Release of 'The Hunt for Gollum' Pushed to December 2027

Andy Serkis confirms the delay of the Lord of the Rings prequel, now set to begin filming in 2026 with extensive preparation underway.

Initially announced in May 2024, 'The Hunt for Gollum' was originally slated for a December 2026 release but has been delayed by a year to December 2027.
Andy Serkis, who will direct and reprise his role as Gollum, revealed the delay during a Fan Expo Vancouver 2025 panel, citing the early stage of the writing process and lengthy pre-production requirements.
The film will be a standalone live-action project, produced by Peter Jackson, and is expected to explore untold Middle-earth storylines, though specific plot details remain under wraps.
Speculation suggests the story could cover Gollum's journey after losing the One Ring, potentially involving Gandalf and other familiar characters, though this has not been confirmed.
Despite mixed fan reactions to the concept, the production team, including Serkis and Philippa Boyens, is focused on ensuring the film is a worthy addition to the Lord of the Rings franchise.