The Hunt for Gollum - What they didn't tell you! (NEW Lord of the Rings movie 2026)

Warner Bros. is producing new movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien's work, including a live-action movie focused on Gollum! Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, known for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, are returning as producers, with Andy Serkis directing and reprising his role as Gollum. The movie is likely to explore events between Gandalf's departure to research the One Ring and his return to Frodo, and most probably including the Hunt for Gollum as told in the Appendencies of the Lord of the Rings books. Casting decisions, including whether to de-age or recast older characters, are under discussion!
This video contains AI-generated art made by us.
Watch the Hunt for Gollum fan-film here: • The Hunt For Gollum - ...
Credit to all the real artwork used in the video:
Kerem Beyit - / kerembeyit
Matthew Stewart - www.matthew-stewart.com/
Aragorn and Gollum by Unknown Artist
Shoutout to Samuel Kim Music for music used in the video: • Lord of The Rings: Roh...

[@mattib10]

please please don't let this be some pk disney inspired interpretation where sauron is a non-binary asian thats identifies as a european who is unhappily secretly in love with a dark handsome man who in his turn claims to be a lesbian fish

[@srikaustubhmandaleeka]

😂 true they fucked up too many movies so far in the name of diversity

[@alexworm1707]

It will be shit

[@thomassryann8252]

Anyone who wasn’t involved in the production of the 3 original films shouldn’t touch this , Peter and the crew deserves ultimate control and the ultimate rights to create this for us . God bless

[@Vwink1528]

Please don’t choose Timothee Chalemet to be Aragorn. I would be so sad.

[@therealcaptainredbeard]

This deserves the top comment 😂

[@nadaproblem3023]

Why? He was fcking awesome in Dune 2.

[@CagedSUPERMAN]

Absolutely not no femboys

[@realteabaggins]

@@nadaproblem3023 ew

[@pipleehk]

No way he’s too young

[@IW-44]

If Viggo and Ian don't come back for this I will cry.

[@httrtaylor21]

Me too... they need to come back!

[@115spt2]

@@httrtaylor21 I agree but Ian is literally in his mid 80's, and Viggo has aged quite a bit, but with Deaging they could both pass.

[@patricksnavely5850]

I won't watch it without them.

[@PolBlanesCebrian]

@@patricksnavely5850 Don't lie to yourself like that; you'll just watch it angrily and then say you didn't like it xD

[@PolBlanesCebrian]

​@@patricksnavely5850 okay man wtf are you on about? I just said you would watch it anyway and maybe not like it. I never said you would make a video or anything... I will be hurt if they don't get the cast back together but I'll watch it anyway if they don't because it's still PJ, Boyens and Serkis. It will bring me back to something close to the trilogy for sure. If they deage them well it will be the best, if they recast them well it will be okay, if they deage them badly it will be worse than a good recast, and if they recast them badly I might stop watching the movie without finishing it... But I'll still give it a try no matter what and I would expect someone commenting on this video to do the same unless they're just fans of Viggo hahaha

[@michaelburandt9134]

The War in the North would be an incredible film! Such story potential there.

[@Fuar11]

I've wanted this for so long

[@mysticalmistress666-wc4ki]

There's a game of it, which was fun. I wonder if we'd get to see that protagonist trio return and then have a boss fight against Agandaur that occur simultaneously with the Assault on the Black Gate, chronologically. Having a dragon ally would be nice, since that's sort of what we did in the game.

[@michaelburandt9134]

@mysticalmistress666-wc4ki That's what I'm sayin', I loved that game!! It actually kind of made me mad that you couldn't fight Urgost 🤣

[@ostekuste3646]

As long as Amazon has nothing to do with it. I have been more than just a fan, I have spent a lifetime reading Tolkien. That abomination is not worth wiping a trolls arse with.

[@orangemochacino6420]

Why would Amazon have anything to do with it? It’s Warner Bros.

[@josh29221]

you need to relax.

[@narth9414]

@@orangemochacino6420 He's making a statement that amazon has trashed the lotr ip.

[@narth9414]

@@josh29221 You're telling a guy to relax about something he spent his lifetime reading.

[@scottclark1839]

I couldn't agree more. It is a travesty and a stain on Tolkiens's work of genius. The arrogant "creators" of that filth deserve to lose hundreds of millions more than they already have.

[@multicreativeartist6579]

Our prayers of Peter Jackson's return has been asnwered 🙏

[@pmg83]

Really ? I hope you do remember that ridiculous crap The Hobbit Triology.

