Development on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is currently underway with filming expected to begin in just a few months. While the movie isn't scheduled to release in theaters next year, there's a ton of hype surrounding the project, which will be the first live-action Middle-earth movie since 2014's The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
Although not a direct adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels, we do know that conceptually the film draws from a few lines in The Lord of the Rings, specifically in the "Council of Elrond" chapter where Aragorn explains the hunt for Gollum. Earlier this week, the plot sysnopsis had leaked online, revealing more specific story details.
We now know that the the story, which takes place before The Fellowship of the Ring, explores Gollum's journey after losing the One Ring, while also following Aragorn's hunt for the creature at Gandalf the grey's behest.
Ian McKellen is returning as Gandalf the Grey, confirming his reprisal earlier this month on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The 86-year-old actor, who has portrayed Gandalf in every Lord of the Rings film since 2001’s The Fellowship of the Ring, revealed that filming is scheduled to begin in July. While it’s now confirmed he will appear on screen rather than just providing his voice, the size of his role remains unknown.
“I think in July, which is unfortunate because it’s winter down there in New Zealand,” he said. “But we’ll be indoors probably most of the time. Yes. And I put on the pointy hat and the beard. And the nose. And the eyebrows. And the mustache. And the gloves, I dare say.”
In a separate interview with The Sunday Times, McKellen, who will be 87 years old by the time filming begins, stated, “Well, I said I cannot have anybody else play Gandalf."
With so much mystery surrounding the film, McKellen was also asked what the movie was about. Although he could not go into specifics, he did provide his own top-level description of the film, which he described as "an adventure story" that's designed to appeal to fans of the franchise.
“I’m not in the position to say — but the script is designed to appeal to people who like Lord of the Rings. It’s an adventure story, Aragorn trying to find Gollum with Gandalf directing operations from the sidelines.”
McKellen's description is pretty much in line with the more detailed synopsis that leaked online although without the specifics. According to the leaked details: "Gandalf the Grey calls upon Aragorn, still known as the ranger Strider, to track the elusive creature whose knowledge of the whereabouts of the ring could tip the balance toward the Dark Lord Sauron."
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum isn't schedule to release in theaters until December 17, 2027, so it may be quite some time before the studio shares an official synopsis, let alone a trailer. However, with filming scheduled to begin shortly, we may be learning more details through leaked set photos or videos. As always, stay tune for any future updates we may have for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.