Summary
TheLord of the Ringstrilogy is highly regarded as one of the best movie series of all time. These fantasy-adventure movies are based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, and his other novel,The Hobbit, was later adapted into its own film trilogy. Sadly, behind-the-scenes issues meant that these movies could not live up to the originals.
That all changed recently, though, when Gollum actor, Andy Serkis, took to social media to announce a new movie coming in 2026. Not only that, but this next movie will be produced by the originalLord of the Ringsdirector, Peter Jackson, and his team, which will adapt the story,The Hunt For Gollum.Some other familiar faces from Middle-earth are sure to make an appearance.
1Thranduil
The King Of The Elves Takes In Gollum After He Is Found
The Hunt for Gollumis a short tale that Gandalf tells Frodo at the start ofThe Fellowship of the Ring.Essentially, this small gap in Gollum’s story is filled in by explaining that Gandalf tasked Aragorn with tracking the former ringbearer after he is released from the dungeons of Mordor. Once Aragorn finds Gollum, he takes the creature to Mirkwood, the woodland realm of the elves, to stay in their captivity.
Anyone who has read or watchedThe Hobbitwill know thatMirkwood is ruled by the stubborn King Thranduil. Therefore, it would make sense for this character to show up inThe Hunt For Gollum. The elf was played by Lee Pace inThe Hobbitmovies, but there is no certainty whether he will reprise the role. However, an appearance by Lee Pace as Thranduil alongside other characters fromThe Lord of the Ringswould be a great way to further tie the first two trilogies together.
2Legolas
The Greatest Archer In Middle-earth Lives In Mirkwood Where Gollum Stays
Since theLord of the Ringsmovies chose to omit the story told by Gandalf about the hunt for Gollum, most viewers are unaware that Legolas originally attends the council of Elrond to inform him that Gollum escaped his captivity in Mirkwood. Therefore, it would make sense for Legolas to interact with Gollum in a new movie.
The elven archeris one of the most popular characters from the franchise. Played by Orlando Bloom, Legolas appears in all threeLord of the Ringsmovies and the last two films inThe Hobbittrilogy. As a result, Legolas is synonymous with Middle-earth movies by this point, so it would be easy enough to justify his inclusion inThe Hunt For Gollum.
3Sauron
The Ultimate Villain In Middle-earth Held Gollum Captive For Years
Sauron is the main villain in Middle-earth throughout the Second and Third Ages. It is his ring of power that Gollum possesses, and it is this ring thatgrants Gollum his unnaturally long lifeand the thing he cherishes above all else. In fact, the main reason why Gandalf sets in motion the hunt for Gollum in the first place is so that the creature does not lead Sauron’s forces to The Shire in his search for his precious.
The orcs in Mordor torture Gollum for years because of his knowledge of the ring, and he is only hunted by Aragorn after he escapes their dungeons. The movie will no doubt introduce a new villain to act as a foil for the heroes inThe Hunt For Gollum.However, it also makes sense for fans to see, or at least get some mention of, Sauron in the new movie.
4Aragorn
The Man In Charge Of The Hunt For Gollum
There are few characters from theLord of the Ringsseries as iconic as Aragorn. This ranger is the heir to the throne of Gondor, and much of the story in the first trilogy follows his journey to becoming king. However, Aragorn had a longlife before he accompanied Frodo inThe Fellowship of the Ring.
Aragorn was orphaned at a young age and raised by the elves in Rivendell. Upon finding out about his true fate, he rejected his claim to the throne of men and decided to live in exile. This exile took Aragorn all over Middle-earth and saw him meet many important figures. One of these important figures is the wizard Gandalf, who grows to trust and respect the future king. He trusts Aragorn so much that he tasks him with hunting Gollum in the events that precedeThe Lord of the Rings. Therefore, it is highly likely that Aragorn will be a main character inThe Hunt For Gollum,though, it is doubtful that the original actor, Viggo Mortensen, will return to the role as he is now 65 years old, and this movie will need a much younger version of the character.
5Gandalf
The Character Who Sets Things In Motion
Gandalf the Grey is one of the most important figures in Middle-earth, and he has appeared in every movie in the franchise so far. This powerful Istari is sent to use his knowledge and wisdom to unite the free people of Middle-earth and take down Sauron, and he mainly does this by setting small events in motion. As such, Gandalf hasappeared at the start of both theatrical Middle-earthstories.
Therefore, it would make perfect sense for Gandalf to show up again inThe Hunt For Gollumto fill the same role. Failing that, he could easily serve as someone telling the story of how he recruited Aragorn to hunt down Gollum. In terms of who would play the character, it would be great to see Sir Ian McKellen reprise the role once again. Though he is much older now than he was when first playing Gandalf, he is supposed to be an older character.
