Leo Woodall, the emerging actor known for his role in ‘Tuner’ alongside Dustin Hoffman, has been officially announced as part of the cast for the upcoming ‘Lord of the Rings’ film, titled ‘The Hunt for Gollum’. This exciting news came during CinemaCon in April, capturing the attention of fans and industry insiders alike.
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At the New York premiere of ‘Tuner’ on May 20, Woodall spoke passionately about his new role, describing it as a significant milestone in his career. “It means everything. It’s a boyhood dream for me,” the 29-year-old actor expressed to PEOPLE, revealing his long-standing admiration for the iconic franchise. As a child, he was captivated by the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, having watched them countless times. “To be part of it now is incredible,” he added, reflecting on the significance of his casting.
In ‘The Hunt for Gollum’, Woodall will portray Halvard, a character created specifically for this film and not present in J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works. Although details regarding his character remain closely guarded, the anticipation for the film, which is set to hit theatres in December 2027, continues to grow.
This new instalment in the beloved franchise promises to feature several well-known faces from the original series. Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Andy Serkis will reprise their roles as Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, and Gollum/Sméagol, respectively. The film will also see Jamie Dornan stepping into the shoes of Strider, traditionally known as Aragorn, a character previously portrayed by Viggo Mortensen. Additionally, Kate Winslet will join the cast as Marigold.
The news of ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ was first revealed in May 2024, creating waves in the entertainment community. The film will be directed by Andy Serkis, who portrayed Gollum in the original trilogy, while Peter Jackson, known for his masterful work on the previous ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, is set to produce. Filming for the movie is scheduled to take place in New Zealand in 2026, bringing the production back to the stunning landscapes that originally brought Middle-earth to life.
Speaking about the film’s narrative, Serkis revealed that it will explore events situated between ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He described it not only as a physical search for Gollum but also as a profound psychological journey, indicating that the film will delve into complex themes as well.
In addition to ‘The Hunt for Gollum’, the ‘Lord of the Rings’ universe is witnessing another creative endeavour. In March 2026, former late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert announced that he is collaborating with his son, Peter Colbert, to write a new film project. This film will focus on specific chapters from ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ that were omitted from the original movie adaptation. Colbert expressed excitement about creating a narrative that remains true to both the source material and the existing films, showcasing the timeless nature of Tolkien’s work.
While a release date for Colbert’s project remains unconfirmed, it is expected to follow ‘The Hunt for Gollum’, further expanding the cinematic world established by Tolkien and reimagined by filmmakers over the years.
As anticipation builds for ‘The Hunt for Gollum’, audiences are eager to see how Woodall’s character and the new storyline will enrich the expansive lore of Middle-earth. The film’s release is generating considerable buzz, with fans of Tolkien’s work keen to see how this fresh chapter unfolds.
With Woodall’s casting and the return of familiar faces, ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ is poised to engage both long-time fans and newcomers alike, promising a cinematic experience that will echo throughout the history of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ franchise. As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding this latest addition continues to mount, marking another landmark moment in the enduring legacy of Tolkien’s masterpieces.