Elijah Wood, the actor known for portraying Frodo Baggins in the iconic Lord of the Rings films, has humorously revealed that he is still trying to finish reading J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece more than 25 years after filming. During an appearance with Stephen Colbert, Wood shared his embarrassment about this admission, stating he’s only just started the books. This lighthearted disclosure occurred while discussing his enduring connection to the franchise and the upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, set to release on December 17, 2027, which aims to expand on the narrative surrounding Gollum and the search for the One Ring.

What is The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum about?

The Hunt for Gollum will delve into events set between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, focusing on the intense search for the One Ring by various characters including Sauron, Gandalf, and Aragorn. This film is based on a brief outline by Tolkien and aims to fill in gaps about the time period when the Ring was of utmost interest to many. With the film featuring returning characters and actors, excitement is building among fans awaiting its release.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, has had a significant cultural impact since its release in the early 2000s. The story follows the journey of Frodo and his companions as they seek to destroy the One Ring to thwart the dark lord Sauron. The films have garnered critical acclaim and garnered significant box office success, setting a standard for epic fantasy cinema. The anticipation surrounding The Hunt for Gollum already highlights the franchise's enduring legacy and the continued interest in Tolkien's universe.