THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM - (Redux) Tolkien Fan Film

[2019 version, improved edit and audio]
The Hunt for Gollum is an independent film based on appendices in The Lord of the Rings. It was produced entirely by fans, and released free to the Internet in 2009. Locations include Epping Forest and Snowdonia, north Wales. Awards include 'Best Fiction Produced for the Web', 2009 and Best Live Action at Balticon.
Prompted by Gandalf, a ranger by the name of Strider sets out to search for the creature Gollum, who knows the location of the Ring.
This is a not-for-profit unofficial fan-made film, created from scratch by indie film makers in the U.K. as a tribute to The Lord of the Rings books (and movies).
Directed by Chris Bouchard
www.chrisbouchard.co.uk
Info:
www.thehuntforgollum.com

[@RileyDia]

This fan film is about to get a lot of well deserved attention 🔥🔥

[@JulieMoran1832]

Enjoy it while you can … I’m willing to bet it will be taken down soon.

[@2ChainZsensai]

@@JulieMoran1832 WB just tried it and get embarassed themselves kkkk what a joke.

[@stevenblankenship9814]

I was so surprised to see how old this is being the new movie is about just this. It's very well done 👍 I hope it blows up too these people deserve credit for their work

[@mvaughn75601]

All I can say is... WOW !!!

[@owenjenkinsofficial]

Yes, I just found it. Very interested.

[@theerkenbrand1358]

Here after the announcement of a new film with Gollum as the main character, also titled _Hunt for Gollum._ Andy Serkis is set to direct and reprise his role.

[@brandocalrissian3294]

Without Viggo as aragorn it's gonna suck.

[@Alinslover]

They try to get rid of this one... Saying that it's copyright 😅😂🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂..

[@Alinslover]

​@@brandocalrissian3294 they are way too old... And he's at the age of Helms where he's 87...

[@kennytheawkwarddonut9137]

​@@Alinsloverthey actually removed it already, said it was an accident, and then revoked their copyright claim to let it appear online again.

[@JCO2002]

Bigger budget, poorer quality. This had love - the next one will be all about making money.

[@one_man_community]

Imagine what these guys could do with a big budget and IMAX.

[@jaroslaval9159]

Agreed!!

[@Liamnerfdude1]

Rpm Nothing better then what they did here..It's not that easy..You saw this with star Wars theory's fan film..It sucked..

[@pbluma]

@@KZbinTookMyNickname.WhyNot wow what a useless analogy.

[@einarabelc5]

Become complete morons like the rest of Hollywood, such is human nature. Necessity is the mother of creativity and invention. Wonder why Hollywood is just all CGI and rehashed garbage now? There's your answer: big budget and IMAX.

[@einarabelc5]

@@pbluma Insecurity.

[@acolyte06312]

This film is so accurate to the novel. They did such a good job, especially considering how this is fan made. Also I love Aragorn just stuffed Gollum in a sack

[@IndependentOnlineCinema]

We’re so glad you enjoyed the film. Thanks for the kind words.

[@visionist7]

@@IndependentOnlineCinema my only question is, how does Aragorn feed & water Gollum in tbe sack 😁 Also what happens when Gollum needs to take a dump 👻

[@IndependentOnlineCinema]

​@@visionist7 we shot a deleted scene showing how Gollum was fed (in the BTS kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIbHln1padNgabM). But I don't think we can comment on the other questions... ;-)

[@123munter]

@@visionist7 you answered both questions yourself hehe

[@roberthousedorfii1743]

I'll answer. Let him poop in the sack. throw the sack in a river. Let him thrash about for 30 minutes or so. muahahaha *POOF* Clean Gollum, clean sack. is that so hard to figure out? he sure didn't give G TP as needed...

[@Eyelohim]

No words can describe how much of a masterpiece this is, for a low budget movie. The atmospheric ambience and background are so good made. Hats off.

[@MrMrCJulez]

german?

[@MR_THINQ]

I can guarantee that this didn’t cost 500 million. It’s not about the amount of money, it’s about the passion and love of the franchise - this proves that fans should be involved in the making of hollywoods movies. WELL DONE.

