"The Hunt for Gollum" Releases Dec 2027

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have confirmed December 17, 2027 as the release date for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, bringing Sméagol's untold story to theaters.

The announcement sets the premiere over two years from now, representing at least a one-year delay from the initially projected 2026 timeline. Nevertheless, fantasy enthusiasts are already anticipating their 2027 holiday movie experience.

Andy Serkis, renowned for directing Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, will helm the project. Best known for his iconic motion-capture performances as Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy and Gollum across both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises, Serkis will also reprise his role in front of the camera.

While Serkis brings unparalleled expertise in portraying Gollum, he'll collaborate with Middle-earth veterans including producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Zane Weiner. The writing team features Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou.

Jackson previously hinted at the film's direction, promising deeper exploration of characters' backstories that weren't fully developed in earlier films. "We're particularly excited to uncover aspects of Gollum's journey that remained unexplored," Jackson revealed. "While it's premature to confirm other characters' involvement, we'll remain faithful to Tolkien's original vision."

Chronological Viewing Order for The Lord of the Rings Films

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As Warner Bros. expands its Middle-earth saga, The Hunt for Gollum may feature returning fan favorites. Gandalf appears likely to make an appearance, with Boyens suggesting the beloved wizard could span two live-action films. Original portrayer Ian McKellen may potentially return to the role.

With three years until release, fans can stay engaged with Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which received an early renewal for Season 3 this year.