https://tolkiengateway.net/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=King+ElessarTolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]2026-06-12T23:30:12ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.41.1https://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Portal:Adaptations&diff=435314Portal:Adaptations2026-02-20T20:25:12Z<p>King Elessar: I changed the hunt for gollum poster</p>
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[[Category:Adaptations]]<br />
[[Category:Portals]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Lord_of_the_Rings:_The_Hunt_for_Gollum&diff=435313The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum2026-02-20T20:21:47Z<p>King Elessar: I added the hunt for gollum movie poster</p>
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<div>{{Disambig-two|the 2027 film adaptation|2009 fan film|[[The Hunt for Gollum]]}}<br />
{{film infobox<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum<br />
| director = [[Andy Serkis]]<br />
| producer = [[Peter Jackson]]<br />[[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />[[Zane Weiner]]<br />
| writer = [[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />Phoebe Gittins<br />Arty Papageorgiou<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = [[Andy Serkis]]<ref name=Gollum></ref> <br /><br />
[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
| music = <br />
| cinematography =Robert Richardson ASC <br />
| editing = <br />
| studio = WingNut films<br />Imaginarium<br />[[New Line Cinema]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| distributor = [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| released = 17 December [[2027]]<ref name="TheDirect2027Release"/><br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[New Zealand]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| language = English<br />
| budget = <br />
| website = <br />
|imdb_id=32328070<br />
|basedon=[[The Lord of the Rings]]|production design=[[Dan Hennah]] (Production designer)}}<br />
[[File:The Hunt For Gollum.png|thumb|The Hunt for Gollum]]<br />
'''''The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum''''' is the title (originally, working title<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/09/curtis-brown-jrr-tolkien-literary-estate-deal-1236526748/|articlename=Curtis Brown To Rep J.R.R. Tolkien’s Literary Estate|author=Jesse Whittock|dated=10 September 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>) of a forthcoming film adaptation currently in pre-production and set for a [[2027]] release, the first of a planned series of Tolkien films to be produced by [[New Line Cinema]], a division of [[Warner Bros.|Warner Brothers]].<ref name=":4">{{webcite|author=Matt Donnelly|articleurl=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-new-movies-warner-bros-1235533672/|articlename=New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Set at Warner Bros. |dated=23 February 2023|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=10 June 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
The film will cover [[Gollum]]'s travels after losing [[The One Ring|the Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] (as depicted in [[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|''An Unexpected Journey'']]), through [[Gandalf]] setting out to track the creature after [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]] (as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'') and down to [[Gollum]] intercepting [[Fellowship of the Ring|the Fellowship]] in [[Moria|Moria.]] <br />
<br />
It will be directed by and star [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]] in [[Peter Jackson]]'s previous films, as well as directing second unit. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] will produce with his co-writing team of [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens]], who will also write the screenplay with ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' scribes Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. <br />
<br />
The subject of this film is a longstanding fascination of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s who developed it quite intensly in 2008 with [[Guillermo del Toro]]. The film is in preproduction with several cast and crew members from previous films already attached, including actor [[Elijah Wood]], concept artists [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]] and others. <br />
<br />
==Early Development==<br />
Although the film was only announced in 2023, it had a long gestation period with [[Peter Jackson]], who considered filming this subject since circa 1997, and as late as July 2015. During 2008, in particular, the film was in development with a plot synopsis, a tentative budget and an initial cast and crew attached, and drew the attention of further talent like [[Viggo Mortensen]], as well as the press. Elements of this proposed "bridge film" were eventually put into ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' but mostly axed during the early months of the shoot. Jackson also negotiated in 2018 about producing a show for [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime]] about the related subject of the travels of young [[Aragorn]], but ended up producing ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' with [[New Line Cinema]] instead.<br />
<br />
===During ''The'' ''Lord of the Rings''===<br />
[[Peter Jackson]] read [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']] circa 1979, and he claims that he "always loved the concept that when [[Gandalf]] leaves [[Bag End]] he goes and joins up with [[Aragorn]] and the two of them hunt [[Gollum]] down."<ref name=":26">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, "Director's Commentary", Peter Jackson, ''The Lord of the Rings trilogy'' (New Line Cinema: 2004).</ref> This piece of backstory was also expanded upon in the [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio serial]], which [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was very familiar with. He and [[Fran Walsh]] first pitched a trilogy based on [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' around November 1995.<ref>Brian Sibley, Peter Jackson: A Filmmaker's Journey (London: HarperCollins, 2006), pp. 312 ff.</ref><ref>J. W Braun, ''The lord of the films : the unofficial guide to Tolkien's Middle-Earth on the big screen'' (Toronto: ECW Press, 2009), pp. 20, 63, 68-69, 195.</ref><ref>Michael Pellerin, "Completing Middle-earth," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (Warner Brothers: 2015).</ref> They may well have had the [[Gollum]] episode in mind at some time between that point and early 1997. So long as they intended to start with ''The Hobbit'' (up to early 1996), they will have been mindful of the need to connect the two novels, and while their treatment (mid 1997) doesn't seem to cover the [[Gollum]] episode, it already dramatizes the remainder of the backstory that's given in "[[The Shadow of the Past]]", "[[The Council of Elrond]]" and [[appendix B]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1j06oqh/so_what_is_the_hunt_for_gollum_really_based_on/|articlename=So, what is The Hunt for Gollum REALLY based on?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=28 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> When the project expanded (September 1998) to three films, Jackson tried to finally incorporate this storyline - some eight pages' worth - but realized that he "just couldn't put [the Hunt for [[Gollum]]] into the movie".<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
