The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

What Is The Hunt for Gollum About?

This new film will take place before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. The story follows Aragorn, who is secretly tasked by Gandalf to track down Gollum. The goal? To stop him from revealing the location of the One Ring to Sauron.

This pivotal event is mentioned briefly in Tolkien’s appendices — but has never been shown on screen until now.

Andy Serkis Returns

The film will be directed by Andy Serkis, who will also reprise his iconic role as Gollum, the twisted creature once known as Sméagol. Serkis teams up once again with legendary producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens — the creative minds behind the original trilogy.

A More Intimate Middle-earth

Unlike the epic war-driven scale of previous films, The Hunt for Gollum promises a more character-driven story — focusing on obsession, secrecy, and survival. According to early reports, it will show a grittier side of Middle-earth, blending spy-thriller elements with deep emotional drama.

From Fan Film to Feature Film

Interestingly, a fan-made short film with the same title was released in 2009. Directed by Chris Bouchard, the 38-minute movie also explored Aragorn’s mission to find Gollum. Despite its micro-budget, the film received widespread praise and has been viewed millions of times online.

Now, Warner Bros. is turning that once unofficial story into a full-length cinematic chapter — this time, with full studio backing.

Release Date and What’s Next

• Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

• Release Date: December 2027

• Director: Andy Serkis

• Producers: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens

• Studio: Warner Bros. / New Line Cinema

Final Thoughts

With Andy Serkis behind the camera and Peter Jackson’s team producing, The Hunt for Gollum is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fantasy films of the decade. While it won’t feature massive battles or armies, it will dive deep into the shadows of Middle-earth — where monsters are not only found in caves, but also within.