Elijah Wood addresses Ian McKellen’s comments about a Frodo and Gandalf reunion in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. McKellen, who is already confirmed to be returning as Gandalf, teased at a fan event that “There’s a character in the movie called Frodo and another character called Gandalf, and apart from that, my lips are sealed.”
During the Elijah Wood panel at FAN EXPO New Orleans moderated by ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley, The Lord of the Rings star was asked about McKellen’s comments. Wood neither confirms nor denies his involvement in The Hunt for Gollum, but he does say that “a wizard is to be trusted” and expresses how excited he is for the upcoming film. Check out his comments below:
I can neither confirm nor deny. Listen, a wizard is to be trusted. Aside from any of that, I’m not really allowed to confirm. I’m really excited about the film. I think it really is a creative “getting the band back together.” A lot of the creative heads of department are back and in that space again. Philippa [Boyens] I think, is co-writing it and producing it. It’s very much that core original group getting back together to tell this story that will feel like a really fun exploration of this character that we all love so much. And I’m just really excited.
I’m excited for Andy to direct it. It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own. I’m thrilled. It’ll be great. And I’m excited to see…I know their intention is to make other films in this universe. And that’s exciting, interesting to see where that goes, but very exciting.
Despite Wood being unable to affirm whether he is part of The Hunt for Gollum’s cast alongside McKellen and Andy Serkis, his remarks about trusting a wizard and not being allowed to confirm anything bode well for his involvement. With McKellen back as Gandalf and Serkis back as Gollum, it would be surprising to have a different actor playing Frodo.
When McKellen revealed that Frodo and Gandalf would be reuniting, he also shared that filming is scheduled to begin in May. Wood’s casting and the return of other potential co-stars may remain under wraps at least until production officially commences. It is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 17, 2027.
As Wood mentions, Serkis is not only playing Gollum, but is also directing the film. Many of the same individuals who worked on the previous Lord of the Rings movies directed by Peter Jackson are part of the project as well, including Philippa Boyens as a writer and producer.
Wood’s comments about the franchise developing other movies beyond The Hunt for Gollum means that he could also return for other future projects depending on when they are set in The Lord of the Rings’ timeline. Whether these other movies happen will likely depend on the success of Serkis’ upcoming film.
Gandalf and Frodo talking in the Mines of Moria in Fellowship of the Ring
Wood last appeared as Frodo during the opening of 2012’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, where he has a brief appearance at the beginning of the film. The Hunt for Gollum will take place after the 111th birthday party of his uncle, Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm), and before Frodo leaves the Shire.
Since the majority of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is expected to be about Gandalf’s search for the titular character, Frodo most likely will not play a substantial role in the story. Nevertheless, even a brief reunion between McKellen’s Gandalf and Wood’s Frodo is an exciting prospect.
Release Date
December 17, 2027
Writers
Arty Papageorgiou, Phoebe Gittins, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, J.R.R. Tolkien