Middle-earth fans, mark your calendars for December 17, 2027! Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have officially announced “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” is coming to theaters, continuing the franchise’s tradition of magical December releases.
In a twist that has fans buzzing, Andy Serkis isn’t just returning as the ring-obsessed creature – he’s directing himself in the dual role! Talk about a precious opportunity. Peter Jackson, who helmed the original trilogy, couldn’t be more supportive, declaring, “There’s no one on this earth better equipped to tackle Gollum’s story than Andy.” Jackson pointed out that Serkis cut his directorial teeth on “The Hobbit” trilogy’s Second Unit, praising his “energy and imagination” and deep understanding of Tolkien’s world.
This isn’t Serkis’s first rodeo in the director’s chair. He’s previously directed “Breathe” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” bringing solid experience to the project. Philippa Boyens, co-writing the screenplay, revealed the team’s excitement about Serkis directing: “It was never about, why Andy? It was like, please, God, let Andy say yes.”
The December 2027 release represents a slight delay from initial plans (it was originally targeted for 2026), but the extended timeline gives the production team ample time to perfect those jaw-dropping visual effects we’ve come to expect from Middle-earth adventures. “The Hunt for Gollum” will join an impressive lineup of 2027 blockbusters including “Avengers: Secret Wars,” “Star Wars: Starfighter,” “Incredibles 3,” and “Frozen III.”
While Jackson won’t be directing this time around, he’s far from absent. He’ll be producing alongside his longtime collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav assuring fans the original creative team will be “involved every step of the way.”
Jackson’s fascination with Gollum’s complex character was a driving force behind the project. “Gollum reflects the worst of human nature, whilst his Sméagol side is, arguably, quite sympathetic,” Jackson explained, adding that the character’s internal struggle resonates because “there’s a little bit of both of them in all of us.”
So while we have to wait a bit longer for our return to Middle-earth, it sounds like it’ll be worth it. After all, good things come to those who wait… my precioussss.
