The journey back to Middle-earth might bring back more familiar faces than fans expected. Elijah Wood, who has confirmed to reprise his starring role as Frodo Baggins in the upcoming feature The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, revealed during his recent appearance at Mexico’s Desertcon that the forthcoming installment will have “so many” familiar faces back from the original installment. 

Wood affirmed his excitement about the project, which will see Andy Serkis in the director’s chair, and teased at some big on and off-screen reunions. The actor commented, “I know a great deal about it. I’ve read it. It’s really good. There are some wonderful people involved. The thing that is so exciting is that it is really getting the creative band back together. The brain trust behind Lord of the Rings, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, they are heavily involved. And then, the same production designers…So, it is going to carry with it such continuity with so many people who are a part of Lord of the Rings, and I am really excited about that.” 

Along with Wood, Ian McKellen and Serkis are confirmed to reprise their roles as Gandalf and Gollum, respectively. The feature, which is an adaptation of Tolkien’s appendices, centers around “Gandalf’s hunt for Gollum after rumors spread that the creature is revealing information about the One Ring to Sauron.” The plot in the appendices, especially involving Aragon and Arwen, played by Viggo Mortensen and Liv Tyler in the original trilogy, respectively, although it is not confirmed whether they will return. 

Serkis and Wood both confirmed that production will start in New Zealand next year, with a release date for The Hunt for Gollum set for December 17, 2027.