Overview

• Speaking at London’s For the Love of Fantasy event, McKellen said the script includes characters named Frodo and Gandalf and indicated filming is planned to begin in May.
• He did not confirm that he or Elijah Wood will reprise those roles, and the studio has not announced casting beyond Andy Serkis.
• Serkis will direct and return as Gollum, with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens producing as the project heads toward a 2026 shoot.
• Set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the film will explore Gollum’s journey during the period referenced in the earlier movies.
• The movie is dated for December 17, 2027, and CEO David Zaslav has called it one of Warner Bros.’ crown‑jewel projects.