Prepare for a new journey to Middle-earth. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, the cinematic expansion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy universe, is adding major Hollywood names to its cast list. The latest to join is Anya Taylor-Joy. On that note, here is everything we know about The Hunt for Gollum, including its plot, connection to Tolkien’s books, and cast names.
Directed by Andy Serkis, The Hunt for Gollum is the first live-action movie in the The Lord of the Rings franchise since The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).
Anticipation is understandably high, given the near mythic popularity of Tolkien’s high fantasy literature and the success of Peter Jackson’s films based on them.
What to know about The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
Is there a plot of The Hunt for Gollum?
Makers New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures have not released an official plot of The Hunt for Gollum. However, reports confirm that the story is based on a small section set within Tolkien’s lore.
The Hunt for Gollum centers on its titular action and the character. Gollum was originally a Stoor Hobbit named Sméagol before his corruption and deformation by the One Ring.
The wizard Gandalf realises that Gollum may hold crucial information about the One Ring, which he might divulge to Sauron. Intending to stop him, he dispatches Aragorn, the heir of Isildur, to track the creature down before Sauron’s dark forces find him.
But Tolkien doesn’t go into details of what happens during Aragorn’s hunt for Gollum.
Where is the hunt for Gollum referenced in The Lord of the Rings novel?
Readers will find some information about Aragorn’s mission in ‘The Council of Elrond’, a chapter in The Fellowship of the Ring, the first of the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (1954) novel, where the key characters discuss the threat from the One Ring and how to destroy it. Additional information is available in the book’s appendices.
In the chapter, Gandalf recounts to the assembly summoned by Elrond, the half-elven Master of Rivendell, of what he asked Aragorn to do after learning that Gollum had the One Ring. The assembly includes the Company of the Ring, or the fellowship, which subsequently takes up the mission to destroy the One Ring.
Gandalf reveals that he called on the help of the Du´nedain, and their watch was doubled, before speaking of his doubts to Aragorn, the heir of Isildur.
Subsequently, Aragorn tells the assembly that he suggested a hunt for Gollum, even though it seemed late and hopeless, but he felt it was his responsibility to rectify the mistake committed by Isildur, his ancestor.
Gandalf briefly states that they went in search of Gollum through Wilderland, the Mountains of Shadow and the fences of Mordor, and that he despaired as they could not find the creature.
Aragorn tells the assembly that he did indeed later capture Gollum, but refuses to reveal more about what happened during the search. However, he drops enough hints to suggest that his search was fraught with danger.
The Hunt for Gollum is believed to be set in this gap. As such, its events can be chronologically placed between those of The Hobbit (2012-2014) and The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) film trilogies.
This is why quite a few of the characters are original.
Who is in the cast of The Hunt for Gollum?
Serkis will reprise his iconic role as Gollum from Jackson’s films.
Quite a few familiar characters and actors return in this story rooted in Tolkien’s lore. Returning cast members include Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo, and Lee Pace as King Thranduil.
Apart from Anya Taylor-Joy, new additions include Kate Winslet as Marigol and Jamie Dornan as Strider. Among the new faces is Leo Woodall, who received rave reviews for Netflix comedy-drama series Vladimir. He plays Halvard, an original character who could be one of Aragorn’s Rangers of the North.
Who is Anya Taylor-Joy playing in The Hunt for Gollum?
Anya Taylor-Joy has been cast as Seren, a Sindar Elf from the Woodland Realm.
According to reports, Seren is described as “a trusted and lethal agent of King Thranduil”. Seren is an original creation for the film and does not appear in Tolkien’s books.
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Taylor-Joy was recently seen in the animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026). The Golden Globe winner is set to appear in Dune: Part Three, which is expected to release on 18 December 2026. But before the highly anticipated movie, fans will see her in the upcoming Apple TV series Lucky, which is set for release on 15 July.
When will The Hunt for Gollum be released?
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for release on 17 December 2027.
(Hero image: IMDb; Featured image: © 2003 – New Line Cinema via IMDb)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
