As the universe based on Tolkien’s work expands, more details have been released on the upcoming project, here’s what we know so far:

With this project being announced a short time before another Lord of The Rings project which included Stephen Colbert, there’s plenty for fans of the franchise to look forward to. As production on The Hunt for Gollum progresses, new details have been released, especially about returning and new cast members.

What’s it about?

As the title very strongly suggests, this new addition to the cinematic universe focusses on our favourite corrupted Hobbit. This story will take place before, and leading up to, the timeline of The Fellowship of The Ring. The story of Smeagol is touched upon in the story of the original trilogy, we meet him at the tail-end of being warped for about four hundred years after possessing the One Ring. It’s known that he came to possess the One Ring after murdering his cousin, Déagol, which is a relationship this upcoming project has the potential to develop further. It’s very likely that the overall storyline will result in a tragedy, as Gollum’s fate as lonely and mad is already known to super fans and casual enjoyers alike.

Who’s in it?

The latest cast announcements have some familiar and some fresh faces appearing in the expansion of the franchise. Returning to the scene are Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Ian McKellen (X-Men), Elijah Wood (Happy Feet) and Lee Pace (The Running Man). New to the world of Tolkien are Kate Winslet (Titanic), Leo Woodall (Nuremberg) and Jamie Dornan (The Fall), who will be taking on the role of Aragorn.

Who’s behind it?

Writers from the original trilogy, Fran Walsh (Mortal Engines) and Philippa Boyens (The Hobbit) will be working alongside Phoebe Gittins (The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim) and Arty Papageorgiou (The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim) for this particular project. Taking a turn away from the usual director, Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis has taken the lead on this particular project and will be directing. This will be the seventh notch on Serkis’ belt as a director, with previous projects including the 2025 animated remake of Animal Farm and Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

When’s it out?

The film is currently set to release December 17th, 2027.