Elijah Wood, best known for portraying Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Middle-earth spin-off, The Hunt for Gollum — and his comments have filled fans with hope.
Elijah Wood Praises the New Script
Speaking at DesertCon in Mexico, Wood revealed that he has already read the script for The Hunt for Gollum and was deeply impressed.
“I know a lot about it. I’ve read it. It’s really good,” Wood said during the event.
The actor didn’t officially confirm his return as Frodo but expressed excitement about the creative team reuniting. According to Wood, “It feels like getting the old machine up and running again with all the right people.”
Returning Legends Behind the Scenes
The project will once again unite some of the greatest minds of Middle-earth.
Andy Serkis, the iconic performer behind Gollum, will direct and star in the movie. Meanwhile, Peter Jackson, along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, are back as producers and screenwriters.
“The brain trust behind The Lord of the Rings — Fran, Peter, Philippa — they’re all heavily involved,” Wood said. “It’s going to be filmed in New Zealand, with the same production designers, so there’s a real sense of continuity.”
Plot and Setting
The Hunt for Gollum takes place between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, focusing on the search for Gollum after the One Ring falls into the hands of Bilbo Baggins.
This story bridges the gap between trilogies, exploring how Gandalf and Aragorn worked together to uncover Gollum’s whereabouts before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring.
Cast Rumors and Returning Heroes
Although only Serkis has officially confirmed his involvement, speculation continues around other returning stars.
Sir Ian McKellen has hinted that Gandalf may reappear, while Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) has said he’s open to returning. Orlando Bloom (Legolas) mentioned he would “hate” to see another actor replace him but hasn’t yet received an offer.
Continuing the Legacy of Middle-earth
Fans have been divided about the need for another spin-off after The Hobbit trilogy’s mixed reception. However, Wood’s comments suggest The Hunt for Gollum will honor the original films’ legacy while introducing new perspectives to Middle-earth.
The movie will begin production in New Zealand next year and is set to release worldwide on December 17, 2027.
