Elijah Wood hints at possible Frodo return in upcoming film. [Image Source: PARADE]
Elijah Wood has made it clear that he does not want any other actor to assume the role of Frodo Baggins in the upcoming 2027 film The Hunt for Gollum, though he has yet to officially confirm if he will reprise the character. Speaking with The Sunday Times, Wood emphasized his connection to the role by saying,
“I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo as long as I’m alive and able.”
This statement comes amid rumors that Leo Woodall may replace Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in the same film.
Hints About Returning and Enthusiasm for the New Film
Wood has hinted that his return as Frodo is a possibility, referencing comments made by Ian during a 2023 convention. He said,
“It hasn’t been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian sort of let the cat out of the bag. So there is a good chance,”
and added his excitement about the project:
“I’m not able to officially say anything until it’s announced, but I will say I’m thrilled with the prospect of another film. It’s always a little nerve-racking when people talk about new movies for a world like Middle-earth. Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling. There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together.”
Wood also shared his anticipation for the familiarity the film will bring. Describing the joy of seeing veteran characters return, he said,
“I can also recognize what fun that is going to be — when you are in the cinema, and you see the hat turn around, and it’s Gandalf,”
and admitted,
“Because I’m also a fan, and excited to see how it all comes together.”
Delays and Key Creative Figures Behind The Hunt for Gollum
Originally slated for a 2026 release, Warner Bros. delayed The Hunt for Gollum to December 17, 2027. The film is directed by Andy Serkis, who also stars as Gollum, a role he has portrayed using motion capture technology since 2002’s The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Wood has expressed excitement about Serkis’s directorial role, stating,
“I’m excited for Andy [Serkis] to direct it,”
adding,
“It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own. I’m thrilled. It’ll be great. And I’m excited to see… I know their intention is to make other films in this universe. And that’s exciting, interesting to see where that goes, but very exciting.”
Wood has also shared his thoughts on the broader creative team involved:
Image of: Elijah Wood
“I can neither confirm nor deny,”
regarding his return as Frodo, but added,
“I’m really excited about the film. I think it really is a creative ‘getting the band back together.’ A lot of the creative heads of department are back and in that space again. Philippa [Boyens] I think, is co-writing it and producing it. It’s very much that core original group getting back together to tell this story that will feel like a really fun exploration of this character that we all love so much. And I’m just really excited.”
Peter Jackson and Collaborators Bring Continuity to the Project
Peter Jackson, known for directing both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, is producing The Hunt for Gollum alongside longtime collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Warner Bros. has highlighted that this trio
“will be involved every step of the way,”
emphasizing the continuity of vision. Boyens described the film’s narrative as quite an intense story that takes place between Bilbo’s birthday party and the journey through the Mines of Moria. She explained,
“It’s a specific chunk of incredible untold story, told through the perspective of this incredible creature.”
Anticipation Builds for the Middle-earth Expansion
The upcoming release of The Hunt for Gollum promises to expand the Middle-earth universe with a story focused on Gollum and set in a previously unexplored time frame. Fans can expect a return of familiar faces and a reunion of much of the creative team behind the original films, which is generating considerable enthusiasm among the fanbase. With Andy Serkis directing and Elijah Wood hopeful to return as Frodo, the film aims to balance fresh storytelling with beloved elements from the classic series.
