Next Lord of the Rings Movie's First Set Photos Feature the Return of a Familiar Face

Warner Bros. shared the first set photos from the upcoming Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum, offering fans a glimpse of the Shire recreated with the same charm as the original trilogy. The images, posted on TikTok, depict hobbits in their idyllic surroundings, including giant pumpkins and a pond with ducks, evoking nostalgia for Middle-earth’s pastoral beauty. The most striking photo shows a hobbit’s back, presumed to be Frodo, entering his hobbit hole, hinting at the film’s narrative focus on his early years. The set photos were released to coincide with Hobbit Day, marking the birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins on September 22.

Director and star Andy Serkis, known for his role as Gollum, was seen in motion-capture gear during earlier behind-the-scenes footage, reinforcing his involvement in the project. Elijah Wood will reprise his role as Frodo, with digital de-aging effects applied to match his younger appearance from the original films. The returning cast includes Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Lee Pace as Thranduil, alongside new additions like Kate Winslet as Marigol and Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren.

The Hunt for Gollum is set to explore events between Bilbo’s 111th birthday and Gandalf’s return to the Shire, drawn from Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring but omitted from the 2001 film adaptation. The plot centers on Gandalf enlisting Aragorn to track down Gollum, seeking answers about the origins of Bilbo’s ring and its connection to the One Ring. Jamie Dornan will play Strider (Aragorn), while Leo Woodall portrays Halvard, a character not previously seen in the franchise.

The film is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027, the same day as Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Secret Wars, potentially creating a high-profile double feature akin to past cinematic matchups. Warner Bros. has framed the set photos as a celebration of Hobbit Day, leveraging the occasion to generate excitement among fans ahead of the movie’s premiere. The inclusion of returning and new cast members suggests a blend of continuity and fresh storytelling for the franchise.