Production begins on “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”

Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema released a behind‑the‑scenes video announcing the start of filming for the new franchise installment “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Director Andy Serkis, who also reprises his role as Gollum, appears in a motion‑capture suit and says, “Here we go, on to the mo‑cap stage for day 1,” before delivering the line “And, action!”

The cast will feature several original trilogy actors – Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo, Lee Pace as Thranduil – alongside newcomers Jamie Dornan (as Strider/Aragorn), Leo Woodall (as Halvard), Kate Winslet (as Marigol), and Anya Taylor‑Joy (as Seren). Filming is taking place in New Zealand, maintaining the visual style of Peter Jackson’s earlier movies. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 17 December 2027.