[@southernlady5085]

Yes, hope returns!!!!! ❤ I hope I live long enough to see this. Looking forward to it!

[@pmg83]

@@user-jt1js5mr3f Actually I completely understand as a matter of fact. The Hobbit is a very nice simple children's story that movies stretched into adult versions for profits. I would not have complained if Peter Jackson had made 6 movies based on 6 LOTR Books.

[@sameehkins5957]

​@user-jt1js5mr3f The Hobbit suffered because it was extended into 3 movies (which was Jackson's decision NOT the studios decision). Jackson's reason for extended it from 2 movies to 3 movies is because "there was too much footage" of stuff that he invented (love triangle, Legolas). Also, Jackson included things that weren't even part of the Hobbit story, like Azog. Sauron in LOTR barely shows his face and he is more iconic and has more presence than Azog. Azog is a forgetful villain that most people don't even care about. Keep in mind, all of this was Jackson's doing.

[@pmg83]

@user-jt1js5mr3f Deleted comment addressed to me to which I had replied. It might have been an Amazon AI bot :)

[@shoff29]

I would die for a movie with Viggo and Ian returning as their characters.....

[@toddkurzbard]

"It is a good time to be a LOTR fan right now..." "The Rings Of Power".

[@sweetjesus697]

yup!

[@iscaria3337]

Surely he is trolling?

[@breezymango4113]

I love Viggo's voice

[@yakkattack]

For Frodo

[@pipleehk]

Very gentle, like a benevolent father or mentor

[@breezymango4113]

I hope they don't ruin the characters.

[@comebackguy8892]

Why would they?

[@boggeddown778]

Why wouldn't they?

[@nadaproblem3023]

​@@boggeddown778 because they are the o.g. creators. Serkis voiced the books, which are absolutely incredible. He had a different, distinct voice for EACH character.

[@rovhalt6650]

@@nadaproblem3023 That was then, this is now. When culture change, some people change with it unfortunately. I hope they have all been left uncorrupted by the wokeness. But I don't have high hopes.

[@tysonas1]

With how nearly perfect de-aging technology is; look at Dial and that was three years ago (as long as they take their time, hire the right artists) Viggo needs to return, he’s as fit and healthy as he was 20 years ago. Furthermore the Hunt for Gullum occurred between when Gandalf left with Frodo in charge and his return like a decade later.

[@lindildeev5721]

If they don't bring back my precious Viggo, I'm going full Gollum mode.

[@nadaproblem3023]

He's too old, unfortunately

[@CagedSUPERMAN]

@@nadaproblem3023no he’s not

[@lindildeev5721]

@@nadaproblem3023 Aragorn is supposed to be in his early 80's so you can't say he's too old for the part. And he still looks good for his age.

[@certinho76]

They should definitely try to get Viggo and Ian along with other legacy characters like Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom and Lee Pace. Maybe even Elijah Wood. There's room for snippets of all those characters in this film with Viggo in make-up or slightly de-aged for his role as Aragorn hunting for Gollum. This bodes well for us fans. We love Peter Jackson's LOTR trilogy and we love Viggo, our brother, our captain, our king!

[@elpenguinotierno6238]

The one director to rule them all! Finally a movie we can actually look forward too

[@Arhatu]

I want to see Viggo as Aragorn again with a scenario he seems worthy to play.

[@Gracie3053]

This video was so helpful to me!!!! Thanks SO MUCH!!! ❤❤❤

[@munanw2030]

I love word "By fans for fans", these words are a reply to "Rings of power" for ruining middle Earth

[@aerandir11]

Thanks for always providing great content! Appreciate you 😊

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@victoryv9575]

I can't imagine a recast. I couldn't...

[@ibenevolent4032]

I do really hope they will make films, besides the hunt for gollum, about the war in the north. It will tell more about what happend in de rest of middle-earth during the story of the original trilogy, what we missed out off. I would love to see the old casting from both the trilogy and the hobbit films in a more combined storyline, only time will tell. If done right, it could be the next hit piece many crave for. although, i too realize, it might never be as great as the trilogy was before. 🙏

[@jamilehage9868]

Thank you for this analogy and explanation, I enjoyed this one and hope that it goes as you say. I have read some mixed / bad reviews and speculations that I did not quite understand, I didn't know that Andy Serkis was directing, this information makes me happy, Andy and Peter Jackson + crew working together then it will be worth the wait. Thank you for your hard work and I look forward to continued updates.

