Warner Bros. may be preparing a new trilogy in the universe of "The Lord of the Rings." According to insiders, the upcoming film "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," directed by Andy Serkis, is being considered as the first part of a new series.
Possible Continuation of the Story
Information about the studio's plans emerged in the podcast The Hot Mic. Film industry insider Jeff Sneider reported that "The Hunt for Gollum" may not be a standalone project but the beginning of a full-fledged trilogy.
According to him, the studio is considering the possibility of expanding the story into three films. However, it is still unknown whether the films will be shot simultaneously, similar to the original trilogy directed by Peter Jackson.
Filming and Cast
Filming for the first film is expected to begin as early as May.
However, the discussion of a possible trilogy raises questions due to the age of some actors from the original series. The 86-year-old Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf, previously confirmed his willingness to reprise the role, but participating in several films at once could be a significant burden for him.
It is also reported that Viggo Mortensen has declined to return to the role of Aragorn. In the new film, the character is planned to be portrayed as younger, so they are looking for an actor under 30.
At the same time, some actors from the original trilogy, including Elijah Wood, Sean Bean, and Orlando Bloom, are reportedly ready to reprise their roles.
What the Film Will Be About
The events of the film will unfold during the story of "The Fellowship of the Ring," shortly before Frodo leaves the Shire.
In the plot, Gandalf tasks Aragorn with finding Gollum — a creature that may possess important information about the One Ring.
To bring the characters back to the screen at a younger age, the creators plan to use modern visual effects technologies, including digital makeup and artificial intelligence methods.
When the Film Will Be Released
The premiere of "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" is scheduled for December 17, 2027.
So far, the studio has not officially confirmed the production of the subsequent parts, but discussions about the new trilogy are already underway.
