Ready to return to Middle Earth?
Two new films set in the fantastical realms of JRR Tolkien's “Lord of the Rings” book series are in development, New Line and Warner Bros. announced Thursday. Director Peter Jackson and screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, who who oversaw the hit “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy in the early 2000s, will reunite to produce the next two films.
“Lord of the Rings” alum Andy Serkis will star in and direct the first new film, tentatively titled “The Hunt for Gollum.” In the original film series, Serkis provided the voice and motion capture of the big-eyed, scantily clad titular creature. Walsh and Boyens will pen the script with writers Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou.
Serkis shared the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself posing with his “Lord of the Rings” character. “We're crazy, Precious!” he captioned the photo. The “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” star said in a press release that he is excited to reunite with Jackson, Walsh and Boyens, whom he called “incomparable guardians of Middle-earth.”
“It's simply delicious,” he added, after previewing the franchise's return to its New Zealand stages.
In a joint statement, Jackson, Walsh and Boyens reciprocated the sentiment, noting that “it is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator” Serkis.
Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line did not reveal any further information about the second film.
The original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy from the early aughts was more than just a box office juggernaut, it was also an awards circuit marvel. The franchise received 30 Academy Award nominations across its three films and took home 17 Oscars. At the 76th Academy Awards 20 years ago, “The Return of the King” won best picture. Jackson earned his first Oscar as a director for the film.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairmen Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy praised the lasting impact of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and expressed their continued devotion to bringing Tolkien’s words to the screen with “The Hunt.” of Gollum” by Serkis.
“We continue a significant commitment to excellence that is a true hallmark of how we all want to further adventure and contribute to the cinematic story of 'The Lord of the Rings,'” De Luca and Abdy said in a statement.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav reportedly announced in an earnings conference call Thursday that “The Hunt for Gollum” is scheduled for release in 2026.
