If you're looking for the latest update on The Lord of the Rings universe, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially set a release date for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The film is now scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 17, 2027, offering fans an immersive dive into Sméagol’s complex journey.

This announcement marks a shift from the previously planned 2026 release, pushing the premiere over two years into the future. While the delay may test the patience of eager fans, it hasn’t stopped Tolkien enthusiasts from already imagining how they’ll celebrate Christmas 2027—with a cinematic adventure in Middle-earth.

Directed by Andy Serkis, best known for his iconic portrayal of Gollum across both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, this new installment promises a deeply personal take on the character. Serkis, who also directed Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, will not only helm the project but also reprise his legendary role as Gollum. This dual involvement ensures that the emotional depth and nuanced performance fans expect will be front and center.

Serkis won’t be flying solo in bringing this story to life. The production team includes seasoned Middle-earth veterans such as Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Zane Weiner serving as producers. Writing duties are shared between Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, ensuring a narrative rooted in Tolkien lore while expanding on previously unexplored corners of the world.

Jackson gave fans a glimpse into what the film might offer, emphasizing the importance of delving into Gollum’s past:

“We really want to explore [Gollum’s] backstory and delve into those parts of his journey we didn’t have time to cover in the earlier films. It’s too soon to know who will cross his path, but suffice to say we will take our lead from [original author J.R.R. Tolkien].”

A Potential Return of Beloved Characters

As plans continue to evolve, The Hunt for Gollum could serve as more than just a character study—it may reintroduce other familiar faces from Middle-earth. Among them, Gandalf is one of the names most likely to appear. In fact, Philippa Boyens hinted last year in an interview with Empire that the wizard could appear in up to two upcoming live-action films. If everything aligns, the role may even be reprised by the original actor, Ian McKellen, which would undoubtedly bring a wave of nostalgia to longtime fans.

The Lord of the Rings: Movie Viewing Order

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With The Hunt for Gollum set three Christmases away, there’s plenty of time to revisit the existing films or catch up on Amazon Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which was confirmed to return for Season 3 earlier this year.

Stay tuned for more updates as Warner Bros. continues shaping the next chapter in Tolkien’s enduring legacy.