Director and actor Andy Serkis is helming The Hunt for Gollum, a forthcoming Lord of the Rings film scheduled for release around Christmas next year. The project is positioned between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies chronologically and will explore Gollum’s psychology and history prior to his transformation, while investigating the origins of the ring that Bilbo Baggins possesses. Serkis confirmed he will not direct a second new Lord of the Rings film, Shadow of the Past, which is being developed by television host Stephen Colbert.
When questioned about the predominantly white casting announcements to date—including Jamie Dornan, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, and returning actors like Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen—Serkis addressed the topic directly. He attributed the composition to Tolkien’s Norse mythology influences and the insular nature of The Shire as depicted in the source material. Serkis acknowledged longstanding criticisms regarding diversity in previous Middle-earth films but stated the production would not pursue “politically correct just-casting-for-the-sake-of-casting” and would include diverse representation “where relevant.” Additional casting announcements are expected in coming months.
Serkis is simultaneously promoting an animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which he directed and narrated. The film features an ensemble voice cast including Seth Rogen, Woody Harrelson, Kieran Culkin, and others. This version introduces a new protagonist, Lucky the piglet, and reimagines the allegory as commentary on modern autocracies rather than communism. The film includes a new final act with a happy ending and comedic elements.
The animated Animal Farm has received mixed reception. Critical responses from major publications have been negative, with reviewers citing ideological confusion and weak execution. However, Serkis expressed confidence in the project’s broader appeal and noted strong test screening results with younger audiences. He dismissed concerns about the film’s modest $5.5 million domestic box office performance, suggesting international markets may respond differently. The film opens in UK and Irish cinemas on July 24, with preview screenings beginning July 18.