“CinemaCon: ‘Hunt For Gollum’ Reveals Exciting New Cast”
Warner Bros. used CinemaCon in Las Vegas to reveal an exciting new cast for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The studio confirmed several high-profile additions and returns for the Middle-earth project.
Cast highlights
Jamie Dornan will play Strider, the alias used by Aragorn. Viggo Mortensen originally portrayed that character in Peter Jackson’s films.
Leo Woodall joins the cast as a new character named Halvard. Andy Serkis will direct and will once again perform as Gollum/Sméagol.
Returning stars and notable additions
- Elijah Wood returns as Frodo Baggins.
- Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf.
- Lee Pace reprises the role of Thranduil.
- Filmogaz.com previously reported that Kate Winslet will play Marigol.
Story and setting
The film takes place between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. Its plot focuses on Aragorn’s mission to capture Gollum before the creature reveals the Ring’s location to Sauron.
Much of the narrative draws on material from J.R.R. Tolkien’s footnotes. The movie returns to New Line’s Middle-earth franchise.
Creative team and release
Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou wrote the screenplay. Peter Jackson, Boyens, Walsh and Zane Weiner are producing.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on December 17, 2027.
Franchise context
Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen first played their roles in Peter Jackson’s 2001 film. Jackson’s original trilogy ran from 2001 to 2003, with The Return of the King winning Best Picture.
Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films have earned nearly $6 billion worldwide. This project marks Warner Bros.’ first live-action theatrical return to Tolkien’s world since The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
Recent related entries
The new live-action film follows the 2024 anime The War of the Rohirrim. Warner Bros. presented all these updates during its CinemaCon showcase in Las Vegas.
