New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Films Coming from Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis

We’re headed back to Middle-earth! During a first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO David Zaslav confirmed that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for multiple new Lord of the Rings films, which are set to begin “releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The first project from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, which will center on the series’ most diminutive villain, is currently titled Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (working title). The character’s original voice actor Andy Serkis will reprise his role, as well as direct.

Thankfully, original trilogy director Peter Jackson and writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will also return for at least two of the new films, with Zaslav claiming the trio “will be involved every step of the way.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that stinker — Gollum!,” Jackson, Boyens and Walsh said in a statement. “As life-long fans of Professor Tolkien’s vast mythology, we are proud to be working with [WBD film chiefs] Mike De Luca, Pam Abdy and the entire team at Warner Bros. on another epic adventure!”

“Yesssss, Precious,” added Serkis. “The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle-earth Peter, Fran and Philippa. With Mike and Pam, and the Warner Bros team on the quest as well, alongside WETA and our film making family in New Zealand, it’s just all too delicious…” 

Warner first announced the deal with Embracer Group to develop multiple new LOTR films early last year.

Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—Laurén brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.