Warner Bros. has released the first look teaser for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, the latest film set in JRR Tolkien's Middle-earth. Production has just begun in New Zealand, where both previous film trilogies were shot. The movie stars Andy Serkis as Gollum, who also directs, with Peter Jackson producing.
Plot and Setting
The film takes place during the time jump early in The Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf tasks Strider (Aragorn) with seeking out Sméagol, the former ring-bearer. Told from Gollum's perspective, the story also includes scenes set after The Hobbit and before The Fellowship of the Ring.
The teaser footage shows Serkis in his motion capture suit on Day 1 of shooting. Calling "Action!" in his iconic Sméagol voice, the camera pans out onto the New Zealand countryside with Mount Doom visible in the background.
Cast and Characters
Returning to their roles alongside Serkis are Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, and Lee Pace as Thranduil. Jamie Dornan takes over the role of a younger Strider from Viggo Mortensen. New cast members include Kate Winslet as Marigol, Leo Woodall as Halvard, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren.
Serkis has defended the cast against claims of a lack of diversity.
Release Date
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled to hit cinemas on December 17, 2027.
