Overview
- At Fan Expo New Orleans, Elijah Wood declined to confirm a return as Frodo but said he is excited and noted an intention to make more Middle-earth films.
- Ian McKellen has been reported to return as Gandalf and previously indicated filming is planned to start in May.
- Casting reports say Aragorn will be recast with a younger actor, with auditions underway in London and New Zealand.
- Andy Serkis is directing and reprising Gollum, with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens involved in producing and writing roles.
- Philippa Boyens has said the story falls after Bilbo’s birthday and before the Mines of Moria, centering on the search for Gollum.