[@Tk421Clone]

The way they worked around showing Gollum and saving money on the CGI was really good. As someone who has some experience film making this was really well done. I truly believed the actor who played Aragorn was Aragorn the same as in the Peter Jackson movies.

[@ComedyBros5]

That's exactly what I thought. Adrian Webster was top-notch as Aragorn...the voice, the look, the stoic-ness. The soundtrack was phenomenal as well

[@matteopinamonti1867]

I watched it again after many years, and it's still so beutifull in its simplicity. No overly ambitious epicness, as little CGI as possible, only good acting and a focused narrative on a compelling story. The "sack trick" is simply brilliant ;) it avoids having too many close-up shots of Gollum, it fits the narrative and its still very expressive. The sack and Aragorn have more chemistry on screen that many hollywood actors XD

[@robertlukacs4954]

The acting in this is very good for a fan film.

[@iceicejay9569]

this acting was good better then most modern actors

[@LisaAnn777]

Yeah I can't believe I have not seen this. Why isn't it more popular?

[@Astroviking_]

Wow Thanks to these guys who made this I love it!

[@sapphirevilya]

Way better, It is leagues better than Amazon's billion dollar series.

[@ChrisCloudStaringAtFire]

@@LisaAnn777 Original upload got 13 million views. This is the redux

[@williamtear1319]

When you see things like that made by fans and with a low budget, you can't but wonder how the big studios with so many means at their disposal fail to make a good, enjoyable movie. Well done to all that worked for this movie.

[@giulioaprati338]

We need more middle earth movies

[@Greetling]

wait for that series.

[@fucheduck]

not Hollywood insipidness either!

[@Greetling]

@@fucheduck pointless hollywood bashing....

[@pepebabushki9376]

After the hobbit.... Idk lol

[@petergould406]

I just saw this one: The Horn of Gondor. It was shorter but very well done kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYeppYaLhtJgoLM

[@historyholic9528]

This short movie is far more better than whole RINGS OF POWER SEASON… good work

[@thestarkknightreturns]

Whenever I revisit the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I also re-watch this movie, alongside "Born of Hope" and now "Horn of Gondor". That's a testament to how well made this movie is. It's part of my personal Tolkien cinematic canon.

[@egor.cleric]

Thank you, man

[@rechannel864]

The best

[@willu842]

Wow thank you for those name drops. Had no idea they existed.

[@thestarkknightreturns]

@@willu842 I aim to please my friend. By the way, did you know that an actual "Hunt for Gollum" movie is coming out in theatres in 2026?

[@willu842]

@@thestarkknightreturns Yes, looking forward to it!

[@Kobra39]

I do hope that Peter Jackson takes notice of this. Maximum effort with minimal assets. I am impressed. You definitely deserve a larger budget.

[@archi4226]

That was basically was he did, on a larger scale of course. if whoever made this ever read it, great one btw

[@Oscareuh]

@carny do you mean that in a negative or positive connotation?

[@Kobra39]

@@Oscareuh Positive. I am praising this fanfilm and everyone working on this.

[@Oscareuh]

@@Kobra39 no I know. I meant positive or negative about Peter Jackson. “Take notice” as in learn from or “take notice” as in becomes aware that it exists?

[@Kobra39]

@@Oscareuh I see now. The latter. 😊

[@Batmandu25]

5000 £ budget and yet far better than any 100 mil $ Rings of Power episode… thank you for this lesson

[@draigygoch]

Make a ' fall of Gondolin' now that would be epic..and expensive!

[@johnk5398]

I expect that a primary storyline for the new Lord of the Rings Amazon series will likely be The Rise and Fall of Numenor, I think the fall of Numenor is far more epic than that of Gondolin.

[@fucheduck]

impossible. too. you don't make movies like this anymore! the hate is too strong from mainstreamers!

[@fucheduck]

@@johnk5398 amazon "originals" PAH! another Hollywood censor!

[@davegrenier1160]

When I read the complete story of the battle for Gondolin, I thought, "This should have been integrated into the Silmarillion." Christopher T. probably thought it would have been too much to integrate large parts of the story of Gondolin, or Turin, or the Lay of Leithian into the Silmarillion, but he underestimated the fans' appetite for his father's works. The Silmarillion twice as long still would have been too short.