[[Peter Jackson|Peter]] nevertheless publicly expressed a desire to film "[[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] hunting [[Gollum]], and his capture by [[Orcs]]"<ref name=":25">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://members.tripod.com/peter_jackson_online/lotr/articles/20_questions2.htm|articlename=20 QUESTIONS WITH PETER JACKSON- PART 2|author=Harry Knowles|dated=31 December 1998|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> At the time, the idea was to shoot this as additional material and add it into the extended edition: although by early 2001 he would have realized this could not be accomodated in the pickups to ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', in 2003 he would still half-jokingly talk about shooting more pickups to "fatten these films out without technically going beyond ‘The Lord of the Rings’ as the licensed property." Elsewhere in the commentary, he jokes about "spinoff" entries.<ref name=":26" /> Other ideas for this treatment included [[Tom Bombadil]]<ref name=":25" /> and the [[Lothlórien|attack on Lorien]], with the entire expansion estimated at two or three hours' worth.<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
By the end of 2001, The success of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' emboldened [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]<ref>Kristin Thompson, T''he Frodo Franchise: The Lord of the Rings and Modern Hollywoo''d (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2007), pp. 51, 327, 338.</ref> to pursue more films (he was also in discussions to "rekindle" ''King Kong'' at the time) and he had later discussed filming a "''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'' prequel", along with ''[[The Hobbit]]'', with composer [[Howard Shore]] and executive producer [[Mark Ordesky]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2006/11/19/24053-peter-jackson-and-fran-walsh-talk-the-hobbit-2/|articlename=Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh Talk THE HOBBIT|author=Xoanon|dated=19 November 2006|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.rhino.com/article/interview-howard-shore-the-lord-of-the-rings|articlename=INTERVIEW: Howard Shore (“The Lord of the Rings”)|author=Will Harris|dated=27 April 2018|website=Rhino}}</ref> At a later premiere, [[New Line Cinema|New Line]]'s president Robert Shaye told [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s agent [[Ken Kamins]] that they "would want to have a conversation" about the two films.<ref name=":30" /> The idea at the time was to incorporate [[Arwen]] as a female character<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327113046/https://ew.com/article/2003/12/06/peter-jackson-mulls-rings-prequel/|articlename=Peter Jackson mulls ''Rings'' prequel|author=Gary Susman|dated=6 December 2003|website=EW}}</ref> and produce both films back-to-back "in some short order"<ref name=":30">Ian Nathan, ''Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth'' (London: HarperCollins, 2019), pp. 827, 835.</ref> after ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', in order to "complete the set of films.”<ref name=":10" /> Actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|articlename=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|author=Anonymous|dated=9 Dec 2003|website=The Guardian}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] and producer Barrie Osborne<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2002/12/16/25965-ttt-benefit-with-barrie-osborne-2/|articlename=TTT Benefit with Barrie Osborne<br />
by|author=xoanon|dated=16 December 2002|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> all expressed interest at the time. <br />
<br />
While talking about ''[[The Hobbit]]'' in 16 September 2006, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] said they "have thought about it from time to time" and in fact "spent most of this morning" talking about the films. They talked of how "[[Elrond]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Arwen]] could all feature"<ref name=":11" /> and "[[Gollum]]'s sneaking into [[Mordor]] and [[Aragorn]] protecting [[The Shire]]. That's what we'd do. Love to work with [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] again".<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30085|articlename=Part 5: Quint and Peter Jackson talk THE HOBBIT and a potential return to low budget horror!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=16 September 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], hearing this remark in 2012, said it "sounds like a lot of fun".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/03/13/54232-viggo-mortensens-visit-to-boston-part-2-new-video/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen’s visit to Boston – part 2 (new video!)|author=Greendragon|dated=13 March 2012|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
<br />
===During ''The Hobbit''===<br />
Since the rights to [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] were split with [[MGM|Metro Goldwyn-Mayer]], in March 2007 [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] pitched this to CEO Harry Sloan: he had already heard of it from [[New Line Cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/14/hobbit-crown-panther-news|articlename=Hobbit, Crown, Panther News|author=Anonymous|dated=15 Nov 2006|website=IGN}}</ref> who had previously fallen-out with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], but Sloan was won over by Jackson's pitch, which was apparently very detailed.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.kristinthompson.net/blog/2008/05/19/the-hobbit-films-pj-and-fw-know-every-scene-every-moment/|articlename=The Hobbit films: PJ and FW know “every scene, every moment”|author=Kristin Thompson|dated=19 May 2008|website=Kristinthompson.net}}</ref> By contrast, Shaye later said [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] "hasn't told us too much about it."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.screendaily.com/new-line-mgm-team-for-two-hobbit-movies-with-peter-jackson/4036350.article|articlename=New Line, MGM team for two Hobbit movies with Peter Jackson|author=Jeremy Kay|dated=18 December 2007|website=Screen Daily}}</ref><br />
<br />
