Lord of the Rings Actor Reveals More Movies Are Planned for the Franchise

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Lord of the Rings Actor Reveals More Movies Are Planned for the Franchise

Key Takeaways

  • Ian McKellen hinted at multiple upcoming Lord of the Rings films, including a Gollum-centered spinoff.
  • The Hunt for Gollum movies will feature original cast members, potentially including McKellen as Gandalf.
  • The two Gollum films are expected to start filming next year, with a probable 2026 release date.

As a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan with over two decades of fandom under my belt, I can hardly contain my excitement as the franchise prepares to embark on another epic journey! The return of Gollum to the big screen, and potentially a two-part saga at that, is nothing short of exhilarating.

It seems the “The Lord of the Rings” series might have some hidden secrets yet to unveil, as one actor has recently disclosed a clandestine detail regarding a potential upcoming film – or potentially several films in the future.

It was recently revealed that the Lord of the Rings franchise is returning with another spinoff, this time centered around one of its most iconic characters, Gollum. However, Sir Ian McKellen has hinted at even more exciting plans for the future of the series.

In a recent interview on ITV’s This Morning, Sir Ian McKellen disclosed exciting updates about the Lord of the Rings series. He confirmed that The Hunt for Gollum won’t be just one film, but rather two. Moreover, he mentioned that the team behind the project has extended an offer to him, although he’s only contemplating it at this stage. Interestingly, McKellen suggested the possibility of resurrecting his legendary character Gandalf, expressing doubts that anyone else could pull off the role, sparking anticipation among fans about his potential return.

I’ve heard there are going to be two movies involved in this project, but I can’t confirm anything since I haven’t had a chance to review the script, and I’m unaware of when or where filming will take place.

It appears that the franchise is experiencing a repeat of its past, as the original trilogy and subsequent spin-offs extended their narratives over several films, much like how The Hunt for Gollum is set to unfold across two distinct movies. This development has fans buzzing with excitement, especially since there are hints that some cherished cast members might make a comeback. Ian McKellen has subtly suggested he may reprise his character Gandalf. He’s received an offer from the creators but is yet to decide whether to accept it. At present, McKellen is taking time off to heal from a stage injury and won’t return until the end of the year. However, he seems hesitant about anyone else stepping into the legendary role of Gandalf, expressing his desire to film in New Zealand once more. Additionally, other well-known characters are showing interest. Orlando Bloom has spoken about possibly reprising Legolas, while Viggo Mortensen has shown openness to returning as Aragorn if approached. McKellen anticipates receiving the script for the movie early next year, but he’s unsure of what to expect. He noted that his decision to return will depend on the quality of the script.

It is still too early to know the exact plot details of the upcoming Gollum movies or which parts of the lore might be adapted. However, it is heavily speculated that the movies could explore the period between Bilbo’s 111th birthday and Gandalf’s return to the Shire 20 years later, when he came back for Frodo and set him off on his journey. If this turns out to be the case, there is plenty of material to cover, making it feasible to stretch the story across two full-length movies. What is confirmed, though, are the creative forces behind The Hunt for Gollum. Fans will be pleased to see familiar names returning to the Lord of the Rings movies. Andy Serkis, renowned for his portrayal of Gollum, will not only reprise the title role but also direct the movies. Peter Jackson, the visionary behind the original trilogy, will return as a producer. Co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, who helped shape the original trilogy, are on board for the screenplay, alongside Phoebe Gittins and Artie Papageorgiou, who contributed to The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Filming is expected to begin next year, with the first of the two Gollum movies potentially hitting theaters as early as 2026, if everything stays on track.

Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is expected to arrive in theaters sometime in 2026.

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2024-09-15 15:23