Elijah Wood, renowned for his role as Frodo Baggins in *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy, has expressed his excitement over the upcoming spin-off film, *The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum*. The 44-year-old actor revealed during an appearance at DesertCon that he has read the script and finds it “really good.” This film, slated for release in December 2027, is set during the events of *The Fellowship of the Ring*.
Wood emphasized the significance of the original creative team reuniting for this project. The film is directed by Andy Serkis, who reprises his role as Gollum, while Peter Jackson serves as producer. Wood described the collaboration among key figures, stating, “The brain trust behind *Lord of the Rings*, Fran, Peter, Philippa, they are heavily involved.” He noted that the film will be shot in New Zealand, maintaining continuity with the original trilogy.
The narrative of *The Hunt for Gollum* follows Aragorn, portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, on a quest to find Gollum/Smeagol, who poses a potential threat to the One Ring. While Mortensen has not yet officially committed to the role, he has indicated a willingness to return, provided it aligns with his age and the character’s development. In a previous interview with GQ, he stated, “I would only do it if I was right for the character. It would be silly to do it otherwise.”
The return of the original creative team has stirred anticipation among fans. Wood remarked on the excitement of reassembling the talented individuals who contributed to the success of the earlier films. “It feels like getting that old machine up and running again with all of the right people,” he added.
According to Fran Walsh, one of the film’s writers, the story is set shortly before Frodo Baggins departs the Shire for Rivendell. It begins with Gandalf sending Aragorn on a mission to locate Gollum, fearing he may disclose vital information about the One Ring to Sauron. Walsh mentioned that discussions with Mortensen are ongoing, indicating a collaborative approach to the casting process.
As the excitement builds for *The Hunt for Gollum*, fans look forward to a continuation of the beloved franchise, enriched by the involvement of its original creators and actors. The film is expected to capture the essence of the *Lord of the Rings* universe while exploring new narratives within its rich lore.