By December, both films were moving forward with a budget of $150 million each: the idea was that [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] would write and produce and the films will be shot in 2009 for release in 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/del-toro-doubles-up-hobbit-103547/|articlename=Del Toro doubles up for ‘Hobbit’|author=Borys Kit|dated=28 January 2008|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Robert Shaye, Michael Lynne and [[Mark Ordesky]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/columns/shaye-kept-new-line-afloat-1117982001/|articlename=Shaye kept New Line afloat|author=Anne Thompson|dated=7 March 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> were attached as executive producers until February, when they were replaced by Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood.Actor [[Ian McKellen|Ian Mckellen]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/26/lordoftherings.jrrtolkien|articlename=Hard Hobbit to break: McKellen set for return as Gandalf|author=Anonymous|dated=26 March 2008|website=The Guardian}}</ref> assistant Matthew Dravitzky,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://if.com.au/guillermo-wants-old-buddies-to-join-him-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo wants old buddies to join him on The Hobbit|author=Anonymous|dated=23 March 2009|website=IF FX}}</ref> composer [[Howard Shore]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/28/30045-howard-shore-is-working-on-hobbit-score/|articlename=Howard Shore is Working on Hobbit Score|author=28 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/02/24/28408-howard-shore-talks-hobbit-in-switzerland/|articlename=Howard Shore Talks ‘Hobbit’ in Switzerland|author=Calisuri|dated=24 February 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref>, [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]]<ref name=":38">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/22/30352-del-toro-interview-part-3-%E2%80%9Ci-love-new-zealand%E2%80%9D/|articlename=Del Toro Interview Part 3: “I Love New Zealand!”|author=Xoanon|dated=22 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and [[Wētā FX|Weta FX]]<ref name=":37" /> were attached to the project. Although [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] hadn't ruled out directing - he later aired the notion of shooting second unit<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012042437/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/08/guillermo-del-toro-to-fly-solo-on-hobbit-directing-duties-says-no-to-peter-jackson-assist/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro To Fly Solo On ‘Hobbit’ Directing Duties, Says No To Peter Jackson Assist|author=Shawn Adler|dated=8 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref><ref name=":17" /> - he soon picked [[Guillermo del Toro]] to direct.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/01/30/28331-torn-exclusive-del-toro-%e2%80%9c99-percent-certain%e2%80%9d-says-nl-insider/|articlename=TORN exclusive: Del Toro “99 percent certain” says NL insider.|author=MrCere|dated=30 January 2008|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
<br />
Subsequently, actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref name=":17" /> [[Ian Holm]]<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501020820/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1586421/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Addresses 'Hobbit' Fans' Concerns, Talks Possible Casting|author=Shawn Adler, Josh Horowitz|dated=28 April 2008|website=Premiere.com}}</ref>; concept artists [[Alan Lee]] and [[John Howe]]; prosthetics supervisor [[Gino Acevedo]]<ref name=":37">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/04/25/28747-guillermo-del-toro-chats-with-torn-about-the-hobbit-films/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Chats with TORN About ‘The Hobbit’ Films!|author=Xoanon|dated=25 April 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and costume designer Kate Hawley<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.whowhatwear.com/living/who-what-wear-podcast-kate-hawley|articlename=How the Frankenstein Costume Designer Brought the Film to Life|author=Madeline Hill|dated=17 November 2025|website=Who What Wear}}</ref> were all attached. They had approached [[Grant Major]] but he declined<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://www.artstars.us/grant-major/8/|articlename=Grant Major|author=Tom Lisowski|dated=14 November 2011|website=Art Stars}}</ref> and they engaged [[Dan Hennah]] as production designer.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/51948|articlename=An Unexpected Journey: Quint on the set of The Hobbit Part 3 – Beginnings and Endings|author=Eric Vespe|dated=14 November 2011|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> Actors [[Martin Freeman]]<ref>In "The Road Back to Middle-earth", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (New Line Cinema: 2015), Philippa Boyens recalls proposing Freeman as Bilbo Baggins when she saw him at the 2003 BAFTAs.</ref> and [[Hugo Weaving]];<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/504115/guillermo-del-toro-confirms-hugo-weaving-for-the-hobbit-and-much-more/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Confirms Hugo Weaving For The Hobbit... And Much More|author=Brendon Connolly|dated=11 June 2009|website=Slash Film}}</ref> as well as [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]]'s regular collaborators (including artists Wayne Barlowe and Francisco Ruiz Velasco<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201164150/http://bilbohobbit.com/del-toro-talks-hobbit-in-live-chat/|articlename="Del Toro talks 'Hobbit' in Live Chat"|author=Alex|dated=27 November 2008|website=BilboHobbit.com}}</ref>) were also being sought beginning at this time.<br />
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"We got really excited," said [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]], "because this second film is not a ‘tag on’, it’s not ‘filler,’ it’s an integral part of telling the story of those 50 years of history lost in the narrative".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/60-year-period-between-hobbi-20080425/|articlename=60-Year Period Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Fellowship’ For Hobbit Sequel Suddenly Gone? Or Not?|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=25 April 2008|website=The Playlist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gamesradar.com/guillermo-del-toro-talks-hobbit-and-more/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro talks Hobbit and more|author=Anonymous|dated=25 April 2008|website=Total Film}}</ref> Although he had a radical new vision for the designs in the first film, <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915124607/http://www.premiere.com/features/4642/exclusive-guillermo-del-toro-on-hellboy-ii-page4.html|articlename=Exclusive: Guillermo del Toro on 'Hellboy II'|author=Anonymous|website=Premiere}}</ref> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] intended to use the second film to affect a gradual change of style towards that of [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]: "We have to recreate a lot of the stuff they did on the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]," he said: helpfully, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the [[Bag End]] and [[Rivendell]] sets, and they set about rebuilding [[Hobbiton]].