'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' Officially Begins Production Sharing First On-Set Footage
Director Andy Serkis returns to his iconic motion-capture role alongside a star-studded ensemble cast in New Zealand.
Summary
Warner Bros has officially commenced principal photography on 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'
A newly released behind-the-scenes teaser showcases director Andy Serkis slipping back into his signature motion-capture suit
The highly anticipated fantasy film features a mix of original franchise veterans and high-profile newcomers
Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially commenced production on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The studio marked the start of filming by releasing the first behind-the-scenes footage from the set in New Zealand, where principal photography is currently underway.
The brief teaser clip features multi-hyphenate talent Andy Serkis, who is pulling double duty as both the film’s director and its central star. The footage showcases Serkis reviewing the script before stepping into his familiar motion-capture suit, lowering into a spider-like crouch, and channeling the character’s iconic feral snarl. The teaser then cuts to a cinematic drone shot of New Zealand’s craggy mountain ranges, confirming the return to the franchise’s signature visual backdrop.
The upcoming feature reunites Serkis with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, the core creative team behind the original Middle-earth trilogies. The high-profile ensemble cast balances franchise nostalgia with fresh talent. Original stars Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Lee Pace will return to the screen as Gandalf, Frodo, and King Thranduil. Meanwhile, newcomers Anya Taylor-Joy, Jamie Dornan, Kate Winslet, and Leo Woodall join the universe as an elf, Strider, Marigol, and Halvard, respectively.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled to open in theaters on December 17, 2027.