[@pepebabushki9376]

@@fucheduck don't know why you included quotation marks, anything you make is original unless it's plagiarised. Yes, they're amazon originals.

[@oliverstrid4545]

the acting is good, the fight scenes were over my expectation. hats off!

[@Truesight333]

Wow blows me away how the stories continue thus,awesomeness

[@Wanderlust598]

I loved this. Movie makers of LOTR have a gem on their hands, if they only just follow the spirit of Tolkien's writings and remain as close as possible to the letter of it.

[@comeondown12345]

99% sure this is better than the upcoming WB movie remaking this film

[@davidguerra9163]

People said that for lotr and it turned to be the best movie in cinema history…

[@Covarr]

You got someone who, on the face of it, neither looks nor sounds like Viggo Mortensen, but his acting is so good and so on-point that I instantly recognized him and didn't even think about it while I was watching. You got composers who are not Howard Shore, but they captured his style so well that if I didn't know better I would've thought it was him. The writing, the acting, the cinematography, the direction... all of it comes together so absolutely perfectly! Amazing job to everyone who worked on this!

[@mariaravandiel1209]

well done! I love how he just stuffs gollum back in that bag and slings him over his shoulder. The orcs look so realistic!

[@rubenskiii]

This is litteraly "Lord of The Rings At Home" but damn it is actually really good. Glad to see that WB understood taking down this movie just shows they only care about money and not the fans. Glad i can see this movie on KZbin again. Warm greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱.

[@lakobe24captain]

How in all that is holy is this better than ROP. Bravo!

[@jwebber1667]

Wow imagine if WB decided to make this exact movie with Andy Serkis directing it !!!

[@CINEPR]

I remember watching the original versión when release in 2009. After the announcement of the new movie with the same title I comeback to rewatch this classic.

[@eliezersalazar4361]

FREAKING BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Aragorn’s casting was just incredible! I’m glued! MOREEEE!!!

[@caseynorman20xx]

The casting is spot on. Be proud of this.

[@Brembelia]

This is a fan production? Amazing. Awesome job, guys. Triple A+.

[@user-mr4nz3ow5g]

This. This is the real Strider.

[@Sionnach1601]

That was REALLY excellent!!! Far, far surpassed my expectations of an amateur film. Very well-shot and well-directed, the two most important aspects of ANY film. This is something which is sorely missing in many a high-budget film. Excellent acting, costume, makeup, set design, LIGHTING was really lovely too. Also excellent choice of scene locations - really wonderful to see so much of the wilderness scenery which is quite lacking in the big-budget films. Apart from pure entertainment value, it was nice to see some of the detail of the Rangers and Aragorn's travels in the Wild. So all-round, my highest salutations to everyone involved and thank you SO very much for gifting us with this.

[@elboxeo403]

Give these men an Amazon contract FFS. Great job

[@finkelsteinshitkid1299]

Amazon needed to look no further than these creators. So well done! Bravo!

[@aquaterrafootage9547]

This was excellent. In the Peter Jackson movie Gandalf says “I looked everywhere for the creature Gollum , but the enemy found him first”. I forget how it happened in the book

[@TheArcticSpartan]

I what happened in the book? Sorry I dont have time to watch this whole video but I'm really curious

[@mx_klsk]

As Gandalf said, the enemy got ahead of them. Aragorn and Legolas couldn't catch him in time

[@Minzalin]

Gollum strayed into Mordor and got caught there.

[@jonesjones6279]

@@TheArcticSpartan Gollum was captured and tortured for info about the ring in Mordor, he is released (I think), Aragorn tracks him and captures him, Aragorn takes him to Mirkwood, and while being held by the elves escapes when orcs attack or something to that nature. Sorry it isn't super specific, but it's been so long since I read the books. Then the next time he is seen is when the Fellowship goes through Moria like in the movies.

[@orlandoacosta2631]

Gollum was left under the guard of the Mirkwood elves after Aragorn captured hi. But Mirwood was attacked by the orcs of Mordor and Gollum got away during the scuffle

[@Autisticguywithacamera]

Man, this and Born of Hope were made back in the golden age of KZbin. You don't see as many of these kinds of films made anymore.

