"The Hunt For Gollum:" Will It Be Split Into Two Films?

The world of Middle-earth might be expanding once again, with new hints suggesting that "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" could be split into two films. This revelation comes after Sir Ian McKellen’s recent appearance on the British talk show “This Morning,” where he discussed his potential return as Gandalf and dropped some intriguing hints about the project's future.

The Return to Middle-earth

In early 2023, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema announced plans to develop new live-action movies set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary universe. The partnership was solidified in May with a deal involving Embracer Group AB and Warner Bros. Discovery, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise. The first film to emerge from this collaboration is "The Hunt for Gollum," slated for release in 2026.

Fans were already excited by the prospect of diving back into the rich lore of Middle-earth, but McKellen’s recent comments suggest there could be even more content on the horizon than previously thought. The actor, beloved for his portrayal of the wise and powerful wizard Gandalf, has been coy about his involvement but openly expressed his desire to reprise the role.

“There’ll be a script arriving sometime in the new year, and I’ll judge whether I want to go back,” McKellen shared during the interview, laughing. “I would. I would love to go back to New Zealand, number one. And also, I don’t like the idea of anyone else playing Gandalf.”

A Surprise Two-Parter?

While McKellen’s willingness to return is great news for fans, his offhand comment about the film possibly being a two-parter has sparked a wave of speculation. “I’m told it’s two films. I probably shouldn’t be saying that [laughs]. But I haven’t read the script. So, I don’t know if it is,” McKellen said, hinting at the possibility of the story being more expansive than initially thought.

Though it's not the first time more than one film was suggested for the new Middle-earth projects, the idea of "The Hunt for Gollum" specifically being a two-part series is fresh news. It echoes the approach taken with "The Hobbit," which was stretched into a trilogy despite originally being a single novel. Given the deep lore surrounding Gollum and his role in the larger narrative, a two-part adaptation would allow for a more detailed exploration of his story, capturing the complex nature of one of Tolkien’s most tragic characters.

Who’s Behind the Project?

The "Hunt for Gollum" films will be directed by Andy Serkis, the actor who originally brought Gollum to life with his groundbreaking motion-capture performance in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies. Serkis’s involvement as director promises a unique blend of familiarity and innovation, as few understand the character of Gollum as intimately as he does.

Peter Jackson, who directed both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies, will not be helming these new films but remains deeply involved as a producer alongside his longtime collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. This trio’s involvement assures fans that the spirit and tone of the original films will be respected, even as the new projects explore fresh narratives within Tolkien's world.

What This Means for Fans

While McKellen’s comments were unintentional, they’ve fueled excitement among Tolkien fans eager for more Middle-earth content. If "The Hunt for Gollum" is indeed split into two films, it suggests that the filmmakers are willing to invest time and resources to tell the story in a detailed and impactful way. This approach also aligns with current industry trends of splitting major stories into multiple installments to maximize both storytelling depth and box office potential.

However, as McKellen mentioned, no scripts have been finalized, and it remains unclear whether the two-film format will be confirmed. Fans will need to wait until scripts are reviewed and production plans are more concrete. Still, the mere possibility of a double feature has sparked renewed interest in the expanding Middle-earth saga.

Final Thoughts

The prospect of "The Hunt for Gollum" expanding into two films brings a sense of anticipation and nostalgia, reminding fans of the epic scale of Tolkien’s universe. As we await more official news, the involvement of familiar faces both in front of and behind the camera offers a reassuring promise that Middle-earth will continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow the development of these exciting new chapters in Tolkien’s legendary world.

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Source: Dark Horizons

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema