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Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the crown jewel of all franchises. Even when Frodo’s fantastical journey deviates from the source material, it has so much heart and emotional catharsis that it remains a fan-favorite. Shows like Rings of Power have tried to reclaim this glory, but it has been 12 long years since J.R.R. Tolkien’s immersive world made it to the big screen.
Now that a new era has officially begun for The Lord of the Rings, that is about to change. Everyone’s favorite Gollum, Andy Serkis, recently announced that his new film, The Hunt for Gollum, has officially commenced filming in New Zealand. This marks the first time since the conclusion of The Hobbit trilogy that fans will get to see these beloved characters on the big screen.
The Hunt for Gollum Recaptures the Nostalgia of The Lord of the Rings Films
The Lord of the Rings’ new era may be just the thing to bring viewers back to the theater. After the underrated Hobbit trilogy ended in 2012, J.R.R. Tolkien’s world was effectively put to rest on the big screen. Rings of Power offered a return to Middle-earth, but that doesn’t have the same draw as uniting all the characters from one of the best trilogies in cinema.
The Hunt for Gollum will reportedly take place during the events of the franchise that were only mentioned in the films. One such event could occur during the time of The Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf takes his leave of the young Hobbit to research the origins of the Ring. Gandalf notes when he returns to Frodo that he looked for Gollum with no luck in finding him, which may be the entry point for the new story.
Andy Serkis returns to the role of Gollum as well as directing in a movie that is essentially a family reunion. While an entire story revolving around one of the most miserable characters in the franchise may seem unnecessary, there is no doubt that The Hunt for Gollum will appeal to the most nostalgic of fans who long to see Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn again.
In an uncertain world, it is a relief to return to these familiar characters who are always concerned about doing the right thing. The Lord of the Rings brand has always been a salve for the harshest of realities. Samwise Gamgee is one of the most hopeful characters in all of film and is the entire reason why Frodo survives the trek up Mount Doom.
In addition to the familiarity of these characters, viewers may just want the certainty that things will work out in the end, even in the face of ultimate evil. Though Sean Astin isn't in talks to return in this version, the heart of the franchise should remain the same. It also leaves the door open for tempting tidbits that may attract new fans.
The Hunt for Gollum Could Be a Game-Changer For the Franchise
Nostalgia is, of course, at the heart of The Hunt for Gollum, but that isn’t the only offering on the table. If that was all the movie had in store, this wouldn’t be a new era; it would be sticking to the old. However, the new Andy Serkis venture seems to be ushering in a new The Lord of the Rings era because of additional elements added to the story.
The Hunt for Gollum will offer benchmarks for familiar fans but also a new influx of characters to attract viewers who may not be so familiar with the material. One of the biggest gets for the story is casting Anya Taylor-Joy as the part of the elf, Seren, who was created for the purposes of the movie. Taylor-Joy is about as close to a movie star as modern Hollywood has, not to mention that she is the perfect choice to play an elf.
Kate Winslet has also joined the cast as Marigol, while Leo Woodhall will be portraying Halvard. One of the most controversial changes is recasting Aragorn with Jamie Dornan, but viewers may still want to experience Strider, no matter what form he is in. This younger cast also offers the potential to revitalize the series in a way it couldn't before.
Rings of Power failed to make itself mandatory viewing, instead focusing on a prequel that had no stakes. By putting this new The Lord of the Rings movie in the theater and bringing back members of the original cast, it forces viewers to engage. This could also mean spin-off opportunities down the line if this movie is accepted in the greater The Lord of the Rings universe. Details are being kept under wraps for now, but all signs are pointing to an intriguing new prospect for the fantasy series.
