Release date for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum revealed!

Gollum is returning to the big screen: following the recent release of the animated film "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim", we'll soon get to see a new live-action film from the world of Middle-earth: "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum". Originally, there was already a date for the theatrical release, but this was canceled. A new start date for the project has now been announced.

What is already known?

It is already clear that Andy Serkis will once again take on the role of Gollum. The actor has already played the character in the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" films using motion capture technology. Serkis will also be directing "The Hunt for Gollum".

The screenplay was written by Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, among others, who were already responsible for the screenplays of the previous Middle-earth films together with Peter Jackson. While Jackson also directed those films, this time he is involved in "The Hunt for Gollum" solely as a producer.

Plot

The title of the film "The Hunt for Gollum" already gives an idea of the plot. The focus is on Gollum, who is pursued by various groups due to his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. The film will be set at the same time as "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". Boyens has already spoken to Empire magazine about some of the details:

"It's quite an intense story, which falls after the birthday party of Bilbo and before the Mines Of Moria. It's a specific chunk of incredible untold story, told through the perspective of this incredible creature."

Start date

The start date is typical for "Lord of the Rings": all of Peter Jackson's live-action adaptations were released in December, and this will be the case this time too. However, fantasy fans will have to wait a while longer: The theatrical release is set for December 17, 2027. So there's plenty of time for one or two Lord of the Rings rewatches.

The character Gollum

Few characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth are as ambivalent, fascinating and tragic as Gollum. Especially in "The Lord of the Rings", the creature, who was once a simple hobbit named Sméagol, plays a central role. Embodied by Andy Serkis using groundbreaking motion capture technology, Gollum became one of the most impressive digital characters in film history.

Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings"

In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gollum is a key character whose obsession with the One Ring makes him an unpredictable yet pitiful being. After Frodo and Sam have left the Shire, they meet Gollum for the first time in "The Two Towers", who has been secretly following them – driven by the desire to reclaim "his treasure". Despite their initial skepticism, they decide to take him with them to Mordor, as he knows the way all too well.

What makes Gollum so unique is the inner conflict between his original identity as Sméagol and his greed-ridden alter ego "Gollum". In his soliloquies, it becomes clear how much the ring has split his personality. This conflict makes him more than just an antagonist – he becomes a mirror of Frodo's possible fate should he succumb to the power of the ring.

Gollum plays a decisive role in the finale of "The Return of the King". His attack on Frodo in the fires of Mount Doom ultimately leads to the Ring being destroyed – not by Frodo himself, but by Gollum's destructive obsession.

Gollum in "The Hobbit"

In "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", Gollum appears in one famous scene: the riddle game with Bilbo Baggins. In a cave under the Misty Mountains, Bilbo encounters the creature and tries to secure his freedom through a riddle duel. This encounter not only marks a turning point for Bilbo, but also for Middle-earth. For while Bilbo is able to flee with the ring at the end, Gollum begins a desperate search for his "treasure".

Gollum is far more than just another supporting character or simple adversary. In his new film, he will now take on an even bigger role and be the center of attention. We are now eager to see what "The Hunt for Gollum" will tell us about the character and the world of Middle-earth.