[@woufff_]

Thanks for the update !

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

Thank you for watching :)

[@mishlenlinden]

Thank you! Such great news! And I'm glad they are filling in the sides....

[@oneworldfamily]

Thanks very much for crediting Kerem Beyit's stunningly good artwork and not using AI rubbish.

[@southernlady5085]

Billy Boyd looks amazingly young. Hope Merry and Pippin are included

[@orangemochacino6420]

Why would they be included in a storyline they’re not a part of?

[@ultraviolet540]

@@orangemochacino6420yea, it’s not gonna happen

[@Trendle222]

they are WAY too young in the books when Gandalf and Aragorn are searching for Gollum, i think they are literally teenagers at most

[@nicholasbowman18]

This would seem like the most likely time frame for the movie to be set but personally I don't know if the actors would want to come back. It wouldn't be impossible as both Viggo and Ian loved their rolls and experiences working on lotr. Recasting would be a disaster and alienate a lot of people Imo. It would be like recasting Robert Downey Jr. as Iron man. HE IS IRON MAN. Just as much as Viggo Mortensen and Ian McKellen are Aragorn and Gandalf. If it is set during the 17 year Gandalf is gone then I believe they must go the de-aging route.

[@comebackguy8892]

If they didn't want to come back, they wouldn't announce the movie.

[@darylsdog9521]

@@comebackguy8892let’s hope your right

[@kentl7228]

It has been so long since Tolkien content has been created. Amazon doesn't count. I hope they use less CGI and more practical effects and take their time making the film/s.

[@UncannyGameNerdz]

i was laughing, because it's true

[@erasmusbonda463]

Great video, thank you.

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

Thank you :)

[@owhfwoforkwoof]

This makes me so happy, I enjoyed the trilogy of lords of the rings (books and movies) when I was young, I hope to see this new features with my kids

[@akivahirsch4343]

There's a lot they can do with this. It would be interesting to see the inside of Dol Gulder. I hope they do a blend of CGI like they did in LOTR so it seems more real. Too much CGI wouldn't make it feel real. I also think besides for the War in the North that you mentioned at the end of the video, They could do one on the Kingdom of Arnor in the North and how it fell.

[@orangemochacino6420]

Exactly! Kingdom of Arnor and the rise of the Witch King.

[@Eridorrr]

@@orangemochacino6420 this is what I want

[@YerDa67]

Absolutely buzzing, ngl.

[@Gsid983]

The optimal decision would be to release it as an animated movie featuring the original cast returning to voice their characters. This approach would allow for a faithful recreation of the world from the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. I am particularly fond of the art style seen in Princess Mononoke and other Studio Ghibli films, and I believe that such detailed animation would perfectly complement the tone of the new film.

[@TokeThenJoke]

Or just move on from that 200 year span and cover some of THOUSANDS of years of juicy content that has been untouched.

[@yokaboka]

@@TokeThenJoke i dont think they have the rights to the silmarillion stories.

[@zagrepcanin82]

oh boy oh boy oh boy...i cant wait

[@JerseyJewlz]

I’ve been waiting for the Silmarillion soooo so long, I’m so excited 🫶🏼 just wish my dad was here to watch to watch these upcoming movie with me. We loved these books and the world Tolkien created.

[@orangemochacino6420]

They’re not making the silmarillion tho?

[@diyapia]

Yes on what they are/were up to video

[@keithtorgersen9664]

In Fellowship of the Ring the novel, there were several years in between the time that Bilbo left the ring for Frodo, and the time that Gandalf returned to explain the history of the Ring. But in the film they made it seem like there was not much time at all that had passed. So I am wondering how they are going to reconcile all that.

[@hydroac9387]

I am excited with Peter, Fran, Phillipa, and Andy returning to Middle Earth! They at least know how to honor Tolkien's work. Maybe some established faces will return... I stopped watching Rings of Power after episode 3. To say I was disappointed with the writing and fabrication/twisting/ignoring of lore is an understatement.

[@ebonic211187]

I can't wait for all this! But I can't see anyone else playing any of the characters other than the original actors. Definitely can't see anyone else playing Gandalf besides Ian.

[@bobdill6701]

There isn't much source material and it is definitely just a money grab but if they must do this, I'm glad the original team is doing it

[@Shcreamingreen]

I prefer them to work on scant source material rather than shitting on one that is far more extensive, like Amazon did

[@calemorgan3982]

all I'll say is they better not ruin this franchise like they did to star wars.

