Elijah Wood recently offered an exciting hint about the upcoming installment in The Lord of the Rings saga, stirring speculation about returning cast members. Speaking at Mexico’s DesertCon, Wood suggested that The Hunt for Gollum, set for release in December 2027, could reunite much of the original team, emphasizing significant creative continuity in the franchise’s latest chapter. This development marks a rare continuation of The Lord of the Rings story following Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy.
Over 20 years ago, Peter Jackson achieved an unprecedented feat by filming The Lord of the Rings story in one ambitious production, reshaping the fantasy film landscape. While his subsequent return with The Hobbit trilogy was more subdued, Jackson is now reengaging with Middle-earth as an executive producer. This time, Andy Serkis will direct, adding a fresh yet familiar vision to the franchise’s legacy.
At DesertCon, Wood responded cautiously when asked about The Hunt for Gollum. Though he refrained from revealing details, he highlighted the project’s creative team and filming location to emphasize its connection to previous works. As Wood put it,
“Well, I can’t say anything about that. I know a great deal about it. I’ve read it. It’s really good. There are some wonderful people involved. The thing that is so exciting is that it is really getting the creative band back together. The brain trust behind ‘Lord of the Rings,’ Fran, Peter, Philippa, they are heavily involved. And then, the same production designers. It is going to be shot in New Zealand. So, it is going to carry with it such continuity with so many people who are a part of ‘Lord of the Rings,’ and I am really excited about that. It feels like getting that old machine up and running again with all of the right people.”
Elijah Wood, Actor
What Elijah Wood’s Comments Suggest About Cast and Continuity
Wood’s remarks have prompted fans and observers to consider what this “creative band” reunion might entail, especially regarding the cast interface. While he did not explicitly state that many original stars would return, his focus on the project’s creative continuity has fueled hopes for cameos or major roles reprised by actors from the previous films.
The Hunt for Gollum has already confirmed Wood’s return as Frodo Baggins, Ian McKellen’s involvement as Gandalf, and Andy Serkis’s expected return voicing Gollum, reinforcing a strong link to the original trilogy. Given Wood’s emphasis on maintaining continuity through both talent and production teams, it seems plausible that other prominent actors like Viggo Mortensen and Orlando Bloom could participate in some form.
Viggo Mortensen, who portrayed Aragorn in the original trilogy, has expressed openness to reprising his role, depending on how well it fits with the storyline and his current age. He stated,
“Sure. I don’t know exactly what the story is, I haven’t heard. Maybe I’ll hear about it eventually. I like playing that character. I learned a lot playing the character. I enjoyed it a lot. I would only do it if I was right for it in terms of, you know, the age I am now and so forth. I would only do it if I was right for the character. It would be silly to do it otherwise.”
Viggo Mortensen, Actor
Mortensen’s thoughtful stance reflects a cautious but hopeful attitude toward the project, underscoring how important authentic casting continuity is for these fan-beloved stories. No official casting announcements have been made yet, but with the release scheduled for late 2027, fans can anticipate further updates soon.
Returning Key Players Behind the Scenes and the Production Setting
As Wood shared, The Hunt for Gollum will benefit from the involvement of the original creative minds behind the trilogy, including Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. These veterans, who shaped the epic storytelling and visual design of Middle-earth, are actively participating in the new project, lending it a strong foundation.
The production designers from the original films are also rejoining this new chapter, aiming to ensure the visual and atmospheric consistency that many fans associate with the franchise. Filming will take place in New Zealand, the iconic location synonymous with Middle-earth, reinforcing the sense of returning to familiar landscapes and creative roots.
What The Hunt for Gollum Means for the Franchise’s Future
The upcoming project, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, promises to deepen the franchise through both narrative and production continuity, potentially bringing back beloved actors and the original creative team. Elijah Wood’s hints and Mortensen’s openness suggest a cautious yet meaningful revival of the world that has captivated millions for decades.
With Serkis directing and Jackson executive producing, the project blends fresh direction with experienced stewardship, aiming to satisfy longtime fans while expanding Middle-earth’s cinematic presence. The December 17, 2027 release date places the film within reach of eager audiences who await news about casting and story details.
This project highlights not only the enduring popularity of The Lord of the Rings but also the care taken to respect its legacy. The involvement of core personnel and iconic actors points toward a project that values the essence of the original saga while exploring new facets of its rich universe.
Principal Cast Members Confirmed So Far
- Elijah Wood – Frodo Baggins
- Andy Serkis – Gollum
- Ian McKellen – Gandalf