[@imsokage]

Halfway through I forgot I was watching a fan film, this was done extremely well. Congratulations!

[@Pedro8k]

If I had not known I would have thought this was an official short story the quality is so good well done

[@LM-vq7ju]

Anyone else here after the announcement? There is like a 99% chance This is better than the new WB movie

[@Enerdhil]

We shall see. No identity politics in this marvelous film.

[@milanliam9979]

Why the hell does it only have 11000 views, it's an amazing movie!

[@darthkek1953]

It took the web by storm a decade ago. This version has few views as it's a new uploaded with some cleaning-up of fx and sound.

[@mikimiyazaki]

If i wish it to surpass the number of views, then ill make it so, but for now. "YOU SHALL NOT PASS 11,000 VIEEEEWS!!"

[@Segegerstadt]

As stated, "redux" means "remade". This film was well known and appreciated a long time ago. Its story is appealing to veterans. It clears out lots of why's. Aragorn, for example, as a decendant of "the Dunedain" has magical powers. When he in this film lays flat with an ear to the ground he can hear approaching enemies. Fine things like that was missed and forgotten in Peter's saga.

[@ginnymoore5652]

According to the epilogue, this film has at least 10 million views, so it may be only that this particular post has so few.

[@zaandarbrow]

cuz if it aint a reaction video it dont get views but damn this was amazing for fan made!

[@margaretalbrecht4650]

Aragorn describing his journey with Gollum, "Nothing more did I ever get from his mouth than the marks of his teeth. I deemed it the worst part of all my journey, the road back, watching him day and night, making him walk before me with a halter on his neck, gagged, until he was tamed by lack of drink and food, driving him ever towards Mirkwood."

[@daviddjerf2856]

Amazing for a non-profit film! I even enjoyed this more than the last two Hobbit movies.

[@fucheduck]

that is because if it were for profit they'd have to go by some insipidly lain "guidelines" and it isn't done today. maybe in 1987, maybe in 2040, not today.

[@janminiajluk3964]

'Course you did! It was made by Bagginses, not some blockheaded Bracegirdles from Hardbottle.

[@pepebabushki9376]

@@fucheduck bruh, what "guidelines" did the hobbit movies follow? "use more cgi"?

[@grunztiertransmutator770]

@@pepebabushki9376 "do more Legolas stuntystuff!"

[@nickolausafon5458]

I wish the Hobbit was a two-part movie totally about 5 hours more than 3 movies with too much filler jibe. The scenes could be downright awful. I think the fighting was too drawn, it had to be shorter if they did want that "Dwarf-Elf glory" drama. Nice as it was but way too excess.

[@johnord684]

Way better than what Amazons fan fiction series will be ,at least this is made with love.

[@desenhoerpg]

Totally.

[@AzraelCaptain]

This comment aged far too well.

[@JesusFriedChrist]

5 minutes and I already think they did a good job recasting 12 minutes in and I’m impressed with prosthetics and costume

[@burnedsmackdown4209]

This feels so right as it feels like it is connected to the films and the actors here acted like the film's ones so well and even looked similar enough to them

[@joeymediauk]

Far better than Ring of Power

[@priscilaundomiel3264]

You are the ones who should make all the Tolkien's projects! Amazing guys! ❤️ 😍 I'm so happy to watch this movie!

[@danm3573]

The production quality here is amazing

[@BulgyBoar]

I only found out today that this existed - why is it not more widely publicised? Tremendous stuff - kudos to all concerned!

[@Xevos701]

27:18 This portrayal of Arwen looks so beautiful. I can definetely see why Aragorn fell for her :D

[@user-mt4zr5kp7h]

@GeeksandGamers sent me looking for this after they announced the original one, which has been up for 15 years or so, and garnered something like 13 million views, was copyright-striked by Warner Bros Because someone else had their idea before they did. Thanks for uploading it again! So very well done!

[@radiohostalastor]

They didn’t reupload it

[@radiohostalastor]

WB just removed the copy strike due to all the hate they’re getting claiming it was striked due to an “error”

[@user-mt4zr5kp7h]

@@radiohostalastor oh awesome! I thought it was a reupload since it said redux lol

[@markgregorygacosta531]

typical WB! If their new LOTR movie gets any hint of wokeness or pondering, I'm see myself out.