[@canadiangamer3807]

Andy Serkis is just and amazing all around person. One ofy mnt rushmore actors

[@Puma5]

I mean, this can only be on the level of fan fiction with the established characters, as there is no written material for it. Parts of the Hobbit movies already felt like this for me (like Gandalf meeting Thorin in that inn). It’s all based on nostalgia, longing for and trying to reiterate something great that once has been, and it can never be as good (even with PJ and Andy Serkis). It’s time to create new things.

[@user-hv1fm4ug7e]

Can't wait to see this movie, love Lord Of The rings,

[@garlicpie95]

All the actors look pretty much the same I hope they cast them all.I really like your videos pls do more theories about what the movies are going to feature.

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

Thank you! We have some planned videos about that. :)

[@fionarodgers4806]

I think in the commentaries Peter Jackson said something about Gandalf being gone for 6-8 weeks

[@thomasthem4n22]

heyyyy this might actually turn out allright

[@arderon5]

quality over quantity. please let it be good.

[@mariacargille1396]

Definitely nervous about this, considering the trend of LoTR adaptation quality over time, but I'd be happy to be wrong. High hopes, low expectations, we'll how this thing goes.

[@IceSpoon]

The Force is strong with the narrator of these videos

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

;)

[@Daniel_Fo77]

The movie was already masterfully made many years ago. How they deal with this, by apparently trying to shut it down many years later, is appalling.

[@orangemochacino6420]

What u on about? Ur talking as if they are rebooting it

[@suntitan4429]

Hope they use the original actors and just make them look younger

[@B33333]

Hopefully they will bring all the old cast from trilogy LOTR

[@clivecottam1509]

There are so many movies that can spin fron LOTR, the hobbit was nice, now Gullom, also Aragon, also Gandalf, Also Saroman... so many more...

[@dannyrimes3958]

I thought it would be taking place between the Hobbit and FOTR? At the end Legalos was off to find Aragon. I figured that’s where it would pick up from.

[@mysticalmistress666-wc4ki]

I've wanted more Aragorn stories for years. Wasn't Aragorn in the War of the Rohirrim's events? If so, then I'm definitely looking forward to that more than I was. Unfortunately, I doubt Viggo will reprise his role for that, since I've never heard of him voice acting for animations.

[@tmbarton1961]

I don't know if this movie will do well in the movie theatres. We already know what happens to Gollum. It would most likely would do well as a TV mini-series or streaming series. The latter gives more time to flesh out the characters.

[@generoberts9151]

Would be really cool if they included Tom Bombadil just to give that character his due. There a few regions that not any of the movies included.

[@deviandrianto]

I will watch this movie and collected this.

[@scottclark1839]

Making a movie about the war in the North would be EPIC!! Make it so!

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

It would be amazing!

[@Techgnome21]

Hopefully they deage where needed. I feel like recasting would be a big misstep

[@dankoftinoff8119]

Not sure if I am into a Gollum movie because we already have seen the end game on the big screen. However the animated Rohirrim show really excites me for I don't know much of the history of Helm Hammerrhand or the creation of Helm's deep. So many great stories in Middle Earth, hek I would even love to see Peter Jackson's interpretation of the Blue Wizards or the Rise of Angmar in the North. One last thing i would love to see is a better balance with practical and CGI effects. One reason I loved the LOTR original trilogy, it felt more realistic while the hobbit didn't have that same feel due to the heavy CGI just my opinion,

[@romangamingboy6083]

Are you going to play tale of the shire

[@susancrandall9810]

I wish they would make a Been and Lithium movie.

[@SacraTheosis]

So long as it's not anything like the Gollum video game!

[@joshgardner5887]

Unpopular opinion: I don’t want to hear any more Jar Jar Gollum.

[@romandacil3984]

There was a fan based short movie called the "The Hunt For Gollum" released about 12 years ago. There was also a "Born of Hope". It should be better than Rings of Power

[@wisteria590]

Andy is the GOAT

[@DreZzBE]

they also can bring a movie about the downfall of Arnor and the rise of Angmar they got a lot of movies they can make but they need to keep very close to the lore

[@alexmiles2002]

Is this Elliot from Battlefront Updates?

[@DD-zh4by]

Viggo is so much older now. I dont think this can possibly work.

[@Vwink1528]

Betta be Howard Shore for soundtrack

[@rhusradicans2122]

Yes! LOTR was the best soundtrack ever! And in my 'living will', I've requested that the LOTR Symphony be played at my funeral!

