Middle‑earth is officially heading back into production.
The new film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum has locked in its shooting schedule, with principal photography set to begin in May 2026.
Sir Ian McKellen will once again play Gandalf, reuniting with long‑time collaborator Andy Serkis, who not only directs the film but also returns in his signature role as Gollum. In a recent statement, McKellen teased the project with characteristic understatement:
“Filming starts in May. And I’ll tell you just two secrets about the cast: there’s a character named Frodo and another named Gandalf. Not a word more.”
According to early story details, the film will unfold around the timeline of The Fellowship of the Ring, shortly before Frodo leaves the Shire. The plot will focus on Aragorn’s mission to track down Gollum at Gandalf’s request – a key off‑screen episode from Tolkien’s lore that now moves to the center of the narrative.
One of the major production challenges will be the “de‑aging” of returning actors, whose appearances have naturally changed over the past two decades. The creative team is expected to rely on a mix of digital makeup and AI‑assisted tools to subtly roll back the years without breaking the illusion of Middle‑earth.
If the tight schedule holds, the May start will mark the first crucial step toward meeting the currently targeted late‑2027 theatrical release, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched returns to Tolkien’s world in recent years.