Orlando Bloom has voiced his strong feelings about the potential for someone else to portray Legolas, the iconic elf he played in the original *Lord of the Rings* trilogy and *The Hobbit* films. In a recent interview on *Today*, the 48-year-old actor expressed that he would “hate” to see another actor take on the role, especially with a new project titled *The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum* set to explore the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien.
While Bloom’s former co-star, Andy Serkis, is confirmed to reprise his role as Gollum in the upcoming film, Bloom revealed that he has not been approached for a return. He remarked, “I have not heard a peep, actually. I don’t know. I know it’s focusing on Gollum, so anything’s possible.” His nostalgia for the character was evident as he added, “It’s such an amazing part. I’m so grateful to have been a part of those movies.”
Bloom’s comments invite speculation about who could fill the iconic role of Legolas, especially in an era where technology allows for surprising creative choices. He quipped, “With AI they can do anything these days!” while humorously distancing himself from any digital enhancements used in his recent film, *The Cut*.
Upcoming Film and Notable Cast
The anticipation surrounding *The Hunt for Gollum* is palpable, particularly as the film is set for release in December 2027. Sir Ian McKellen, who famously played Gandalf, hinted at his potential involvement during a recent event in London. He mentioned, “I hear there’s going to be another movie set in Middle-earth, and it’s going to start filming in May.” McKellen also revealed that characters such as Frodo and Gandalf will be part of the narrative, although details remain scarce.
The film will be produced by Sir Peter Jackson, who directed the earlier trilogies. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on Gollum/Sméagol, stating, “The Gollum/Sméagol character has always fascinated me because Gollum reflects the worst of human nature, whilst his Sméagol side is, arguably, quite sympathetic.” Jackson aims to delve deeper into Gollum’s backstory, exploring aspects of his journey that were not covered in previous films.
Jackson has also assured fans that the film will adhere closely to Tolkien’s vision, noting, “It’s too soon to know who will cross his path, but suffice to say we will take our lead from Professor Tolkien.”
Serkis’s Return and Legacy
As a pioneer in motion capture technology, Andy Serkis’s return to Gollum is highly anticipated. Jackson expressed confidence in Serkis’s ability to embody the character once again, stating, “There’s no one on this Earth better equipped to tackle Gollum’s story than Andy.” Their collaborative history spans eight films, with Jackson praising Serkis’s energy and understanding of the story’s complexities.
With the film still in development, fans of Tolkien’s work eagerly await more information about the cast and plot. For Orlando Bloom, the question remains whether he will have the opportunity to don Legolas’s cloak once more or if the character will take on a new form in this beloved fantasy realm.
