Andy Serkis returns to Middle-earth to play Gollum in two new films based on Lord of the Rings by Tolkien.
Warner Bros.’ Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy Motion Picture announced Thursday that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, the Oscar-winning team behind the two trilogies THE Lord of the Rings And The Hobbitwould be producers of the two new films, and that Andy Serkis would direct.
The working title is The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum ; Walsh and Boyens are co-writing the screenplay. The film, a collaboration between Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, is expected to be released in 2026.
The six films based on JRR Tolkien’s work to date have grossed nearly US$6 billion worldwide. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) won a record 11 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture, tying Titanic And Ben-Hur for the greatest number of awards.
Jackson, Walsh and Boyens, who consider themselves experts in the worlds of JRR Tolkien, added that they were looking forward to returning to Middle-earth with Serkis, “who has unfinished business with that Stinky Gollum!” “.
The same two studios also produced the animated film The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim which will be released in theaters in December.