Elijah Wood & Ian McKellen Expected To Return in ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’

Over the last year, actors Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen have appeared at several comic conventions to discuss their returns to Middle-Earth. While the studio never confirmed it, the two have revealed they have read the script for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum and expect to start filming this summer in New Zealand. Now, we have a report confirming that the two are expected to be in the film. However, while McKellen has already signed on, Wood is still in talks for his contract at this time. Though he has already stated he never wants anyone else to play Frodo besides himself, “I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo as long as I’m alive and able. (via The Sunday Times).”

It was never in question that Gandalf would appear in the film, as he is the one who first sent Strider out to find Gollum in the earlier events of The Fellowship of the Ring. Surprisingly, Wood is going to reprise his role as Frodo Baggins once again after already cameoing in The Hobbit films. The character really has nothing to do with the story beyond possibly appearing during Bilbo’s 111th birthday party. In which case, will Martin Freeman (Black Panther) reprise his role as Bilbo Baggins during this time period, since the original actor Ian Holm (The Day After Tomorrow) has already passed away? It would be a fun way to bridge the two trilogies together if they do show earlier parts of The Fellowship from a different point of view. However, it’s still unknown how Frodo really fits into this story. It’s also unknown if any of the other Hobbits will make an appearance as well.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum hits theaters on December 17th, 2027