Elijah Wood Talks Potential Frodo Return in THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM
I think we all expect Elijah Wood to step back into the role of Frodo in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, but now the actor has finally addressed the speculation.
The new film, directed by Andy Serkis, is expected to revisit the timeline of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and explore Gandalf and Aragorn’s search for Gollum before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring.
Because the story takes place during the earlier era of the saga, reports suggest many familiar characters could be recast with younger actors. That approach would make sense considering it’s been more than twenty years since The Return of the King wrapped production.
Right now, Serkis is confirmed to return as Gollum and Sir Ian McKellen is expected to reprise Gandalf. But thanks to a slip from McKellen at a convention last year, fans started hearing that Frodo might also appear in the film.
Wood recently spoke with The Sunday Times about the possibility of returning to Middle-earth, and while he couldn’t officially confirm anything, he didn’t exactly shut the door either.
"It hasn’t been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian 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."
Wood also talked about how protective fans can be when new stories are added to Tolkien’s legendary world. At the same time, he sounds genuinely excited about revisiting it.
"It’s always a little nerve-racking when people talk about new movies for a world like Middle-earth. Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling. There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together."
When the conversation turned to McKellen’s stance that he wouldn’t want anyone else playing Gandalf while he’s still around, Wood had a very relatable response.
"I totally get that. I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able."
Like many longtime fans, Wood admits he’s excited just thinking about how those familiar characters might appear again on the big screen.
"And I can also recognise what fun that is going to be — when you are in the cinema, and you see the hat turn around, and it’s Gandalf. Because I’m also a fan, and excited to see how it all comes together,"
Industry insider Daniel Richtman has also reported that Wood is currently in talks to reprise Frodo. If the character does appear, it might be in scenes set during the timeline of the original trilogy.
One possibility fans have floated is that Gandalf recounts the events of the hunt to Frodo, framing the story through their perspective.
Beyond Serkis directing and returning as Gollum, the creative team behind the project includes The Lord of the Rings trilogy writers Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, who are crafting the screenplay alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, writers from The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.
Meanwhile, Peter Jackson, who directed both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, is producing.
More casting announcements are expected as the film gears up for production later this year, but Kate Winslet is set to play the female lead.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is currently scheduled to hit theaters on December 17, 2027.