Elijah Wood has expressed his eagerness to reprise his iconic role as Frodo Baggins in the anticipated film, The Hunt for Gollum, although he notes that an official announcement regarding his return has yet to be made. Wood’s comments surfaced amidst his promotion of his upcoming slasher film, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, during an interview with The Times.
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The 45-year-old actor seemingly confirmed King’s colleague Ian McKellen’s earlier statement from August 2025, which hinted at both Gandalf and Frodo’s return in the upcoming film. During a convention in London, McKellen inadvertently revealed that Wood’s character would appear alongside him. Reflecting on McKellen’s comments, Wood stated, “I’m just excited,” and acknowledged that his co-star had “sort of let the cat out of the bag.”
While discussing the expectations surrounding McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf, Wood made it clear that he shares a strong connection to his character, indicating, “I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able.” His sentiments reflect a wider appreciation for the original casting that fans have cherished since the trilogy’s inception in the early 2000s.
As a veteran of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and its subsequent Hobbit films, Wood emphasised the nostalgia tied to revisiting these characters. “I can also recognise what fun that is going to be — when you are in the cinema and you see the hat turn around and it’s Gandalf,” he remarked, highlighting his enthusiasm not just as an actor but also as a devoted fan of the franchise.
In related news, Wood’s assertion comes in light of Warner Bros. announcing that Andy Serkis, who is known for portraying Gollum, will both direct and reprise his role in The Hunt for Gollum. The film is set to be released on December 17, 2027. This new addition to the Middle-earth saga has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Warner Bros. also indicated their commitment to expanding the Middle-earth cinematic universe by revealing plans for an additional film, to be produced by Peter Jackson alongside screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. However, there has been little information released regarding this second project, leaving some fans eager for updates.
Wood, reflecting on the potential of future films set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s richly detailed universe, noted the mix of apprehension and excitement that comes with launching new stories within such a beloved mythology. “It’s always a little nerve-racking when people talk about new movies for a world like Middle-earth. Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity,” he shared. Yet, he is buoyed by the thrill of what’s to come, mentioning, “this story is fun, thrilling.”
The actor last reprised his role as Frodo in 2012’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. More recently, Wood was seen in the 2025 film The Monkey and the third season of the acclaimed series Yellowjackets. His new project, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, is set to hit UK cinemas on March 20.
As the anticipation for The Hunt for Gollum grows, fans are left waiting for the official confirmation of Wood’s return, eager to see the beloved Baggins embark on another adventure. The prospect of iconic characters reuniting under the creative vision of Jackson and Serkis has already set imaginations alight, promising a mixture of nostalgia and excitement for a new chapter in the saga of Middle-earth.