The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum has begun production in New Zealand, with Andy Serkis directing and returning as Gollum. A behind-the-scenes video released alongside the update shows Serkis in a motion-capture suit. The film was scheduled to open in theaters on December 17, 2027, according to a July 15, 2026 report from Variety.
What is the major update on The Hunt for Gollum?
The key milestone is that filming is underway, not that a new release date was announced. Variety reported on July 15, 2026 that production had officially begun in New Zealand and that Warner Bros. had released a short behind-the-scenes video featuring Serkis in motion-capture gear. Serkis is both directing the film and reprising Gollum, also known as Sméagol.
When is The Hunt for Gollum scheduled to be released?
Variety’s July 2026 report listed December 17, 2027 as the theatrical release date. That is the latest specific date in the available reporting, but film schedules can change.
The date differs from the project’s original target. In its May 10, 2024 announcement, rights holder Embracer Group said the first of two planned new Middle-earth films was intended for theatrical release in 2026. In February 2025, Serkis told The Direct that the film would instead arrive in December 2027. The July 2026 Variety report subsequently supplied the specific date of December 17, 2027.
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What is the story about?
The film is set around the opening period of The Fellowship of the Ring. According to TheWrap, Gandalf sends Strider—Aragorn—to find Gollum before Frodo’s quest begins. The reported account says Sauron is also seeking Gollum to learn where the One Ring is hidden. This is a brief description of the setup, not a full official synopsis.
Who is in the cast?
The reported lineup combines returning performers from the earlier Middle-earth films with newly announced cast members.
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| Performer | Reported role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Andy Serkis | Gollum/Sméagol; director | Returning performer |
| Ian McKellen | Gandalf | Returning performer |
| Elijah Wood | Frodo | Returning performer |
| Lee Pace | King Thranduil | Returning performer |
| Jamie Dornan | Strider | Newly named cast member |
| Kate Winslet | Marigol | Newly named cast member |
| Leo Woodall | Halvard | Newly named cast member |
| Anya Taylor-Joy | An elf; character name not stated in Variety’s report | Newly named cast member |
Variety reported the cast and roles on July 15, 2026. TheWrap had previously reported the CinemaCon cast reveal on April 14, 2026, including Dornan as Strider.
Who is making the film?
Embracer Group’s May 2024 announcement named Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema as partners on two new Middle-earth films, with The Hunt for Gollum as the first project. It named Serkis as director and star, and Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou as screenwriters. The original announcement’s 2026 release target has since been superseded by the later reported schedule.
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What is confirmed—and what remains unknown?
The July 2026 reporting establishes a production start, Serkis’s dual role, a behind-the-scenes glimpse, a reported cast and a scheduled theatrical date. The material published in these reports does not establish a final trailer, a completed film, or a full official synopsis. Further production and release details may change as the film progresses.
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