Andy Serkis addresses diversity criticism of The Hunt for Gollum

• Andy Serkis, director of the forthcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, has defended the film's casting against criticisms of a lack of diversity.
• Serkis stated the film would not pursue “politically correct” casting simply to tick boxes, implying diversity would only be included “where relevant”.
• The film is set between The Hobbit trilogy and The Fellowship of the Ring, following Gandalf and Aragorn's quest to find Gollum before Sauron's forces.
• The cast includes returning stars Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Lee Pace, alongside new additions Jamie Dornan, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, and Leo Woodall.
• The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for release on 17 December 2027.

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Andy Serkis says diversity in The Hunt for Gollum cast must be ‘relevant’