New Set Photos from Upcoming Lord of the Rings Film Showcase a Beloved Character

Filming is in full swing for the next installment in the Lord of the Rings saga, set to hit theaters next year. Earlier this summer, fans were treated to a sneak peek of The Hunt for Gollum, featuring director and star Andy Serkis donning his iconic motion-capture suit. Recently, set photos were released, whisking fans back to one of the franchise’s most cherished locations: the Shire.

These images, initially shared on social media, depict hobbits bustling around their picturesque home, which remains as enchanting as it was in the original Lord of the Rings film from 25 years ago. Serkis is seen directing, while giant pumpkins are rolled in on a cart, and some hobbits enjoy watching ducks in a serene pond. The scene is nothing short of idyllic and vibrant. The behind-the-scenes glimpse was shared to commemorate Hobbit Day, celebrated on September 22, marking the birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins.

The standout photo features the back of a hobbit, presumably Frodo, making his way into his hobbit hole. Elijah Wood is set to reprise his role as Frodo, alongside Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Serkis as Gollum. At 45, Wood still appears youthful, but digital de-aging effects will help him resemble his younger self from years past.

Joining the returning cast from Peter Jackson’s trilogy are Kate Winslet as Marigol, Anya Taylor-Joy as the new character Seren, Jamie Dornan as Strider (Aragorn), and Leo Woodall as Halvard. Lee Pace will also return as Thranduil from the Hobbit films.

The Hunt for Gollum is expected to explore the timeline between Bilbo’s 111th birthday and Gandalf’s return to the Shire, a period covered in the early chapters of Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring but omitted from the 2001 film. Gandalf enlisted Aragorn to track down Gollum to uncover the origins of Bilbo’s ring and determine if it was indeed the One Ring sought by Sauron.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is slated for release on December 17, 2027, coinciding with the anticipated launch of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Secret Wars. If these dates remain unchanged, fans could be in for another epic double feature reminiscent of this year’s “Dunesday” showdown between Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday.

What role will Seren play in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film?