[@viktorpantazis4441]

I bet there are good actors to be found. What made the original so believable was that the actors were committed, also physically. You cant fake having a 65 year old being athletic like Aragorn.

[@ChamblesRNG]

Blue screen or real movie?

[@southernlady5085]

An Idea: Movie of Lúthen and Beren?

[@evenstar1608]

Sadly, no copyrights for them. 😢😢

[@gamegod1276]

They should turn shadows into live action movies/tv show👌👌

[@dew-me7266]

I hope Lee Pace and Orlando Bloom comes back. !

[@Phoenixguy357]

The scenes where Gandalf would be active they could easily just use a double and then digitally place Ian Mckellans face on the double like they did with Paul Walker in the Fast and Furious

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

That's true, but having Ian McKellen deliver all the lines is absolutely necessary!

[@Phoenixguy357]

@@MiddleEarthUpdates agreed!

[@multicreativeartist6579]

Or Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian

[@multicreativeartist6579]

@@MiddleEarthUpdates Doesn't Gandalf never age so he looks the same?

[@njm361]

They done that in lord of the rings too lol

[@therestingrancor8259]

Gollem is directing the movie!!?

[@megagnar2610]

After the success of the game it’s kind of a no brainer

[@wallyr.7854]

Huh 🤔, so in the LOTR books it’s kinda like that scene in interstellar, where most of the crew go explore for just a few hours that planet with the monster tsunami waves, but in reality many, many years had passed by the time they returned to the ship….Interesting 🤨

[@iR3Mi]

If all characters would come back and it were made like lord of the rings was made. It would fucking break the internet.

[@ape72patch1]

What a Serkis !

[@KingParzival]

If they recast Viggo I'm out.

[@karlfranz8345]

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN FELLAS!!!

[@indivestor]

the 4th age is the ONLY place to take the LotR movies now.

[@mordinchemist]

I still would rather have The Fall of Gondolin as a movie

[@nzrockboi]

Peter Jackson I think would never recast because his visions for Middle Earth and his recognition of the cast and crew so far are reflections of himself as a storyteller and a decent human being

[@footrot17]

The hunt for Gollum fan film has 15 million views

[@henryrodena3207]

Prob gonna be about the orcs looking for him to get the ring

[@simonkammeyer4334]

Legalos is thrandriels son. So will we see Orlando Bloom too u think? He was good in Hobbits and tuariel was so awesome. Hope to see more of her.

[@mardukpersian-zx4sv]

Just a guess: maybe peter Jackson is working on The Children of Húrin

[@mariooooo.o3404]

Ian Mckellen actually wanted to play Gandalf in Rings of Power but they didnt want him so I think its not that unlikely that he comes back for this unless he got serious health problems in the meantime

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

First, I read, "Ian McKellen actually wanted to play Gollum in the Rings of Power…" and I was very confused. Then I reread it to see what you actually wrote. 😂 I didn’t know that! When did he say that? ☺️

[@mariooooo.o3404]

@@MiddleEarthUpdates some Interview I cant find it unfortunately but I came across this kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Pbmn2kidOVjcksi=4Omma5nzu0ManZsu and I would say I really doubt now he will play gandalf again sadly unless maybe he is only in a few scenes

[@occasx]

if the original actors do not play the roles, it will ruin this for me. recasting should not be an option.

[@TokeThenJoke]

Why are we making movies about the time between two scenes and not the hugely detailed history of Arda (Middle Earth) I fear its going to be as bad as The Hobbit.

[@goddessmatthew]

I would love the video describing what Gandalf , Aragorn , and Gollum were up to during the time of The Hunt For Gollum!

[@movo786]

One simply does not make a Tolkien based movie without Peter Jackson

[@MCHammerSmittyBacallJagerman]

To be honest, the only thing that I don't need at all again is another she-horned in Legolas-appearance but it can't be worse than in the Hobbit-Trilogy were they blew him up to be a main character again who defies all laws of physics...while new characters like Beorn barely got any screen-time or even got iconic kills stolen by Legolas...but I really hope that they get back Lee Pace as Thranduil aswell and have the Woodland Realm looking vaguely as it did in the second Hobbit-movie

[@Gabriele1979]

I wonder, how will they make Viggo, who will be almost 70 years old in 2026, play the part of a man under 40...

[@Willie_Dickins]

I think they should add a female version of Gollum for him to have as a love interest and give her a really compelling self-growth character arc.