[@Sol_Invictus-]

To me what made the LOTR movies so good , was that it was a slow burn with beautiful music , felt like nothing was rushed.... Which is why after seeing the Amazon series trailer I was disappointed . You guys did a fantastic job , thank you.

[@mictaylor9531]

That was more watchable than the entire first season of the rings of power!

[@CaptainFalc0nPunch]

Found this unexpectedly, as a long time LOTR fan, this is great! Even though it has different actors(for obvious reasons) it feels like the same universe in writing and visually! Great work!

[@readdescriptionforanaughty3344]

As someone who grew up watching Peter Jackson's directors cut edition over 30 times, this film was great!! I love the idea of capturing all middle earth lore that the movies just couldn't add.

[@zacharybackauskas6645]

What a wonderful way to bring some of the context for The Lord of The Rings to visual media. It was exciting to see a new piece of film from Tolkien's universe after so long. I can't believe I didn't find this sooner. Thank you and amazing job!

[@woufff_]

That was awesome, very well done indeed. Strange that as an old Tolkien fan and YT addict, I never came accross this video until now...

[@Enerdhil]

I know what you mean. I only found out about it because someone posted a link to it on a comment board.

[@bigbattleslittleworlds]

An awesome job, first class for a low budget and so accurate to Tolkien's work.

[@mfelix3511]

This was fantastic! The best fan film I have ever seen by far.

[@MrAaronmatthew]

Throughly enjoyed. This actually honors the source material. Bravo.

[@johnt.inscrutable1545]

It’s still as good as it was when first made a decade earlier. I like the additions that help bring the story back to the fellowship. Thank you again, Yours in Middle Earth, InscrutableJohn

[@guillaumezendjebil7143]

I guess, if I ever wrote books, that I'd love indie prodction to make them!! Not a lot of money instead of Hollywood prodtions, but it is amazing :D I really love Tolkien and HP fan communitie!! You're the best and keep the lore living :D

[@deviandrianto]

this fan movie a great. thanks for making this ❤

[@xxmollexx1]

Amazon should be ashamed lol

[@andreviana1369]

Poor guys! They only had a one billion dollar budget…

[@edgarilagan6388]

😂😂😂

[@CaptainFirebolt]

Wow! Just incredible work, I absolutely loved it. So true to the lore of the LotR. It was awesome to see Strider's tracking abilities and how he is able to see things. The Orcs looked straight out of the movie, hats off to the wardrobe and makeup dept. Just brilliant work all around. I am so glad I got to see this fan film!

[@Enerdhil]

I totally agree. I am shocked that not even one of the dozen or so Tolkien KZbinrs I subscribe to has ever mentioned this film.

[@LemonyTang]

amazing, fair play o everyone involved. thoroughly enjoyable.

[@rumeysayazar1049]

Never heard of this movie until I saw the news WB removed it. I just watched and quite liked it. Think it's more succesfull than not only ROP but also the entire Hobbit trilogy. Thanks to everyone involved in this beautiful production. Felt like i was in the Middle Earth one more time.

[@paulalexander2928]

Of Scots heritage and a Celt at heart the Trilogy touches my heart. May we all find our way to the Isles of the Blessed and dwell forever in peace.

[@rachieocho]

Wow, this is truly amazing! Y'all should be so proud of yourselves for creating such an epic depiction of the literature. Great job!

[@Aistis1918]

So glad it's back 🙏

[@filip_548]

epic piece, along with born of hope and Horn of Gondor. just epic

[@jmp3585]

This was fantastic!

[@OstfrieslandFilmStudio]

Verry, verry nice work! You got my honorable respect for this!

[@joeatkinson9321]

The fight scene in the woods was so good! Very impressed with the film overall

[@Sophia.]

A definite improvement over your first one, even if you cut only small bits, they were the right ones, I think! Thank you for the repost :)

[@feanorian21maglor38]

Amazing movie, I've watched it many times and always surprised at how a great film can be made even with a tiny budget, when lots of hard work and love goes into the project.

