British actor Andy Serkis returns to Middle-earth to play Gollum in two new films based on Lord of the Rings by JRR 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 produce the two new films, while Andy Serkis will direct.
The film, a collaboration between Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, is scheduled for release in 2026 and is tentatively titled The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Walsh and Boyens are co-writing the screenplay.
The six films based on 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 on Tolkien’s universes, added that they look forward to returning to Middle-earth with Serkis.
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.
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