Leo Woodall Cast as New Ranger in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’

British actor Leo Woodall has been announced as the lead of a new Dúnedain ranger, Halvard, in the upcoming film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, slated for theatrical release on December 17, 2027. Woodall said the role “means everything” and described it as a “boyhood dream,” noting he had watched the original movies countless times as a child.

The film, produced by Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, fills the narrative gap between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, dramatising Aragorn’s quest to capture Gollum before the creature can reveal the One Ring’s location. It reunites the original production team—Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens—and features an ensemble cast that includes Jamie Dornan, Kate Winslet, Andy Serkis (also directing), Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Lee Pace. Woodall, known for roles in The White Lotus, One Day and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, will join the franchise alongside established and new talent.