<ref name=":32" /><br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] also rewatched the extended editions with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and intended to watch the making-ofs, dailies "the camera reports... everything," particularly for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914124349/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/nycomicconnews.php?id=44254|articlename=EXCL: Del Toro on Hellboy II and The Hobbit|author=Edward Douglas|dated=21 April 2008|website=Coming Soon.net}}</ref> The remastering of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' was also begun around this time. This was done because [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] felt that it "has to evolve into the lensing, the color palette, the texture palette, and the feel of the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]…"<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/37428|articlename=Quint and Guillermo del Toro chat about HELLBOY II, THE HOBBIT and more!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=12 July 2008|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> partially for this purpose, a break was to be scheduled partway through the shoot,<ref name=":31">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712175117/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2879|articlename=GUILLERMO DEL TORO ESCAPES 'LABYRINTH' AND ENDS RIGHT BACK INTO 'HELLBOY'|author=Carl Cortez|dated=9 July 2008|website=iFMagazine}}</ref> which was estimated at over 370 days.<ref name=":31" /> <br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] insisted the second film would add to the series.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wReRe8Si2aU|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: RT's Dinner & the Movies Interview Pt 5|author=OCR|dated=11 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> He said "it’s also expanding and illuminating some of the aspects of the trilogy in a slightly different way, like same characters in a different environment. I find that very attractive."<ref name=":13" /> The idea was that the first film would be a retelling of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']], including the bulk of the [[Dol Guldur]] storyline, up to [[Smaug]]'s death: the second would wrap-up the remainder of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] in its first half, and concern itself with the Hunt for [[Gollum]] and other "bridging" plot threads in its second half.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831093447/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/07/hobbit-films-will-be-one-continuous-journey-promises-guillermo-del-toro/|articlename='Hobbit' Films Will Be One 'Continuous Journey,' Promises Guillermo Del Toro|author=Shawn Adler|dated=7 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> <br />
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Although [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] predicted the second film would require the most work,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P0dTo0yNpQ|articlename=THE HOBBIT 1 & 2 MOVIE UPDATE|author=ReelzChannel|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> both he<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVHzVKy_F8w|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro talks about Hobbit Movie|author=Brettmartintv|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] showed a particular eagerness towards it, with [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] calling it a "treasure trove of possibilities."<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915084029/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1590278/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Answers 'Hobbit' Fans' Questions About Returning 'Rings' Cast, Religion And More|author=Shawn Adler|dated=2 July 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was also "really looking forward to developing Film Two. It gives us a freedom that we haven't really had on our [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] journey."<ref name=":17" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] concluded that "the promise of that land is absolutely mind-boggling!"<ref name=":16" /> <br />
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Referring specifically to [[Gollum]]'s part in the events, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said "[[Gollum]] has a rather fascinating arch to go through and his alliance to [[Shelob]] or his period of imprisonment in [[Thranduil]]'s". [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] added that "There's an awful lot of incident that happens during that 60 year gap. At this stage, we're not imagining a film that literally covers 60 years, like a bio-pic or documentary. We would figure out what happens during that 60 years, and choose one short section of time to drop in and dramatise for the screen". Both filmmakers said they agreed that "apart from extreme circumstances, we would never recast a character who appeared in the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|LOTR trilogy]]".<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730161821/http://www.wetanz.com/holics/index.php?itemid=695&catid=2|articlename=An Unexpected Party Chat|author=Anonymous|dated=30 July 2008|website=Weta Workshop website}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later remarked that, in some cases, they'd sooner write around a character than recast the part.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/41848|articlename=Comic-Con '09: Peter Jackson talks to Capone about DISTRICT 9, THE HOBBIT, and the state of the film industry!!!|author="Capone"|dated=28 July 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> <br />
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As of the formulation of these comments in July, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said the second film is "too early"<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YoRDF12aRc|articlename=GDT the Hobbit 1|author=Garfeimao TheOneRing|dated=14 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> in its development process to know precisely what it might entail, estimating that it would take six months to formulate the storyline for the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/09/exclusive-gdt-on-the-hobbit|articlename=Exclusive: GDT on The Hobbit|author=Eric Moro and Stax|dated=10 July 2008|website=IGN}}</ref> By September, however, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] claimed they "found what reverberated."<ref name=":14" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] had expressed reservations about the term "bridge film" from the outset, but by now he and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] disabused of the term completely, having come to see the films as five undifferentiated parts of a greater whole. <br />
