McKellen: Gandalf, Frodo Back in 'Hunt for Gollum'

The upcoming Lord of the Rings prequel film The Hunt for Gollum will feature iconic characters Gandalf and Frodo, as confirmed by legendary actor Ian McKellen.

The unexpected casting news was revealed during a Lord of the Rings panel at London's For the Love of Fantasy convention, where both McKellen and Elijah Wood (who portrayed Frodo) made special appearances.

McKellen delighted fans by sharing new production details about The Hunt for Gollum, including its May filming schedule in New Zealand and confirming two original Fellowship members would return, sparking enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

"I understand another Middle-earth film is in the works," McKellen announced. "Production begins in May under Gollum's direction - quite literally, as the story revolves around his character."

This remark referenced Andy Serkis, who will direct while reprising his role as Gollum, having previously served as second unit director for Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy.

"Let me share two casting secrets," McKellen teased. "One character named Frodo appears, and another called Gandalf - but that's all I can reveal."

Frodo's inclusion proves particularly surprising, as the timeline between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings raises questions about his narrative role - though fans have proposed intriguing theories.

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The film bridges Gollum's story between losing the Ring to Bilbo in The Hobbit and encountering Frodo in Lord of the Rings.

During this period, various characters including Gandalf, Aragorn, and Sauron's forces pursued Gollum for information about the Ring - briefly depicted in Fellowship when torturers extract "Baggins" and "Shire" from him.

Some speculate the film will use Frodo's book-writing as a framing device to explore Gollum's origins, while others suggest extending the narrative through their fateful meeting. Either approach raises intriguing questions about depicting an older Elijah Wood as the eternal-youthful Frodo.

Notably, Orlando Bloom has expressed willingness to return as Legolas, though suggested AI technology might be needed for such a reprisal.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for theatrical release on December 27, 2027.