New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Film Set for 2026 Release

Fans of Middle-earth rejoice as Warner Bros. Discovery announces the upcoming release of two new films from the acclaimed team behind the legendary “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies.

Tentatively titled “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” the first of these new projects will reunite the Oscar-winning trio of Sir Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. Directed by “LOTR” veteran Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed the character Gollum, the film is set to delve into the untold tales of Middle-earth. Walsh and Boyens will contribute to the screenplay alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou.

In a statement, Serkis expressed his excitement, saying, “The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle-earth Peter, Fran, and Philippa.”

Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens echoed Serkis’s sentiments, stating, “It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that Stinker – Gollum!” They added, “As lifelong fans of Professor Tolkien’s vast mythology, we are proud to be working with Mike De Luca, Pam Abdy, and the entire team at Warner Bros. on another epic adventure!”

These highly anticipated films will be released under Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema, with Warner Bros., owned by CNN’s parent company, overseeing the production.

Peter Jackson made cinematic history with “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards for his groundbreaking work. Similarly, Andy Serkis, known for his portrayal of Gollum, brings his expertise as both actor and director to this latest installment.

With a release scheduled for 2026, fans can anticipate another immersive journey into the enchanting world of Middle-earth, guided by the visionary talents of this esteemed filmmaking team.

Aisha Adedunmola

Aisha Adedunmola