Leo Woodall and Anya Taylor-Joy rumored for lead roles in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
-Warner Bros. Pictures
Rumors about the casting of the upcoming Middle-earth film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum are beginning to surface as the project moves closer to production.
Industry scooper DanielRPK recently claimed that Leo Woodall and Anya Taylor-Joy are being considered for the film’s male and female lead roles. The rumor gained attention on social media platform X after entertainment account ScreenTime reported that the actors were “reportedly both in talks” for the project.
Leo Woodall and Anya Taylor-Joy are reportedly both in talks for the male and female lead roles for 'THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM'
(via: @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/bbccQ0FDZMWhile no official casting announcements have been made, reports suggest DanielRPK saw a casting grid that listed Taylor-Joy as being in discussions for a role in the movie. Details about the character remain unclear, though speculation among fans suggests she could portray an elf in the story.
Separate reports indicate that Woodall may be under consideration to play a younger version of Aragorn. The role was famously portrayed by Viggo Mortensen in the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. Producers reportedly reached out to Mortensen about returning, but the actor declined, prompting the search for a younger performer.
The Hunt for Gollum is set during the timeline of The Fellowship of the Ring, shortly before Frodo leaves the Shire for Rivendell. The story follows Aragorn as he searches for Gollum after Gandalf sends him on a mission to find the creature before Sauron’s forces capture him and learn information about the One Ring.
Andy Serkis will direct the film and is also expected to reprise his role as Gollum. Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen are also expected to appear.
Production is reportedly scheduled to begin in May in New Zealand. The film will mark the first live-action Middle-earth project since The Hobbit trilogy concluded. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is currently slated for release on December 17, 2027.