LOTR: The Hunt For Gollum Is A Step In The Wrong Direction

LOTR: The Hunt For Gollum Is A Step In The Wrong Direction

As a gamer and a self-proclaimed Tolkien enthusiast with over two decades of fandom under my belt, I can confidently say that the original Lord of the Rings trilogy holds a special place in my heart (and probably every other fan’s heart) as an unparalleled masterpiece. The sheer scale and intricacy of the films were unprecedented, and they set a standard for fantasy storytelling that has yet to be matched.


It’s hard to overstate how much of a rare gem the original Lord of the Rings trilogy is when it comes to its place in cinematic history. Development lasted for three years before filming began. All three films were shot simultaneously. Not to mention, the amount of blood, sweat, and tears Weta Workshop put into the films made not only for a good adaptation, but one where the audience felt like they were experiencing Middle-earth for themselves. Just look at the hype for the upcoming Tales of the Shire game.

The trilogy was exceptional, even earning a nod from the typically skeptical Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who nominated it for an impressive 30 Academy Awards, winning 17. In essence, these movies are timeless classics. It’s worth noting that “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” played a significant role in establishing fantasy films as both trendy and financially successful.

Nevertheless, it’s quite challenging to recreate that unique cinematic atmosphere found in those movies. The Hobbit trilogy has garnered its share of fans, but it’s fair to say that many feel it lacked the same magic as the original trilogy. For instance, the Tauriel love triangle was a controversial element among viewers. Yet, Peter Jackson and his team are set to revisit Middle-earth with the upcoming The Hunt for Gollum, which is now known to be a two-part series. However, one might wonder if it’s appropriate for the Lord of the Rings franchise to delve into familiar territories again at this point.

Other Entries Are Attempting to Branch Out

LOTR: The Hunt For Gollum Is A Step In The Wrong Direction

Two exciting new adaptations, “The War of the Rohirrim” movie and “The Rings of Power” series on Prime Video, each offer unique perspectives within the beloved fantasy franchise. While “The War of the Rohirrim,” set 183 years prior to the original trilogy’s events, focuses on its first female lead, Héra – the daughter of Helm Hammerhand, a renowned ruler of Rohan. As Rohan comes under attack by Wulf, a Dunleading lord, Helm Hammerhand and his people are compelled to make a final stand at Hornburg, a stronghold that will later be known as Helm’s Deep.

Contrasting with the tales of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies, The Rings of Power unfolds a millennia before those stories. Unlike its predecessors, The Rings of Power doesn’t strictly adhere to J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works; instead, it weaves together elements of lore to forge its unique narrative. One notable example is the development of Galadriel’s character in this series. While some might criticize The Rings of Power, its willingness to innovate sets it apart from simply retelling Gollum’s familiar storyline.

There Are Other LOTR Stories to Tell

LOTR: The Hunt For Gollum Is A Step In The Wrong Direction

As a devoted admirer, I must say that while “The Rings of Power” drew from Tolkien’s appendices, there are still many untold tales waiting to be shared. Though Peter Jackson and his team do not hold the rights to “The Silmarillion,” there is plenty more to delve into within the realm of “The Lord of the Rings.” For instance, Aragorn, one of the most beloved characters in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has a rich backstory that could provide an engaging exploration. Delving into Aragorn’s past, before he was the man we first met in “The Fellowship of the Ring,” offers immense potential to both spotlight a fan favorite and deepen our understanding of his character development.

Furthermore, The Angmar War, a prolonged battle between Arnor and Angmar’s forces, holds promise for cinematic adaptation. This could also serve as a chance to reintroduce the Witch-king of Angmar, a formidable villain who has featured in both trilogies up to this point.

Concerns About Turning LOTR Into a “Universe”

LOTR: The Hunt For Gollum Is A Step In The Wrong Direction

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but share my concerns about the growing number of Peter Jackson projects. It seems like we’re moving towards transforming Middle Earth into something akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is great in theory, but could potentially turn it into a cash cow.

Irrespective of being an opinion piece, it’s a fact that “The Hunt for Gollum” is approaching. Many fans have confidence in both Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis, who will likely be directing and reprising their roles respectively. Despite “The Hunt for Gollum” appearing to revisit familiar ground instead of exploring other Middle-earth tales, there’s a possibility that the old enchantment may resurface in these upcoming films.

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2024-09-30 01:07