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Although they apparently made an outline,<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/16/30296-guillermo-del-toro-i%e2%80%99m-so-voracious-about-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: “I’m so voracious about The Hobbit!”|author=Xoanon|dated=16 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> it seems the film went no further than this. Up until this point, del Toro had been video-conferencing with Jackson and the other collaborators, meeting in person every three weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/features/guillermo-del-toro-booked-thru-2017-1117991560/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro booked thru 2017|author=Michael Fleming|dated=3 September, 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> By the time he arrived to concentrate on writing the story treatment in November 2008<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=147373;guest=501771554#147373|articlename="Hola"|author=Guillermo del Toro|dated=8 November 2008|website=The One Ring Discussion Boards}}</ref><ref>Alfio Leotta, ''Peter Jackson'' (London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015), p. 196.</ref> the contents of the "bridge" film were being gradually edged-out by the contents of ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]],'' to the point that by the time the completed treatment was greenlit in April 2009<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/08/03/32999-peter-jackson-speaks/|articlename=Peter Jackson speaks|author=MrCere|dated=3 August 2009|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref> the films could only be described as a two-part adaptation of ''[[The Hobbit]].'' Although [[John Howe]] apparently sent [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] some sketches,<ref name=":38" /> and [[Howard Shore]] had musical ideas,<ref>TheOneRing, Hobbit Desolation of Smaug Music Commentary Watch Along, ''YouTube'', 29 July 2020. Esp. 1:12:15. One such musical idea dates back to the composition of ''The Fellowship of the Ring:'' the flat sixth setting of the Hobbits' bassline that's heard when Gandalf glimpses Thorin's map: Howard was saving that as a "portent of an adventure" towards a potential adaptation of The Hobbit, but by the stage of discussing with del Toro he would have realized it would be applicable to the "bridge" film as well.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30722|articlename=ScoreKeeper Talks To Howard Shore About THE TWO TOWERS Complete Recordings, THE HOBBIT, And More!!|author=Merrick|dated=16 November 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> no more work was done on the bridge film. At this time, a [[The Hunt for Gollum|fan film on the same subject was released]]. <br />
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Even so, elements of the bridge film clung to the project for a long time: in 2013 [[Philippa Boyens]] said that "When we started structuring this trilogy we honestly thought about telling some of that. How [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] becomes the uncle of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and take care of him. The story of [[Gollum]]…"<ref name=":9" /> Casting calls had been issued for the roles of [[Primula Brandybuck]] and [[Drogo Baggins]]:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024010428/http://www.movies.spoilertv.com/2010/01/hobbit-casting-call.html#ixzz0btnyJvCI|articlename=Hobbit - Official Casting Call and Plot Details|author=DarkUFO|dated=4 January 2010|website=SpoilerTV}}</ref> While Caroline Grace-Cassidy was considered for [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]], [[Ryan Gage]] was cast in the role of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and remained attached to it well into shooting, only being recast as [[Alfrid]] around May.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cate-blanchett-revisiting-rings-role-57193/|articlename=Cate Blanchett Revisiting ‘Rings’ Role In ‘Hobbit’|author=Gregg Kilday|dated=7 December 2010|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s cameo, which was originally rumoured to include him "moving to live at [[Bag End]] after the untimely drowning of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]]" was probably rewritten into its present form around that time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=theonering.net/torwp/2014/03/25/87789-how-would-have-peter-jacksons-the-hobbit-looked-as-a-duology/|articlename=How would have Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit looked as a duology?|author=Demosthenes|dated=25 March 2014|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> They had scouted locations for the [[Barrow-downs|Barrow Downs]], possibly with a connection to the aforementioned "[[Aragorn]] protecting the [[The Shire|Shire]]" plot point.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://narniafans.com/2019/08/interview-with-narnia-conceptual-designer-john-howe/|articlename=Interview with Narnia Conceptual Designer John Howe|author=David Sutton|dated=18 August 2019|website=Narnia Fans.com}}</ref> More scenes were planned for the [[Dol Guldur]] story and the [[Orcs]]: they had gone as far as designing a young [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)#Gothmog in adaptations|Gothmog]] who would participate in the concluding battle, but didn't utilize him.<ref name=":0" /> <br />
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Another storyline concerned Itarille (later [[Tauriel]]) and her romance with an Elf lord of [[Rivendell]]: clearly an outgrowth of the original idea of featuring [[Arwen]] in the film. [[Aidan Turner]] seems to have read for the part of this Elf Lord. Indeed, Jackson recalled in 2015 that "We did try to figure out a way to get a cameo, even if it was a cameo, for [[Aragorn]] and actually for [[Arwen]], too: we tried to have [[Liv Tyler]] in the film".<ref name=":0" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] remarked in 2013 that they envisioned [[Aragorn]] being "quite young" in the film, but concluded that [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] "could have absolutely played" him at the time. "It was incredibly tempting."<ref name=":39">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TapH7wM8MdI&t=85s|articlename=Philippa Boyens ci parla delle scene tagliate dello Hobbit: la Desolazione di Smaug e di... Aragorn!|author=Badtaste|dated=11 December 2013|website=YouTube}}</ref> It's unclear when the idea finally died out: the scene "invoking [[Aragorn]]" was scripted in early 2013, as a "homage" to their earlier plans. <br />
