Just when it seemed that all of Tolkien’s works set in Middle-earth had been adapted by Hollywood, Warner Bros. announced: Gollum is returning. In 2026, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will be released — the first film in a new series that will once again transport us to Tolkien’s world.
The Hunt for Gollum: What the Film Is About The title hints at an episode from The Lord of the Rings: Gandalf and Aragorn’s hunt for Gollum before the main trilogy begins. While Frodo lived peacefully in the Shire, dark forces were already searching for the Ring, and Aragorn was tracking Gollum across the wild lands of Middle-earth. This story is only briefly mentioned in the books, but now it will be brought to life on screen.
What Makes The Hunt for Gollum Special This project is not produced by Amazon, giving hope for a quality film. Additionally, Peter Jackson returns as a producer, promising the familiar atmosphere, epic scale, and respect for the source material.
Andy Serkis will reprise his role as Gollum and also take the director’s chair. No one knows the character better than he does, ensuring that Gollum will be more than just a lisping monster. The film will show Middle-earth from a different perspective — through the lens of fear, survival, and the dark secrets harbored by the most unsettling hobbit.
What The Hunt for Gollum Will Explore The film will depict Gollum’s years of wandering after losing the Ring — underground tunnels, mountain paths, swamps, encounters with orcs, and mysterious creatures previously left unseen. In the books, the future king of Gondor tracked Gollum for years before bringing him to Mirkwood.
It is likely the film will show Aragorn following clues, passing through lands of Mordor’s servants, and facing other dangers. After his capture, Gollum was held in King Thranduil’s dungeons (Legolas’s father), where he was tortured for information. This episode could highlight Elven politics, their fear of Sauron’s return, and Legolas’s role in the story.
The Hunt for Gollum is set to release in 2026, but production is already in full swing. Andy Serkis hints at a film with a new tone — less epic but more psychologically profound, focusing on the fate of a cursed creature. Notably, Gandalf will also play a key role in the film.
