, his longtime collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will also contribute to the production, ensuring that the spirit of Middle-earth remains intact.
This announcement comes as part of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s declaration of a new era for the franchise, emphasizing its enduring popularity and the significant opportunity it presents for theatrical business.
In addition to “The Hunt for Gollum,” other Lord of the Rings projects are in the works, including an animated film titled “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” set to release in December. Meanwhile, Prime Video’s “The Rings of Power” continues its production on its second season, promising further exploration of Tolkien’s expansive universe.
