"Hunt for Gollum" Set for December 2027 Release

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially set a The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum release date for December 17, 2027, bringing Sméagol’s untold story to theaters.

The announcement places the premiere over two years away. While representing at least a one-year delay from initial 2026 projections, fantasy enthusiasts are undoubtedly already planning their holiday viewing experience for Christmas 2027.

Andy Serkis, renowned for directing Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, will helm the project. The actor-director famously portrayed Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy and, most memorably, brought Gollum to life in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fans will delight in Serkis' dual role as both director and performer in this installment.

Jackson previously hinted at the film's narrative direction, promising deeper exploration of characters' backstories that earlier films couldn't accommodate.

"We're particularly excited to uncover unexplored chapters of Gollum's journey that the original trilogy couldn't fully address," Jackson revealed last year. "While it's premature to confirm supporting characters, Tolkien's original writings will guide our storytelling."

The Lord of the Rings Films Chronologically

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As Warner Bros. expands its Middle-earth cinematic universe, The Hunt for Gollum may reintroduce familiar faces. Industry speculation suggests Gandalf could appear, with Boyens telling Empire the beloved wizard might feature in two upcoming films. Original portrayer Ian McKellen may potentially reprise his iconic role if scheduling aligns.

With The Hunt for Gollum's theatrical release still three Decembers away, fans can explore Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which secured its Season 3 renewal earlier this year.