Anya Taylor-Joy Joins Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen in Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum – Next Lord of the Rings Movie

Anya Taylor-Joy joins Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen in The Hunt for Gollum, the Lord of the Rings prequel directed by Andy Serkis, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The news marks Taylor-Joy’s first role in the franchise, expanding the film’s already star-studded cast.

Anya Taylor-Joy will star in The Hunt for Gollum, the Lord of the Rings prequel directed by Andy Serkis and produced by Amazon Studios. The film, announced in 2022, centers on the backstory of Gollum, with Taylor-Joy’s casting adding a high-profile name to a project that already features Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen in key roles.

Taylor-Joy’s involvement was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter on June 15, 2024, citing industry sources. While the actor’s exact role has not been disclosed, her addition aligns with the film’s focus on Gollum’s origins, suggesting she may portray a character tied to the One Ring’s lore. Serkis, who previously directed King Kong and War for the Planet of the Apes, will helm the project, which is expected to blend live-action with motion-capture technology—a hallmark of his previous Lord of the Rings work.

The casting comes as Amazon Studios continues to develop The Hunt for Gollum as a standalone film, separate from the original trilogy’s timeline. Earlier reports indicated the project would explore Gollum’s early life, with Serkis attached since 2021. Taylor-Joy’s addition elevates the film’s profile, given her rising status in Hollywood after roles in The Queen’s Gambit, Furiosa, and The Menu.

Why does this casting matter?
Taylor-Joy’s involvement could draw comparisons to her past collaborations with Serkis, including The Witch (2015), where she worked under his production company, The Imaginarium. While no direct connection to The Hunt for Gollum has been confirmed, her casting follows a pattern of high-profile talent joining Amazon’s Lord of the Rings spin-offs. The studio has previously cast Nicholas Hoult as Gollum, with Serkis himself reprising his role as the creature.

The film’s release date remains unannounced, though industry sources suggest it could arrive between 2026 and 2028, depending on production timelines. Amazon Studios has not yet released an official statement on Taylor-Joy’s role or the film’s broader creative direction.

How does this fit into Lord of the Rings’ expanding universe?
The Hunt for Gollum is one of several Lord of the Rings spin-offs in development, alongside The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (directed by Serkis) and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power prequel series. Taylor-Joy’s casting adds a fresh perspective to the franchise, which has relied heavily on its original cast and lore. Her addition may also appeal to younger audiences, given her recent success in blockbuster films.

What happens next?
Amazon Studios is expected to provide further details on Taylor-Joy’s character and the film’s production schedule in the coming months. Fans and industry observers will be watching for updates on casting, filming locations, and potential release windows. Given the franchise’s enduring popularity, the addition of a new major star could further boost anticipation for the project.