The Lord of the Rings: New Candidate for Aragorn Recasting in The Hunt for Gollum?
According to an insider, two lead actors are being sought
New casting rumors surrounding "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum": According to insider Daniel Richtman, those responsible are currently in talks with a potential new actor to play Aragorn. But that's not all: according to Richtman, a Hollywood star could also be joining the cast.
The new Aragorn?
Specifically, Richtman reports that the casting process for two lead actors is currently underway. The male protagonist is likely to be Aragorn. Currently under discussion: Leo Woodall. The actor is known for his role in the second season of the hit series "The White Lotus", among other things. Most recently, he can also be seen in the new "Bridget Jones" movie and in the new Netflix show "Vladimir".
Aragorn will likely play a central role in "The Hunt for Gollum". The new film takes place at the same time as "The Fellowship of the Ring" – more precisely, after Bilbo's birthday party and before the Mines of Moria. At this time, Aragorn is searching for Gollum. However, fans will now have to get used to a new actor. Although some fans were still hoping for Viggo Mortensen's return, this now seems rather unlikely.
Anya Taylor-Joy in The Hunt for Gollum?
Richtman also mentions another big name for a female lead character: Anya Taylor-Joy. The actress is one of Hollywood's rising stars and can be seen in films such as "The Menu", "Split", "Furiosa", and the hit show "The Queen's Gambit". Richtman did not share any details about her role. Among other things, fans are discussing whether she could play an elf.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the reports about Woodall and Taylor-Joy are true – the casting of the two is not yet certain. However, some further details about "The Hunt for Gollum" are already known – both about the casting and the plot. And the release date has also been set: the film will hit theaters on December 17, 2027. Here you can find all the details about the return of "The Lord of the Rings":
The cast of The Hunt for Gollum
Since the film revolves around Gollum, it has long been clear that Andy Serkis will play the lead role. The actor already portrayed the character in the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies using motion capture technology. Serkis is considered a pioneer of the process that brings digital characters to life using real actors' movements. His portrayal of Gollum in the "Lord of the Rings" films set new standards in film technology at the time.
But it won't just be a reunion with Gollum. Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are also said to be part of the cast. The two will once again slip into their iconic roles as Gandalf and Frodo. McKellen recently revealed on Stephen Colbert's Late Night Show that filming is set to begin in New Zealand in July 2026.
The time frame of the plot also offers room for the return of other familiar characters. For example, characters such as Elrond or Galadriel could appear, perhaps in connection with the growing threat from Sauron. They also made appearances in "The Hobbit" films. The Nazgûl could be the villains of the movie, as they are intensifying their search for clues about the Ring-bearer at this time.
Behind the scenes
Andy Serkis is not only taking on the role of Gollum – he will also be directing the film. However, this is not his first time in the director's chair: Serkis has already directed several films, including "Venom 2" and the Netflix film "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle". Serkis also worked behind the scenes on two "Hobbit" films, "An Unexpected Journey" and "The Battle of the Five Armies", taking on some directing duties.
The screenplay was written by Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, among others. The two have already written the scripts for the previous Middle-earth films together with Peter Jackson. While Jackson also directed at the time, this time he is only involved as a producer. Boyens and Walsh are supported by Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. The two writers most recently wrote the script for the "Lord of the Rings" animated film "The War of the Rohirrim".
