Elijah Wood Says Returning for THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM Feels Like a “Family Reunion,” Even Though Frodo’s Role Is Small
It’s hard to believe that more than two decades have passed since audiences last followed Frodo Baggins to the fires of Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Now, with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum bringing several familiar faces back to Middle-earth, Elijah Wood is opening up about what it’s like stepping back into that world.
While fans might be hoping that Frodo has a big role in the story, Wood says his involvement in the upcoming film is fairly limited. That said, the chance to reunite with the people who helped create one of the most beloved fantasy franchises of all time was reason enough to return.
Speaking with GamesRadar+, Wood shared: "I mean, it's sort of like getting the band back together a little bit with that film. A lot of the creative team who were part of Lord of the Rings are part of Hunt for Gollum.
“I'm just looking forward to seeing all those people again. It feels like a family reunion. My part to play is relatively small, but I'm just excited to go back and spend some time in New Zealand and see old friends."
The original Lord of the Rings trilogy became a once-in-a-generation cinematic event, and many of the filmmakers and cast members involved have remained close ever since. Returning to New Zealand and reconnecting with longtime collaborators sounds like a pretty great excuse to revisit Middle-earth.
As for where The Hunt for Gollum fits into Tolkien’s timeline, the story takes place 17 years after Bilbo Baggins’ famous birthday party and before Frodo leaves the Shire in The Fellowship of the Ring. That period has been referenced before, but this movie will shine a spotlight on events that happened largely off-screen.
The story centers on Gollum after he loses possession of the One Ring. Desperate to recover his precious treasure, he leaves the safety of his cave and begins searching for it. In response, Gandalf sends Aragorn on a mission to track him down, setting the stage for the hunt that gives the film its title.
Considering the timeline, it makes sense that Frodo’s appearance may be limited to only a few scenes. It could end up being something closer to Wood’s memorable cameo in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey rather than a leading role.
Wood won’t be the only familiar face making a return trip to Middle-earth. Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf, while Andy Serkis will once again portray Sméagol/Gollum. Lee Pace is also returning as the Elven king Thranduil.
One of the biggest changes involves Aragorn. The younger version of the ranger, known at the time as Strider, has been recast and will be played by Jamie Dornan. The film will also introduce new characters played by Kate Winslet and Leo Woodall, who portray Marigol and Halvard, respectively.
Serkis is also directing the film from a script written by longtime Lord of the Rings collaborators Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, with Peter Jackson serving as a producer.
Before Wood heads back to Middle-earth, fans can hear him in another high-profile project. The actor voices an astronaut named Green in the animated series Among Us, which surprise-launched on Paramount+ on June 5.
Based on the massively popular multiplayer game, the series follows a crew trying to keep their spaceship operational while shapeshifting alien impostors secretly eliminate members of the team.
For now, though, it’s The Hunt for Gollum that has fantasy fans counting down the days. Even if Frodo only plays a small part in the story, seeing Wood return to Middle-earth alongside so many familiar faces should make this next chapter feel a little bit like coming home.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is set to arrive in theaters on December 17, 2027.