Andy Serkis Provides An Update On His Lord Of The Rings Spinoff While Also Admitting He ‘Cannot Escape’ Gollum

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Andy Serkis, known for his extraordinary work in performance capture, is once more weaving enchantment through Middle-earth. At present, he’s immersed in the creation of “The Hunt for Gollum“, one of several upcoming Lord of the Rings side stories. In this new endeavor, not only will the acclaimed performer reprise his role as the ring-fixated creature who revolutionized blockbuster filmmaking, but he’ll also take on the director’s chair. Recenlty, Serkis shared some insights about production and expressed thoughts on his bond with his iconic character.

During an interview with Metro at the London premiere of Amazon Prime Video’s “The Girlfriend,” Serkis praised the long-term creative team that has been like a family on the franchise. He also emphasized that the character of Gollum from “Lord of the Rings” is not only one of the best in the series but also closely linked to his career. At the time of the conversation, he was nearly ready to start preparations for the upcoming fantasy film.

As a devoted fan, I can’t contain my excitement as I prepare to rejoin my cherished creative family this weekend! I’m embarking on a journey back to New Zealand where I will be diving headfirst into the project, serving as its director. The opportunity to reunite with these talented individuals and sink my teeth into a character that has captured my heart for years is truly exhilarating. It’s more than just a role to me; it’s an irresistible force I can’t seem to escape from.

Is Andy Serkis carrying the One Ring in his pocket, or is he simply delighted to meet his old friend Gollum again? For Serkis, being unable to escape from the role isn’t a burden but a testament to its lasting impact. Having initially voiced the character in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and then fully immersing himself through performance capture from The Two Towers onwards, he has created one of cinema’s most iconic characters.

13 years have passed since Andy Serkis last portrayed Gollum on the big screen, specifically in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”. This time gap lends a sense of nostalgia and appropriateness to his recent comeback.

The actor has previously shared how he almost declined taking on the character of Gollum entirely. In 2020, during an interview with Josh Gad on Reunited Apart, he mentioned that a colleague had advised him against portraying a “digital character” whose face would not be visible on screen. However, Serkis chose to take the risk and, despite receiving criticism for motion capture technology, played a significant role in popularizing it. Later, he went on to star as Caesar in Planet of the Apes and Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars.

The director of “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is set to embark on a new journey, this time as the director, with details about “The Hunt for Gollum” still under cover. However, the co-founder of Imaginarium Studios has confirmed that the project is transitioning from announcement to actual production, which is exciting news for fans of Lord of the Rings.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled that the production for “The Hunt for Gollum” coincides with Andy Serkis’s packed movie schedule in 2025. Currently, he’s an executive producer on “The Girlfriend,” a gripping psychological thriller helmed by Robin Wright herself, with Olivia Cooke joining her in the cast. The director of “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle” has nothing but praises for this six-part series, calling it an exceptional masterpiece. If you’re as excited as I am, mark your calendars! On September 10th, “The Girlfriend” will grace our TV screens, and with a Prime Video subscription, you won’t want to miss it!

Despite Gollum being the most prominent, Andy Serkis appears more amused than burdened by this role. Throughout his performances, the allure of “precious” has always accompanied him, a role he cherishes and is content to carry as the Ring-bearer.

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2025-09-08 02:14