Elijah Wood Praises The Hunt for Gollum and the Reunited Lord of the Rings Team

Elijah Wood has reignited excitement among Middle-earth fans with glowing praise for the upcoming film The Hunt for Gollum, calling it a genuine reunion of the original Lord of the Rings creative team.

During his recent appearance at DesertCon, the actor – forever associated with Frodo Baggins – spoke candidly about the project and hinted that he may once again set foot in the Shire.

Wood revealed that he has read the script and described it as ‘really good,’ emphasizing that the story feels true to the tone and depth that made the original trilogy a cinematic masterpiece. What particularly excites him, he said, is that ‘the creative band is back together’ – a reference to the return of director Peter Jackson and writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, alongside Andy Serkis, who not only reprises his role as Gollum but also steps into the director’s chair this time.

‘It’s amazing to see so many familiar faces involved,’ Wood shared. ‘The production designers, the crew, the spirit – it’s all there. Shooting in New Zealand again makes it feel like the magic is coming home. There’s a sense of continuity that reminds me of when we were building the world of Middle-earth for the first time.’

While Wood stopped short of explicitly confirming his return as Frodo, fans have already begun speculating after Sir Ian McKellen hinted that both Gandalf and Frodo appear in the film. McKellen has also made clear he wouldn’t approve of another actor taking up the wizard’s staff, reinforcing hopes that the old Fellowship might partially reunite for this prequel-style story.

The Hunt for Gollum will explore a shadowy period between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, chronicling how Gandalf and Aragorn tracked Gollum in an effort to locate the One Ring before Sauron’s forces could. The timeline bridges two eras of Middle-earth lore, offering a fresh cinematic look at the years of tension and pursuit that shaped events leading to The Fellowship of the Ring.

According to early reports, the film will dive deeper into Gollum’s fractured psyche and his tragic journey across Middle-earth – an aspect Serkis has always portrayed with haunting brilliance. The narrative promises a darker tone, leaning more on character study and psychological depth than epic battles. It’s an approach that resonates with many fans who long for the emotional nuance of the original trilogy rather than the CGI-heavy spectacle of The Hobbit.

Production will once again take place in New Zealand, preserving the distinct landscapes that became synonymous with Middle-earth. Many of the original crew members from Jackson’s films are reportedly returning, a move that has reassured those who worried about the project being another nostalgia-driven cash grab. Wood’s comments suggest that this isn’t just another attempt to milk the franchise, but a carefully crafted continuation by the same storytellers who made the legend endure.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Some fans have questioned whether Frodo’s involvement makes sense within the lore’s timeline, and others have expressed doubts about revisiting such a sacred cinematic universe. Yet there’s also optimism: the story’s long gestation, unlike the rushed Hobbit production, might give Serkis and the team the time they need to create something truly special. Even Orlando Bloom has mentioned he’d love to return, joking that ‘AI might need to help Legolas look immortal again.’

Only Serkis has officially confirmed his role so far, but with Viggo Mortensen expressing openness to reprise Aragorn, the reunion feels within reach. For now, fans can only wait for filming to begin in New Zealand next year, ahead of the scheduled release on December 17, 2027. Whether this will rekindle the magic of Middle-earth or test the limits of nostalgia remains to be seen – but one thing is certain: The Hunt for Gollum has everyone talking.