Leo Woodall Says of Being Cast in THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM - "It's a Boyhood Dream For Me"
It was recently announced that actor Leo Woodall (Vladimir, Tuner, The White Lotus) was cast in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The film, due out next year, marks the first live-action return to Tolkien’s world since The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
While most fans are happy with the casting, Woodall himself is over the moon about the opportunity. The actor talked to People about the role, saying:
“It means everything. It’s a boyhood dream for me. I watched it as a kid and I’ve seen it a million times, so to be part of it now is incredible.”
As is standard, Woodall told the magazine he “can’t tease anything” about the project, which is expected, but his casting was announced alongside fellow new castmember Jamie Dornan.
Woodall will play Halvard, a new Dúnedain character not present in J. R. R. Tolkien’s original tomes, while Dornan will portray Strider — the alias used by Aragorn (played by Viggo Mortensen in the 2000s film trilogy).
In addition to Woodall and Dornan, the movie will also feature Kate Winslet, joining in the role of Marigol. Reprising their roles in the franchise are director Andy Serkis as Gollum, Elijah Wood as Frodo and Ian McKellen as Gandalf. Lee Pace is also back as Thranduil.
The Hunt for Gollum follows Aragorn’s perilous quest to capture Gollum before the creature can reveal the Ring’s location to Sauron. The story, much of it developed from Tolkien’s footnotes, is set between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring.
The Hunt For Gollum is set to be released in theatres on December 17, 2027.