Overview
- Ian McKellen told a London fan event that the film will feature the characters Gandalf and Frodo, while stopping short of confirming whether he or Elijah Wood will reprise their roles.
- Production is slated to begin in May 2026, with reports indicating a return to filming in New Zealand.
- Andy Serkis is set to direct and is widely expected to reprise Gollum, with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens returning as producers.
- Set just before The Fellowship of the Ring, the story is reported to unfold largely from Gollum’s perspective as key figures search for him.
- Warner Bros. and New Line are reporting a December 17, 2027 release date, and Aragorn’s casting remains unresolved with Viggo Mortensen not expected to return.