Production on "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" has officially started, with Warner Bros. releasing initial set footage of Andy Serkis reprising his role as Gollum.
The behind-the-scenes video shows Serkis in a motion capture suit reviewing the script on set before crouching into character and delivering the iconic snarl. A drone shot captures the mountainous New Zealand landscape where filming is taking place.
Serkis is directing the film while also performing as Gollum, also known as Sméagol. The project reunites him with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens from the original trilogies.
Returning cast members include Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo and Lee Pace as King Thranduil. New additions are Kate Winslet as Marigol, Jamie Dornan as Strider, Leo Woodall as Halvard and Anya Taylor-Joy as an elf.
The movie is scheduled to open in theaters on Dec. 17, 2027. Serkis told Variety, “It couldn’t be better,” describing the reunion as a family affair spanning generations.