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[[Viggo Mortensen]] had been interested in the project since 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/18/29885-viggo-mortensen-still-waiting-for-guillermo-del-toro%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98hobbit%E2%80%99-call/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Still Waiting For Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’ Call|author=Xoanon|dated=18 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> In 2008 he said he would "rather do it myself than see another actor finish the job for me,"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/12/17/30804-tv-watch-viggo-mortensen-on-night-talk/|articlename=TV Watch: Viggo Mortensen on ‘Night Talk’|author=Xoanon|dated=17 December 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/39305|articlename=Capone has a GOOD chat with Viggo Mortensen about politics, THE ROAD, APPALOOSA, and THE HOBBIT!!!|author=Steve Prokopy|dated=11 May 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> saying "it would be fun."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/41460224.html|articlename=Moviefone's Exclusive Viggo Mortensen Interview!|author=Anonymous|dated=25 November 2009|website=Moviefone}}</ref> Other actors from [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']] have also expressed interest in appearing in the film, including [[Liv Tyler]], <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/03/21/42863-liv-tyler-not-contacted-for-hobbit/|articlename=Liv Tyler Not Contacted For Hobbit|author=DiveTwin|dated=21 March 2011|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[Cate Blanchett]],<ref name=":16" /> [[Dominic Monaghan]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/dominic-monaghan-ready-to-return-for-the-hobbit-movies/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan Ready to Return for The Hobbit Movies?|author=Brandon Lee Tenney|dated=19 January 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> [[Sean Astin]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/03/10/31356-astin-up-for-hobbit-if-hobbit-up-for-him/|articlename=Astin up for Hobbit if Hobbit up for him|author=Xoanon|dated=10 March 2009|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Noble]] and [[Sean Bean]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a434476/sean-bean-on-the-hobbit-absence-theyre-sticklers-for-detail/|articlename=Sean Bean on 'The Hobbit' absence: 'They're sticklers for detail'|author=Emma Dibdin|dated=30 October 2012|website=Digital Spy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/viggo-mortensen-optimistic-about-role-20090401/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Optimistic About Role In Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’, Project Extends To A Trilogy?|author=Simon Dang|dated=1 April 2009|website=The Playlist}}</ref> [[Christopher Lee]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://whatculture.com/film/christopher-lee-wants-sarumann-return-in-the-hobbit|articlename=Christopher Lee wants Saruman return in THE HOBBIT|author=Matt Holmes|dated=25 June 2011|website=WhatCulture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qGFbBNnodw&t=77s|articlename=Christopher Lee about possibly returning to Middle Earth|author="Rushblogg"|dated=12 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Brad Dourif]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/12/29751-brad-dourif-on-returning-to-middle-earth/|articlename=Brad Dourif on Returning to Middle-earth|author=Deej|dated=12 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Rhys-Davies]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-makeup-difficulties-explained-john-rhys-davies/|articlename=John Rhys-Davies Reveals Gruesome Makeup Process for Gimli in The Lord of the Rings [Exclusive]|author=Aidan Kelley and Steven Weintraub|dated=9 August 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> and [[Elijah Wood]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/11/16/30565-elijah-hobbit-appearance-concievably-possible/|articlename=Elijah – Hobbit appearance ‘concievably possible’|author=Altaira|dated=16 November 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2008/elijah-wood-confirms-dual-hobbit-movie-details/|articlename=Elijah Wood Confirms Dual Hobbit Movie Details|author=Alex Billington|dated=11 January 2008|website=First Showing}}</ref><br />
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Around 2010, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] recieved an availability call<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/may/28/viggo-mortensen-interview|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'If I think a film's beyond me – that's a good sign'|author=Imogen Tilden|dated=28 May 2013|website=The Guardian}}</ref> from [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]: "I said sure, if [[Aragorn]] is supposed to be in the bridge story, because he’s not in [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']],” he said.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/05/30/72294-viggo-turned-down-role-as-aragorn-not-so-fast/|articlename=Viggo ‘Turned Down’ Role as Aragorn? Not so fast…|author=Newsfrombree|dated=30 May 2013|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.wired.com/2012/03/viggo-mortensen-speaks-2/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Speaks: Part 2 of 3|author=Ethan Gilsdorf|dated=11 March 2012|website=Wired.com}}</ref> Informed that they "can take certain liberties" he said he'd "love to revisit him."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/viggo-mortensen-interview-captain-fantastic-lord-of-the-rings-aragorn-hobbit-david-cronenberg-a7231826.html|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'I didn't throw Peter Jackson under the bus'|author=Jacob Stolworthy|dated=23 January 2017|website=The Independent}}</ref> However, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later revealed that since that call, they "could think of no way of doing it".<ref name=":0" /> Having no further contact, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] concluded in November 2011 that "[[Aragorn]] is half elf [sic] and also lives a couple hundred years or more and he could be in a bridge, but I have to assume it isn't going to happen".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/rings-actor-mortensen-unlikely-to-repeat-role-idUSTRE7AM2U9/|articlename="Rings" actor Mortensen unlikely to repeat role|author=Kurt Orzeck|dated=24 November 2011|website=Reuters}}</ref> Although he still has misgivings - "It would make sense if Aragorn was part of the story and he's not"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/interview-viggo-mortensen-is-lord-of-all-things-1573949|articlename=Interview: Viggo Mortensen is lord of all things|author=Chitra Ramaswamy|dated=25 May 2013|website=The Scotsman}}</ref> - he said he would still be open to playing [[Aragorn]] "if it seemed sensible to do so".<ref name=":1" /><br />
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===After ''The Hobbit''===<br />
<br />
