Elijah Wood has hinted at returning as Frodo Baggins in Andy Serkis-directed 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum', set for December 2027 release. In a recent interview, he expressed reluctance to see another actor play the role while he is able, amid rumors of original cast reunions.
Elijah Wood, famed for Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and a cameo in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey', has addressed speculation about reprising the role in the upcoming 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'. Directed by Andy Serkis (reprising Gollum via motion-capture), the Warner Bros. film is produced by Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens—with Walsh and Boyens co-writing alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. It explores Gollum-focused events post-Bilbo's birthday party and pre-Mines of Moria, described by Boyens as 'quite an intense story'.
In an interview with The Sunday Times (The Times U.K.), Wood neither confirmed nor denied involvement: "It hasn’t been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian [McKellen] sort of let the cat out of the bag. So there is a good chance. I’m not able to officially say anything until it’s announced, but I will say I’m thrilled with the prospect of another film." He added, "I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo as long as I’m alive and able."
Wood echoed McKellen's enthusiasm for returning as Gandalf, noting the thrill of 'getting the band back together' and fan excitement for cinema moments like Gandalf's hat turning. He acknowledged fans' protectiveness making new Middle-earth projects 'nerve-racking' but described this as 'fun, thrilling'. In a prior ScreenRant interview, he expressed excitement over the creative team's reunion.
The project, announced in summer 2024, was delayed from 2026 to December 17, 2027. Casting rumors include Anya Taylor-Joy and Leo Woodall in lead roles, with Woodall possibly as a young Aragorn.
