First Look at Elijah Wood as Frodo in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum Set Photos

First Set Photos Return Fans to the Shire

The photos show elements of the Shire, featuring extras dressed as Hobbits alongside various houses. Another shot captures an actor in costume from behind, which appears to provide a first look at Elijah Wood reprising his iconic role as Frodo Baggins. Andy Serkis is directing the project while also returning to his signature motion-capture role as Gollum. Back in June, Elijah Wood discussed his return to the franchise with ScreenRant, stating it’s sort of like getting the band back together a little bit with that film. Wood added that many of the original creative team are back, describing the production as a family reunion where his own part remains relatively small.

Cast Additions and Returning Characters

The Hunt for Gollum mixes returning cast members from the Peter Jackson trilogies with several new actors entering Middle-earth. Sir Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf, and Lee Pace comes back as Thranduil alongside Serkis and Wood. Meanwhile, Jamie Dornan joins the production to take over the role of Aragorn, succeeding Viggo Mortensen from the earlier films. Additional casting brings Kate Winslet into the franchise as Marigol, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren, a Sindar Elf of the Woodland Realm, and Leo Woodall as Halvard. Peter Jackson serves as an executive producer on the film, working from a script penned by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou.

Inspiration From Joker and Tolkien Appendices

The narrative for the 2027 release draws from the written appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien while adopting a specific psychological framing. Jackson explained that the original Joker film explored a character’s psychology while telling a story, a perspective the filmmakers aim to apply to Gollum. According to Jackson, the upcoming movie will follow the material found in the appendices but will tell that story from an internal Gollum perspective. Production continues in New Zealand, setting up a worldwide theatrical release through Warner Bros. on December 17, 2027.