Conversations about making the "bridge film" as a third instalment<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/guillermo-del-toro-updates-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Briefly Talks More About The Hobbit Split|author=Alex Billington|dated=5 June 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> continued well into 2010:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://geeksofdoom.com/2009/08/19/bridge-between-the-hobbit-lord-of-the-rings-still-to-be-built-peter-jackson-to-direct-third-movie|articlename=[Updated] Bridge Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Still To Be Built? Peter Jackson To Direct Third Movie?|author="The Movie God"|dated=19 August 2009|website=Geeks of Doom}}</ref> In 2012, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had revealed that "a third movie has always been in discussion."<ref>Michael Pellerin, "The Clouds Burst", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> These conversations resumed - now with the film situated as a fourth movie - as [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] was winding down in 2013. Says [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]: "There’s enough story there to make a bridge movie, you know, there’s 60 years between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' and a lot of things happened."<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.heyuguys.com/interview-peter-jackson-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/|articlename=The HeyUGuys Interview: The Hobbit director Peter Jackson all but rules out a return to Middle Earth|author=Stefan Pape|dated=13 December 2013|website=HeyUGuys}}</ref> In the director's commentary to ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]]'' in 2015, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] remained open to the idea of making more films, and mused about what Jackson jokingly calls "A fictitious film 3.5" which [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] goes on to call "The Hunt for Gollum".<ref name=":0">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, "Director's Commentary," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said it could include "a few other things that go on which are really interesting" like [[Saruman]]'s search for the [[The One Ring|Ring]]. She elaborates:<blockquote>''[[Aragorn]] really is one who tracks Gollum and ends up...and finds him eventually in the [[Dead Marshes]], and he's taken [[Woodland Realm|to the Elves]]. And he's taken to the Elves, and because of the kindness of the Elves - and [[Legolas]] is one of his keepers... in [[Mirkwood]], and through their kindness he actually manages to escape. Or has he escaped? Or was he let loose?''<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>[[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the possibility of returning to [[Middle-earth]] open<ref name=":0" /> but [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] revealed that they "had zero expectations of going back to this."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-peter-jackson-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-explain-23-years-after-cannes-saved-original-trilogy-1235917510/|articlename=Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis & Philippa Boyens Explain Why They’re Returning To Middle-Earth For ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ 23 Years After Cannes Saved The Billion-Dollar Franchise|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=15 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/don-t-expect--the-hobbit-3--to-lead-directly-into--the-lord-of-the-rings-140402150.html|articlename=The Hobbit 3 won't lead into The Lord of the Rings|author=Tom Butler|dated=11 December 2013|website=Yahoo Entertainment UK}}</ref> Their ultimate decision to return to this premise may have been stirred, in part, by other projects: first, Jackson had seen the in-development video game ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|Shadow of Mordor]],'' on which [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] and others from Jackson's crew had worked, and which had nestled itself into the gap between ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]].''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/why-lord-of-the-rings-fans-should-be-excited-for-shadow-of-mordor|articlename=Why Lord of the Rings Fans Should Be Excited for Shadow of Mordor|author=Luke Karmali|dated=20 February 2014|website=IGN}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Shortly afterwards, when the [[Tolkien Estate]] (still nominally under [[Christopher Tolkien]]) shopped the television rights, the idea of doing a show about young [[Aragorn]] was pitched, first by Netflix, and then - at the suggestion of the Russo brothers<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/the-rings-of-power-showrunners-interview-season-2-1235233124/|articlename=‘The Rings of Power’ Showrunners Break Silence on Backlash, Sauron and Season 2|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 October 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> - by [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=946980;sb=post_time;so=DESC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=206510448#947231|articlename=If you will indulge me in a story|author="Uncle Iorlas"|dated=21 July 2018|website=The One Ring.net Message Boards}}</ref> Upon hearing this, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' mind immediately went to the period of the hunt: "If you're telling the [story of] him hunting [[Gollum]], you're getting closer to [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]]."<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.fandom.com/articles/peter-jackson-lord-of-the-rings-series|articlename=Peter Jackson’s Tips For Casting Aragorn in Lord of the Rings TV Show|author=Kim Taylor-Foster|dated=4 December 2018|website=Fandom.com}}</ref> She and Jackson had also expressed interest in the potential of [[Aragorn]]'s younger days and life in [[Rivendell]]: "He's probably going to have to start young,"<ref name=":21" /> remarked Boyens, concluding that "A lot of the early [[Aragorn]] story hasn't been told."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/108970711/philippa-boyens-on-mortal-engines-hobbits-and-going-solo|articlename=Philippa Boyens on Mortal Engines, Hobbits and going solo|author=Philip Matthews|dated=16 December 2018|website=Stuff.nz}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortesen]] also got wind of the rumours and said he's open to reprising his role.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/viggo-mortensen-interview-falling-lord-of-the-rings/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Falling, Directing, and LOTR TV Show Interest|author=Christina Radish|dated=14 February 2021|website=Collider}}</ref><br />
<br />
Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood from [[New Line Cinema]] were brought into the fold in the hopes of cooperating on the show. In early 2018 lawyer Peter Nelson set-up "dialogue between [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]" to participate as executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/how-lord-rings-tv-series-landed-at-amazon-not-netflix-1099213/|articlename=Inside Amazon’s $250M ‘Lord of the Rings’ Deal: “It’s Very Much a Creature of the Times”|author=Tatiana Siegel|dated=5 April 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308114202/https://www.herr-der-ringe-film.de/v3/de/news/tolkienfilme/news_121920.php|articlename=Exklusiv: Zu den Kulissen der HERR DER RINGE Serie, Her Der Ringe Film (archived).|author=Cirdan|dated=20 June 2018|website=Herr der Ringe.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/108520139/sir-peter-jackson-hasnt-given-up-hope-of-making-the-dam-busters|articlename=Sir Peter Jackson hasn't given up hope of making The Dam Busters|author=James Croot|dated=12 November 2018|website=NZStuff}}</ref> Preoccupied with ''Mortal Engines'' and ''They Shall Not Grow Old'', [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] proposed in June 2018 to review the scripts and put "the creative team together."