Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood Join The Hunt for Gollum Cast

Warner Bros. Confirmed at CinemaCon 2026 on April 14, 2026, that Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood will return to their respective roles as Gandalf and Frodo Baggins in the upcoming film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

The announcement included the reveal of a promotional poster featuring Gollum. The project marks a return to Middle-earth directed by Andy Serkis, who will also reprise his role as Gollum and Sméagol.

Plot and Production Details

The film is set between the events of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. The narrative focuses on Aragorn’s quest to capture Gollum to prevent Sauron from discovering the location of the One Ring, exploring Aragorn’s early experiences as a ranger.

Originally slated for a December 2026 release, director Andy Serkis revealed earlier in 2025 that the film has been moved to December 2027. Production is expected to ramp up in New Zealand in 2027.

The production aims for significant continuity with the original trilogy. Elijah Wood stated during an appearance at DesertCon in Monterrey that the creative band is getting back together, noting that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are heavily involved, alongside the original production designers.

Cast and Collaborators

Several key actors from the previous films are confirmed or reported to return for the 2027 production:

• Andy Serkis as Gollum and Sméagol
• Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey
• Elijah Wood as Frodo
• Lee Pace as Thrandruil

Reports also indicate the involvement of Viggo Mortensen. Wood has further suggested that so many cameos from the original Fellowship may appear within the sprawling plot of the sequel.

Creative Direction

The movie is based on the appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original literary work. By utilizing the original writing and design team, the production intends to maintain the visual and narrative consistency of the established franchise.

Wood described the process of reuniting the original team as getting that old machine up and running again with all of the right people.