Andy Serkis, the actor behind Gollum, has defended the casting of the new Lord of the Rings spin-off film The Hunt for Gollum after it faced backlash for its lack of diversity. Serkis, who is directing and starring in the film, said the Shire feels 'very white' and that the production would address diversity 'where relevant' rather than 'ticking boxes'.
Backlash Over All-White Main Cast
The film, which follows Strider's (Jamie Dornan) search for Gollum during the events of The Fellowship of the Ring, was criticised after its main cast announcement featured only white actors. Original trilogy stars Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Elijah Wood (Frodo) are returning, alongside Serkis as Gollum and Lee Pace as elf Thranduil. Newcomers include Anya Taylor-Joy as elf Seren, Kate Winslet as Marigol, Jamie Dornan as Strider, and Leo Woodall as ranger Halvard.
Serkis Addresses the Shire's Whiteness
In an interview with the BBC, Serkis explained the setting's inherent lack of diversity. 'The Shire feels very, very much like a very, 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,' he said. He noted that author J.R.R. Tolkien was 'influenced by a lot of Norse mythology'.
Serkis acknowledged 'criticisms' about the original films' casting and said his film would be 'somewhat acknowledging that'. However, he insisted he would not create a 'politically correct just-casting-for-the-sake-of-casting-and-ticking-boxes version'. 'So it's only where relevant basically,' he added.
Serkis's History with Diversity in Hollywood
Serkis has long campaigned for equality in the film industry. In 2018, he reflected on his role in Black Panther, where he was one of few white actors. He told Radio Times: '[Director] Ryan Coogler said to me and Martin [Freeman], 'Guys, I have to tell you this, but this is the first scene I've directed with two white actors in it.' That's an incredible perspective to find yourself in.'
Upcoming Releases and Further Casting
The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for release on 17 December 2027, told from Gollum's perspective. Another spin-off, Shadow of the Past, written by Stephen Colbert, is also in development. Additional cast members are expected to be announced in the coming months.
