Anya Taylor-Joy Says Joining THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM Feels Like a Dream: "I Feel I've Been An Elf My Whole Life"
Warner Bros. confirmed last month that the Furiosa star Anya Taylor-Joy had signed on for director Andy Serkis' next journey into Tolkien's world with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
While rumors had been circulating for a while, the studio made it official with a motion poster that offered a shadowy first look at Taylor-Joy's mysterious Elven character, Seren.
Seren is described as a "Sindar Elf of the Woodland Realm and a trusted, lethal agent of King Thranduil."
The character is completely original and doesn't come from J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. It sounds like she'll be a new ally who crosses paths with Aragorn during the story, adding a fresh face to one of Middle-earth's most iconic adventures.
Now, Taylor-Joy has spoken publicly about landing the role for the first time, and it's safe to say this is a franchise she's genuinely thrilled to be part of.
"I mean, I feel like I've been an Elf my whole life, so it feels very validating to go and actually do it as a job," she joked. "I'm a huge fan of Lord of the Rings, I'm a huge fan of Andy Serkis.
“I think he's a wonderful man and a wonderful, innovative creator. So I think just being able to be a part of this world and inhabit this character is a dream come true."
Taylor-Joy certainly has the ethereal look that feels right at home in Middle-earth, and it'll be interesting to see how Seren fits into the story alongside some very familiar faces.
The growing cast is already packed with fan favorites. Ian McKellen is returning as Gandalf, Elijah Wood is back as Frodo, and Lee Pace will once again play Thranduil. Joining Taylor-Joy among the newcomers are Kate Winslet as Marigol, Jamie Dornan as Strider/Aragorn, and Leo Woodall as Halvard.
Serkis recently reflected on building the cast, saying: "Across two trilogies, a mark of a Middle-earth film, has always been the formidable array of talent brought to bear in every role.
“The Hunt for Gollum continues in that tradition, and I am delighted to announce the return of two of Middle-earth’s most beloved performers, alongside some exceptionally talented new additions to Tolkien’s world."
The creative team behind the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy is also back. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are producing the film, continuing their long relationship with Tolkien's cinematic universe.
When the project was first announced, they shared: “It is an honour and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that Stinker – Gollum!,” Jackson, Boyens and Walsh said in a statement when the film was announced.
“As life long fans of Professor Tolkien’s vast mythology, we are proud to be working with Mike De Luca, Pam Abdy and the entire team at Warner Bros. on another epic adventure!”
Serkis also couldn't resist slipping back into Gollum's voice when discussing his return: “Yesssss, Precious. The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle Earth Peter, Fran and Philippa,” added Serkis.
“With Mike and Pam, and the Warner Bros team on the quest as well, alongside WETA and our film making family in New Zealand, it’s just all too delicious…”.
Warner Bros. Discovery film chiefs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca also spoke about bringing the creative team back together, saying:
“For over two-decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran and Philippa have shown towards protecting the legacy of Tolkien’s works, and to ensure audiences could experience the incredible world he created in a way that honors his literary vision.
“We are honored they have agreed be our partners on these two new films. With Andy coming aboard to direct Lord of Rings: The Hunt for Gollum(*WT), we continue an important commitment to excellence that is a true hallmark of how we all want to venture ahead and further contribute to the Lord of the Rings cinematic history.”
While Warner Bros. is still keeping Seren's role under wraps, Taylor-Joy's excitement is contagious. Between an original Elven warrior, the return of legendary characters, and the creative team that helped define Middle-earth on the big screen, it’s going to be interesting to see how this turns out.