The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’s exact place in the timeline has been confirmed. Announced in May 2024, the upcoming film will feature Andy Serkis reprising his iconic role as Gollum, in addition to directing, with a script written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou. However, since it was announced, it’s been unclear exactly when theHunt for Gollummoviewill be set in the overallLord of the Ringstimeline.
Now, the movie’s exact place in the timeline has been revealed. In an interview withEmpire, screenwriter Philippa Boyens confirmed thatThe Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollumwill take place betweenBilbo’s birthday party and the Mines of Moria. She also confirmed thatThe Hunt for Gollumwon’t be split into two films, debunking Ian McKellen’s previous comments, though a second unconfirmed live-actionLord of the Ringsmovie is in development. Read her full comments below:
It’s quite an intense story, which falls after the birthday party of Bilbo and before the Mines Of Moria. It’s a specific chunk of incredible untold story, told through the perspective of this incredible creature.
What Hunt For Gollum’s Timeline Means For The LOTR Movie
There’s Only One Story That Can Be Told
Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote theLord of the RingsandHobbittrilogiesalongside Peter Jackson, has confirmed thatThe Hunt For Gollumwill be set after Bilbo’s 111th birthday party and before the Mines of Moria, both events seen inThe Fellowship of the Ring. During this time,Gandalf fears that Gollum may reveal information about the One Ring to Sauron, and sends Aragorn to find him. However, he has already been captured by Sauron and revealed two critical names, “Baggins” and “the Shire.”
When Lord Of The Rings' New Gollum Movie Takes Place In The Timeline
The Lord of the Rings franchise is getting a new Gollum movie, but where does The Hunt for Gollum fall on the timeline? Its title holds a clue.
Gollum eventually escapes Mordor (or is intentionally released by Sauron)and is quickly captured by Aragorn, who hands him over to theWood Elves of Mirkwood. There, Gandalf is able to question Gollum about the Ring, though he eventually escapes as well. Gollum continues following the Fellowship into the Mines of Moria, which is when they become aware of his presence. This completes the “specific chunk of incredible untold story,” as Philippa Boyens puts it, and is whenThe Hunt For Gollumwill seemingly end.
Our Take On The Hunt For Gollum’s Timeline
It’s An Incredible Untold Story
SinceThe Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollummovie was announced, it’s been speculated that it would focus on Gandalf and Aragorn’s search, raising the possibility thatIan McKellen and Viggo Mortensen could returnto reprise their roles alongside Serkis. The now-confirmed timeline, positioned perfectly between Bilbo’s birthday party and the Mines of Moria, is a period rich with untapped potential. Focusing on Gollum’s escape from Mordor and Aragorn’s pursuit should offer audiences an exciting, untold chapter of Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
Cast
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is an upcoming fantasy adventure film that delves into the story of Gollum’s obsession with the One Ring.