[@jebby0606]

It's truly incredible, what a difference you see when there is love behind the work, unlike Rings of Power... this ... this is beautiful

[@thedevilsreject23]

Deserves more views- great film! Think what they could do with more funding 👏🏻👌🏻👍🏻🍻

[@jamesc5801]

Wonderful. You can feel the love for the source material

[@stealmysunshine]

Great stuff. More of this is needed

[@RuneFactoryandElonaMobileGreat]

I'm so happy, it was just an error that they blocked it

[@zillauniverse7208]

Quick someone should still archive this before it gets taken down and ends up becoming lost media!

[@kennytheawkwarddonut9137]

No need to worry, it was already taken down due to copyright claims, but wb said it was an error and removed the claim to allow it to stay online. At least it seems to be safe for now.

[@chrislee3861]

This was so well done. Can’t believe I’ve never taken the time to watch it until now.

[@wandamaximoffscarletwitch8535]

Came here after WB announced the official movie

[@sbeaber]

This was made with love.

[@Starchilddancer14]

This is so creative!! Loved it! The part with Aragorn carrying Gollum in the sack honestly had me doubled over laughing at times.

[@coldmoonlight6361]

I'd be absolutely STOKED if this were made into an entire series of films. And with a bigger budget? Who knows how far that would go, it would be incredible 😊 But for real, only having(what I've read...) 3-5k as your budget? This is extremely well done. Actors, setting and CGI scenery, not to mention it's other uses, make-up, costumes, etc 👍 You all did a fantastic job 🤘☺

[@mylesh1361]

Make more please! Excellent job!

[@iceicejay9569]

Tisms I call Tisms. Voice acting: Solid Acting: Solid Costumes: Solid Story: Could have been better but at least we got a Aragorn LSD trip nice throwback of Frodos LSD trip.

[@samwallaceart288]

Tisms you say? You speak as one of them

[@iceicejay9569]

@@samwallaceart288 indeed I follow the longman

[@samwallaceart288]

@@iceicejay9569 May the Don smile on you

[@barrettstoffer8289]

I really enjoyed that. Want to see more in 2021

[@johnk5398]

I think a really good interpretation of Hurin could be done with a modest budget.

[@VPortho]

The Children of Hurin would be so amazing put to film

[@jorislemoine1488]

I'd love to see it done, but considering Túrin's tale requires so many strong actors (Túrin, his mother, his sister, Thingol & Melian, Beleg Strongbow, the petty dwarf Mîm, Gwindor, Orodreth, Finduilas...), and takes place in so many stunning settings (Dor-lómin, Menegroth (!), Nargothrond, Amon Obel, Amon Rûdh, the Springs of Ivrin...), it would be quite impossible to do it on the cheap.

[@MR_THINQ]

PETER JACKSON - CALL THESE GUYS AND GET THEM WORKING ON YOUR MOVIE!

[@davegrenier1160]

The locations are terrific (congrats to the location scout) and the atmosphere of gloom and of a gathering threat was really very well realized.

[@lobearden5723]

This is absolutely amazing.

[@MoonlightDawnMoolightDawn]

Rewatched this 3 times recently -- I so love this fan film!

[@Asgard2208]

Gotta say: well done! A lot of this stuff can be a bit 'awkward', but I thought they did this really well.

[@Milos596]

This is better than entire Hobbit trilogy.

[@pinkfloydhomer]

To all the ones that are hating on the hobbit trilogy: download the maple edit or the m4 book edit, fan edits that take the extended hobbit movies as source material and edit them down to one movie of approximately four hours running time. The result is excellent and the perfect companion to the LOTR movies. All the superfluous crap is removed. And there are many more hobbit fan edits to check out.

[@terrillgoodwinejr537]

In May 2024, it was announced that Serkis would direct, executive produce, and star in Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum for Warner Bros. Pictures, a new installment in the Lord of the Rings film series, with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens writing the screenplay alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou and Jackson producing alongside Walsh and Boyens; the film is expected to be released in 2026.

[@pedroibanez8013]

BRAVO!!! Amazing job... Who says that 1B can be better that love for Tolkien eternal creation...

[@staceyblankenship848]

Wow! This short film is great. Love it!