Original Hobbit Actors From THE LORD OF THE RINGS Talk About a Possible Future Return to the Shire
This summer, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will be heading into production, and fans are getting excited about the return of Andy Serkis as Gollum, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, and Elijah Wood as beloved Hobbit, Frodo Baggins. But could any of our other favorite Hobbitses be destined for a return in this movie or another future project?
Empire Magazine (via CB) talked to Gandalf and Hobbit actors Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan (Merry Brandybuck), Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins), Billy Boyd (Peregrin “Pippin” Took) and Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) about their interest in future projects set in the world of Tolkien, and they were excited about the prospect of reuniting with their friends.
Wood echoed what McKellen said about filming The Lord of the Rings films in New Zealand, which they describe more like a welcome vacation than a job: “You know, similar to Ian, I also want to go back to New Zealand,” Wood explained. “I would love to see those people again and play in that sandbox more. Just to see old friends.”
Boyd was just as enthusiastic, telling Mckellen, “We’ll come if you want, Ian!” With Astin jokingly adding, “Sam will carry your bag.”
When asked if they would like to “reteam” for a future Lord of the Rings project after The Hunt for Gollum, the actors were game. One project that seems like the answer to their reunion is the infamous penultimate chapter of J.R. R. Tolkien’s story, “The Scouring of The Shire.” It chronicles the Hobbits returning home after destroying the One Ring, only to find The Shire under the grip of evildoers. Astin didn’t hold back about finally getting “The Scouring of the Shire” on film, saying, “I’d like that very much. I think that would be cool!”
It’s been made clear that Warner Bros. intends to cash in on the great storytelling of Tolkien and the beloved cast that first brought his stories to life. So we will just have to wait and see what will come next.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is in production and set for release on December 17, 2027.