A beloved character from Lord of the Rings is set to join Vox Machina in Critical Role’s fourth season.

The fourth season of The Legend of Vox Machina is just around the corner, and while we already know that guest stars like Wayne Brady and Kevin Michael Richardson are joining the lineup, there are still some exciting surprises in store. Recently, the team behind the series revealed a thrilling new addition to the cast.

Andy Serkis, renowned for his iconic role as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, will lend his voice to a character in the upcoming season, as announced in an Instagram video featuring Matt Mercer, Sam Riegel, and the rest of the crew. However, the specific character he will portray remains a mystery, leaving fans to speculate ahead of the season 4 premiere next week.

In addition to his legendary portrayal of Gollum, Serkis has appeared in notable films such as The Batman, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and Black Panther. He is also set to return to the world of Middle-earth with the upcoming 2027 film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which he is directing. His latest project is Animal Farm, where he took on the roles of actor, producer, and director.

Travis Willingham from Critical Role shared that Serkis has been on their radar “from the very beginning.” He praised Serkis’s incredible range and ability to bring characters to life, stating, “When he really dives into his character stuff, it’s just so much fun. So it was just an honor and a joy to be able to work with Mr. Serkis.”

Set a year after the events of season 3, the new season finds Vox Machina having defeated the Chroma Conclave and going their separate ways, but their adventures are far from over. Season 4 promises to introduce new foes and challenges, with the possibility that the heroes may not always come out on top, according to Riegel.

Mark your calendars: The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 premieres on June 3 on Amazon Prime.