How LOTR: The Hunt for Gollum Will Utilize 'Older Techniques' from the Original Trilogy

New Line Cinema | WingNut Films
Michael Baculinao
By Michael BaculinaoNews Writer

New Line Cinema | WingNut Films
  • Primary Subject: Andy Serkis and the production design of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
  • Key Update: Director Andy Serkis confirmed the film will utilize practical filmmaking methods from the original trilogy.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: May 6, 2026
  • Quick Answer: The film will use miniatures and prosthetics to emulate the original trilogy’s aesthetic while exploring new character depths for Gollum in a canon-compliant story.

Andy Serkis recently explained how The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will harken back to the techniques of the original trilogy.

Fans are now anticipating the release of the next Lord of the Rings installment, which is set to begin production soon under the direction of Serkis, who will also reprise the role of Gollum. Considering how revered the Peter Jackson trilogy is, fans are hoping that The Hunt for Gollum will emulate the vibes of the original movies.

How LOTR: The Hunt for Gollum Will Use 'Older Techniques'

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Credit: New Line Cinema

In an interview with Den of Geek, Serkis opened up about the filmmaking process that he is planning for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

He promised fans that the upcoming film would utilize the "older techniques" in the Peter Jackson trilogy.

"I absolutely think you can make them like that because we are doing it. All the same people who worked on the original movies have come back to the set department; the set designers," he explained.

"We're using miniatures; we're employing some of the older techniques and bringing some of the new techniques to bear as well. So we will be walking the tightrope of creating a world that people are familiar with, but also it's an entirely new story."

Serkis continued, "We are using more prosthetics for the orcs, for instance, and shooting all on location. This film sits between the world of the Hobbit trilogy and the original trilogy, so within the law and canon, it sits perfectly in there, but technically, visually, and stylistically, it wants to merge those two [trilogies]."

However, while The Hunt for Gollum will harken back to the original trilogy, Serkis also promised that it won't just be a nostalgia trip, and it will explore a new territory, especially for the character of Gollum.

"I'm very excited, and not just it being a nostalgia trip. There's actually a lot to explore with the character of Gollum," he said.

What to Expect in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

Drawing heavily from J.R.R. Tolkien’s footnotes, the story of The Hunt for Gollum bridges the gap between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. It tracks Aragorn’s dangerous mission to find Gollum before Sauron can extract the Ring's whereabouts from him.

Returning from the previous films are Andy Serkis (as Gollum/Smeagol), Ian McKellen (as Gandalf), Elijah Wood (as Frodo Baggins), and Lee Pace (as Thranduil). Joining the cast are Kate Winslet (as Marigol), Leo Woodall (as Halvard), and Jamie Dornan (taking over the role of Aragorn).

The film is currently slated for release in theaters on December 17, 2027. Serkis will also direct the film. Production will take place in New Zealand.

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