Ian McKellen gives shocking details about upcoming ‘Hunt for Gollum’ film

Published: Aug 18 2025

Ian McKellen, the celebrated thespian who immortalized the character of Gandalf the Grey in the seminal "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, unveiled a thunderous revelation regarding the upcoming film, "Hunt for Gollum." This cinematic venture will delve deep into J.R.R. Tolkien's original "Lord of the Rings" lore, weaving together insights unearthed throughout the trilogy and supplementary materials from "The Return of the King's" appendices.

Ian McKellen gives shocking details about upcoming ‘Hunt for Gollum’ film 1

At the "For the Love of Fantasy" fan convention, held in the enchanting city of London, McKellen captivated the eager throng with a tantalizing glimpse into the enigmas of the forthcoming film. His eyes sparkling with mischief, he unveiled, "Whispers are abroad that another Middle-earth adventure is poised to captivate audiences, with production set to commence in May. And who will steer this epic voyage? Why, none other than Gollum himself, brought to life with unparalleled brilliance by Serkis. This narrative weaves an intricate tale, centered entirely around our elusive and cunning friend, Gollum."

Delving further into the astonishing casting scoop, the "X-Men" veteran shared with a mischievous grin, "Let me impart two secret tidbits about the casting: There's a fellow named Frodo in this flick, and another by the name of Gandalf." McKellen then chuckled to himself as the crowd collectively gasped in astonishment, adding with a wink, "Beyond that, my lips are clamped shut tighter than a Goblin's treasure chest!"

According to "Entertainment Weekly," while McKellen didn't explicitly confirm if he and Elijah Wood, the original Frodo Baggins, would reprise their iconic roles, Wood's presence at the event, accompanied by a knowing smile, hinted at intriguing possibilities.

The film, originally slated for a 2026 release, has now been rescheduled for a December 2027 debut. Helming this magical endeavor are the original "Lord of the Rings" trilogy architects, Peter Jackson, alongside his producing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.

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