In a surprising revelation that has stunned fans worldwide, Elijah Wood has confessed he never read J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic The Lord of the Rings books until very recently. The actor, who portrayed the beloved hobbit Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's legendary film trilogy, made this admission during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
A Delayed Literary Journey
Wood, who was cast as Frodo twenty-seven years ago, disclosed that he has only just begun reading the classic fantasy series that spawned the multi-billion dollar film franchise. This revelation comes as a shock to many, given Wood's deep association with the character and the cultural significance of Tolkien's work.
'I'm so embarrassed,' Wood reportedly told Colbert, expressing his long-standing reluctance to delve into the source material. His decision to finally pick up the books coincides with the production of a new Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Andy Serkis.
New Film and Returning Cast
The upcoming movie, slated for release in 2027, has already confirmed Sir Ian McKellen's return as the wizard Gandalf. Industry insiders strongly suspect that Wood will reprise his role as Frodo Baggins, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.
Casting speculation is also swirling around the role of Aragorn, originally played by Viggo Mortensen, though no official announcements have been made. The film's development marks a significant expansion of the Lord of the Rings cinematic universe, promising to explore untold stories from Middle-earth.
Wood's Protective Stance on Frodo
In a related statement, Wood has made it clear that he does not want anyone else playing Frodo Baggins while he is 'alive and able'. This declaration underscores his enduring connection to the character and his commitment to preserving the legacy of his portrayal.
Fans have reacted with a mix of amusement and disbelief to Wood's book confession, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts. Some have praised his honesty, while others expressed surprise that an actor so integral to the franchise had not engaged with the original texts sooner.
The Lord of the Rings books, first published in the mid-20th century, have sold over 150 million copies worldwide and are considered foundational works of modern fantasy literature. Wood's delayed reading journey highlights the unique paths actors sometimes take in preparing for iconic roles, often relying on scripts and directors rather than source material.
As The Hunt for Gollum continues production, all eyes will be on how Wood's newfound literary knowledge might influence his performance, should he return as Frodo. The film is expected to delve deeper into the complex relationship between Gollum and the ring, offering fresh insights into Tolkien's richly imagined world.
