Middle-earth is stirring once more, and for longtime fans of the ‘Lord of the Rings‘, the feeling is a powerful mix of nostalgia, excitement, and cautious wonder. Almost three decades after ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ initially brought us to the world of Tolkien, a new live-action sequel is unfolding.
And according to reports, it’s going to bring us back to some of the most popular characters of the saga in the most significant ways.
Ian McKellen On Gandalf And Frodo’s Reunion
As the ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ is officially heading into production, Ian McKellen has made a very subtle announcement that fans have been longing to hear: Gandalf and Frodo Baggins will be back on screen together. It is a little revelation on paper. However, in terms of emotion, it carries the weight of an entire era of cinema. Ian McKellen, whose portrayal of Gandalf the Grey (and later the White) helped define modern fantasy filmmaking, recently revealed that ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ will begin filming in May, ahead of its planned December 17, 2027, theatrical release.
Related: 10 Major Lord of the Rings Book Storylines the Movies Left Out
Under the direction of Andy Serkis, who is also reprising his career-defining role of Gollum, the film marks a return to Middle-earth that feels deliberately intimate rather than bombastic. McKellen, in his usual wit, revealed no more than the bare minimum. However, it was enough. “There’s a character in the movie called Frodo and another character called Gandalf,” he said, before adding that his lips were otherwise sealed. Although he did not directly confirm the return of Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, the suggestion is difficult to overlook.
It would be a surprise to see Frodo played by someone else, as both McKellen and Serkies have re-entered the roles that are synonymous with them. The possibility has been previously discussed by Elijah Wood himself. He talked fondly of the prospect of coming back in 2024, saying it would be a great experience to come back to New Zealand and to the creative family that had contributed to his life and career. His words were full of love for a world he never truly abandoned.
Frodo’s Involvement Can Be Limited In ‘The Hunt For Gollum’
The most interesting thing about ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ is its position in the timeline of ‘Lord of the Rings’. The plot starts with the 111th birthday party of Bilbo Baggins, and then Frodo leaves the Shire to go on the voyage that will eventually take him to Mount Doom. It’s a period rich with tension and unanswered questions, a time when danger is gathering, but the world hasn’t fully realized it yet. At this point, Gandalf already has suspicions that the ring that Bilbo carries is not just a trinket.
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His increasing discomfort leads him down a perilous road. This is where he joins Aragorn in the quest to find Gollum and get the information about the One Ring before Sauron and his army can accomplish the same. Such a framing of the story inherently restricts Frodo’s screen time, as the main story is outside the Shire. Still, his presence counts. Any reunion between him and Gandalf, even brief, carries tons of emotional. The audience knows what lies ahead, even if Frodo does not. To fans who have grown up with the characters, such a reunion is enough to justify the long wait.
