As a lifelong fan of the Lord of the Rings franchise—and yes, an unapologetic Frodo Baggins fan—I’ve got a natural skepticism for any new content set in Tolkien’s universe. When you love something as much as Middle-earth, the last thing you want to see is its legacy tarnished by a soulless cash grab. So, when I heard about The Hunt for Gollum, I was initially on edge. But after hearing what Elijah Wood had to say about the project, I’m starting to feel a lot more optimistic.
Wood, who of course played Frodo in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, has been vocal about his confidence in The Hunt for Gollum. In an interview with Inverse, Wood shared why he believes this project, directed by none other than Gollum himself, Andy Serkis, is more than just a nostalgic cash-in.
“Getting the Band Back Together”: Elijah’s Perspective
“I am excited. I am obviously a fan of the creative team. I’m invested because it is the same creative team behind Lord of the Rings. It’s revisiting that character, giving Andy a movie to direct… There’s no better person to shepherd that particular movie than the person who really created that character and knows that character through and through. It just feels like getting the band back together in a really cool way for a unique piece.”
“I think the idea of there being more films in that universe is only exciting if it’s being shepherded by Pete, Fran, and Philippa and the rest of their creative universe in New Zealand. When it comes to, and I think we’re all a little bit sensitive to this, this world of trying to make more films within a certain kind of franchise, there can be a degree of cynicism associated with it. There can be this sort of, ‘Oh, f***, are they going to mess the thing up that I love? Is it just this kind of cash grab to exploit a specific thing?’”
What We Know About The Hunt for Gollum
So what is The Hunt for Gollum all about? The film is set to take place between Bilbo’s 111th birthday and the events of the Fellowship’s journey to the Mines of Moria. It’s a fascinating time period in the Lord of the Rings timeline, one we haven’t seen much of before. Gollum’s twisted journey is an untapped well of story potential, and with Serkis at the helm, this isn’t just a quick attempt to cash in on a famous character.
According to Andy Serkis himself, the project is something he’s deeply passionate about. Serkis recently shared, “We is baaaaak, Precious!” on social media, expressing his excitement to return to Middle-earth in this dual role as director and Gollum. With Peter Jackson and the rest of the creative team involved “every step of the way,” as Jackson noted, this film feels more like a continuation of their shared journey rather than a soulless corporate decision.
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Frodo’s Possible Return?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: Could Frodo make an appearance? While it seems unlikely due to the film’s timeline, Wood hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a cameo. With the movie focusing on Gollum’s life before his encounter with Frodo, it’s unlikely Frodo will play a significant role, but hey—never say never. We all know how franchises love to surprise us.
What Sets This Apart from Typical Franchise Spin-offs?
It’s easy to be cynical when we hear about new films set in beloved universes. We’ve all seen franchises stretch themselves thin, trying to milk every last bit of nostalgia from fans (Star Wars, I’m looking at you). But Wood’s confidence in The Hunt for Gollum stems from the fact that it’s in the hands of the original creators.
Wood addressed the concerns of many fans, saying, “There can be a degree of cynicism associated with it… Is it just this kind of cash grab to exploit a specific thing?” But Wood makes it clear that with Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens involved, this movie isn’t about exploitation—it’s about expanding the world in meaningful ways. Given that Serkis, Jackson, and the team are so passionate about this project, it feels less like a corporate decision and more like a reunion of a creative team that truly loves Middle-earth.
A Deeper Dive into Gollum’s Psyche
Let’s not forget that Gollum is one of the most complex and tragic characters in the Lord of the Rings universe. His journey from a humble river-dwelling creature to a Ring-obsessed monster is full of layers, and Serkis, who knows the character inside and out, is uniquely positioned to explore Gollum’s internal struggle in ways we haven’t seen before.
Fans of Tolkien’s work know that Gollum’s story is one of loss, obsession, and duality. We got glimpses of this in the original trilogy, but there’s so much more to explore—especially during the time when Gollum is relentlessly tracking down Bilbo. Serkis, with his unparalleled understanding of the character, is poised to dive deep into these themes. As CBR notes, this won’t be a superficial take—it’s expected to be a meaningful exploration of Gollum’s fractured mind.
Looking Ahead: A Promising New Chapter for Middle-earth
With the creative team that brought Middle-earth to life back in action, there’s a lot to look forward to in The Hunt for Gollum. The film will be part of a larger expansion of Tolkien’s universe, with multiple new stories in development, including an animated feature, The War of the Rohirrim, expected in 2026. It’s clear that Warner Bros. has big plans for Middle-earth, but it’s also clear that they’re handling these new stories with care by involving the original team.
Elijah Wood’s support, combined with Serkis’s passion for the project, makes me cautiously optimistic. If this film delivers on its promise, we might just be in for another unforgettable journey through Middle-earth.
