Elijah Wood has shared his deep affection for Ireland, praising the country and its people during a recent interview alongside co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar.
The pair were speaking to Joe.ie while on the press tour for their upcoming horror sequel Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come, and the conversation quickly turned to Wood’s experiences visiting Ireland.
@joedotie “I’ve done a lot of driving there. It’s such a beautiful beautiful place.” 💚 JOE chatted to Elijah Wood and Sarah Michelle Gellar about their new horror sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come 🍿 Elijah spoke about his deep love of Ireland, while Sarah recounted a story of her husband Freddie Prinze Jr’s experience in the Emerald Isle 🇮🇪 Ready or Not 2: Here I Come will be released in cinemas on Friday, 20 March. #ireland #irish #films #cinema #elijahwood ♬ original sound – JOE.ie
Elijah did not hold back in expressing his admiration for the country, saying: ‘Oh I love Ireland. It’s so special. The people are so wonderful – the kindest people.’
He went on to highlight one of his favourite aspects of travelling here, adding: ‘It’s relatively small. I love that about it. You can drive from Dublin to Galway in 4 hours. You can cover so much ground. I’ve done a lot of driving there. It’s such a beautiful, beautiful place.’
Wood’s fondness for Ireland is perhaps unsurprising given his long-standing connection to fantasy storytelling and landscapes that echo the country’s rugged beauty.
The actor is, of course, best known worldwide for his role as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy—a performance that helped define a generation of cinema. Released between 2001 and 2003, the trilogy became a global phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and sweeping the awards circuit, with The Return of the King famously winning 11 Academy Awards.
Wood’s portrayal of Frodo, the humble hobbit tasked with carrying the One Ring to Mount Doom, cemented him as a household name and an enduring figure in pop culture. The role demanded emotional depth and vulnerability, qualities that have since become hallmarks of his acting career.
Despite achieving blockbuster fame at a young age, Wood has consistently chosen eclectic and often unconventional projects, particularly within the horror genre.
In recent years, he has carved out a reputation as a passionate advocate for independent horror cinema, both in front of and behind the camera through his production company, SpectreVision. His filmography includes chilling and offbeat titles such as Maniac and Come to Daddy, showcasing his willingness to embrace darker, more experimental storytelling.
That makes his involvement in Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come a natural fit. The sequel follows on from the surprise success of Ready or Not, a darkly comic horror that became a cult hit upon its release. The original film starred Samara Weaving as a young bride who is forced to take part in a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her new in-laws on her wedding night.
Made on a relatively modest budget, Ready or Not was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp satire, inventive premise and standout performances.
It grossed significantly more than expected at the box office and quickly built a loyal fanbase, cementing its status as one of the most memorable horror releases of recent years.
The upcoming sequel, Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come, is expected to expand on that premise, bringing back the film’s signature blend of tension, dark humour and social commentary.
While full plot details are still under wraps, anticipation has been building among horror fans eager to see how the story evolves—and how new cast members like Wood and Gellar fit into its twisted world.
For Sarah Michelle Gellar, the project represents another chapter in a career that has long been intertwined with the horror and supernatural genres. She rose to international fame as the titular character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which ran from 1997 to 2003 and became a cultural touchstone.
As Buffy Summers, Gellar redefined the archetype of the “final girl,” blending strength, wit and emotional complexity in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. The show’s impact extended far beyond television, influencing an entire generation of genre storytelling and cementing Gellar’s status as an icon.
She further solidified her horror credentials with roles in films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Grudge, both of which were major box office successes and staples of late 1990s and early 2000s horror cinema.
Over the years, she has balanced genre work with comedies and dramas, but her association with horror has remained a defining part of her career.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr
During the interview, Gellar admitted she has yet to visit Ireland herself, but is well aware of its appeal thanks to her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr..
She explained: ‘I have not [been to Ireland]. When my husband went through his first big breakup in life, he took a solo trip to Ireland. That’s where he saw U2!’
Despite not having visited yet, Gellar revealed that a family trip is already on the horizon, adding: ‘He can’t wait to go back and wants to take the kids. I haven’t had the pleasure yet, but it’s on the list!’
With both stars currently promoting Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come, their comments offer a glimpse into the off-screen personalities behind the project—blending Hollywood glamour with a genuine appreciation for Ireland’s landscape and culture.
For Irish audiences, Wood’s heartfelt praise is likely to strike a chord, particularly given his global stature and the enduring legacy of The Lord of the Rings. Meanwhile, Gellar’s enthusiasm to finally experience the country firsthand suggests Ireland remains firmly on the radar for international stars.
As anticipation builds for the sequel, the combination of established genre talent and a proven horror franchise points to another potential hit. And if Wood’s comments are anything to go by, Ireland may well continue to leave a lasting impression on those who visit—whether they arrive as tourists, or as some of Hollywood’s most recognisable faces.