Andy Serkis has defended the lack of diversity in his upcoming Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum, stating that the production will not engage in 'politically correct casting-for-the-sake-of-casting.' The actor and director, who reprises his role as Gollum, addressed criticism over the film's predominantly white cast in an interview with BBC News.
Serkis Cites Tolkien's Norse Mythology Influence
Serkis, 62, explained that the creative choices are rooted in the source material. 'Tolkien himself was influenced a lot by Norse mythology, there’s a lot of that feeling,' he said. 'The Shire feels very, very much like a very, a very white, you know… They’re not very concerned about what goes on beyond the borders of The Shire, but they know they don’t want people coming in.'
The film, which is currently shooting in New Zealand, is set chronologically between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies. The announced cast includes Kate Winslet, Leo Woodall, Jamie Dornan (replacing Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn), Anya Taylor-Joy, and returning stars Elijah Wood as Frodo and Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf. All announced actors are white.
Acknowledging Criticism While Standing Firm
Serkis acknowledged that 'there have been criticisms' regarding the lack of diversity but maintained that the film would not adopt a 'just-casting-for-the-sake-of-casting-and-ticking-boxes version.' He added, 'So, it’s only where relevant basically.'
The original Lord of the Rings films (2001–2003) also featured almost entirely white casts, a norm before color-blind casting became widespread. In contrast, Prime Video's The Rings of Power series embraced diversity, casting actors of color as Harfoots and elves. However, the show faced racist backlash, prompting a statement condemning 'relentless racism' against its Black actors.
Serkis's Experience on Black Panther
Serkis previously reflected on being one of the few white actors in Black Panther, alongside Martin Freeman, and how it gave him insight into being a minority on set. Despite this, he stands by the casting choices for The Hunt for Gollum.
Film Details and Future Releases
The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027. The story is drawn from Tolkien's appendices, focusing on Gollum's psychology and history. Producer Peter Jackson confirmed to IndieWire that the film includes 'little side stories, embellishments, enlargements – and part of The Hunt for Gollum is described in that. Gollum’s childhood and how he became what he was. Him trying to get to the Shire, and the Rangers tracking him down. He ends up being captured and taken to Mordor – it’s all in the appendices.'
Additional casting announcements are expected. A second new Lord of the Rings film, Shadow of the Past, written by Stephen Colbert, will follow. Serkis has also confirmed that AI will be used to de-age some characters in The Hunt for Gollum.