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://de.ign.com/tv/129313/interview/peter-jackson-ist-fur-das-kreative-team-hinter-der-herr-der-ringe-serie-verantwortlich|articlename=Peter Jackson ist für das kreative Team hinter der Herr der Ringe-Serie verantwortlich|author=Valentin Aschenbrenner|dated=5 June 2018|website=IGN.de}}</ref> In July, Amazon landed on [[John D. Payne]] and [[Patrick McKay]] as showrunners, and before any work could be done, a regime change in [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]]<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/peter-jackson-amazon-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-1235193692/|articlename=Peter Jackson Says Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Ghosted Him|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> in early 2019 resulted in [[New Line Cinema]] being demoted to a "minority licensee stakeholder."<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-vs-warner-bros-1235337625/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Amazon, Warner Bros. Ready for Tolkien Battle|author=James Hibberd|dated=28 February 2023|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Although the showrunners had asked to meet [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]],<ref name=":19" /> COVID prevented this from taking place.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/10-burning-questions-about-amazons-the-rings-of-power?srsltid=AfmBOopmlhLKVkCtSqkuvTTAcUtyQUICWXopTWLQq_1tu4aEf1ICrDLp|articlename=10 Burning Questions About Amazon’s The Rings of Power|author=Joanna Robinson|dated=14 February 2022|website=Vanity Fair}}</ref> While the show used a substantial number of his crew, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] were reportedly "very frustrated that so many believed they were involved with [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]’s show."<ref name=":20" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had avoided watching the show to prevent "cross-contamination."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1693866/why-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-screenwriter-wont-watch-the-rings-of-power/|articlename=Why One Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Screenwriter Won't Watch The Rings Of Power|author=Jaron Pak|dated=21 October 2024|website=Slash Film}}</ref> Since then, the show had left [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s home country of [[New Zealand]].<br />
<br />
Already in 2019, the show's development had galvanized Emmerich and Blackwood to pursue an animated film with [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] (who were not involved in the show) and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]. The bridge film might have been the "CG-animated" story that [[New Line Cinema|New Line]] "had been exploring with Sir [[Peter Jackson]]" but it failed to materialize and they decided to pursue ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim]]''<ref>Daniel Falconer, ''The Art of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim'' (Wiliam Murrow: London, 2025), pp. 9-10.</ref>. Later on, Emmerich and Blackwood were replaced by Michael de Luca and Pam Abdy, who were "striving to keep [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]] from blurring the lines too much between" the show and the films.<ref name=":20" /> Other projects like [[Tales of the Shire: A "The Lord of the Rings" Game|''Tales of the Shire'']], the remastering of the six films to Ultra High Definition and renovations of [[Hobbiton]] were begun shortly afterwards, as well.<br />
<br />
After this long gestation period, ''The Hunt for Gollum'' entered development once again in 2022. [[Andy Serkis]] was attached as director in October 2023 and story meetings occurred as early as May 2024, along with early availability calls to actors like [[Ian McKellen]] and [[Viggo Mortensen]] between that time and early September. By that point, the writing of the treatment was underway, followed by the first draft in January-May. After some crew hiring in August, pre-production started in early September 2025 ahead of shooting in May 2026.<br />
<br />
==Development==<br />
In 2022 the new administration of [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] expressed a desire to make more films, including ones "based on iconic characters, such as [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gollum]], [[Galadriel]], [[Éowyn|Eowyn]] and other characters."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lord-of-the-rings-rights-embracer-1235201442/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘The Hobbit’ Movie, Games and Other Rights Holder Sold to Swedish Gaming Company Embracer|author=Georg Szalai|dated=18 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] kept updated throughout the negotiations to extend [[New Line Cinema]]'s lease on the rights.<ref name=":4" /> <br />
<br />
Having "really enjoyed working with [[Kenji Kamiyama]], who directed ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]''," [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] signed on to produce two new films: [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] denied<ref name=":22" /> rumours that this involved splitting the [[Gollum]] story,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-cast-plot-everything-we-know-1235919922/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’: Everything We Know So Far|author=Dessi Gomez|dated=16 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://filmstories.co.uk/news/the-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-its-two-films-says-ian-mckellen/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings: Hunt For Gollum {{!}} “It’s two films” says Ian McKellen|author=Ryan Lambie|dated=11 September 2024|website=Film Stories}}</ref> and at various times her and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] expressed interest in subjects varying from the [[Battle of Dale|War in the North]], Young [[Aragorn]], or certain vignettes from [[Rohan]] or [[Gondor]]'s history, which are all possible for the second film.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1i97ctm/the_next_film_after_the_hunt_for_gollum/|articlename=The next film after The Hunt for Gollum: Everything we know so far|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=25 January 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> These are probably ''not'' the other two scripts [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had been working on, however.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/peter-jackson-not-retired-working-on-three-scripts-1235138316/|articlename=Peter Jackson Is Working on Three Screenplays: ‘I’m Certainly Not Retired’|author=By Rance Collins|dated=13 July 2025|website=IndieWire}}</ref><br />
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Signing on the films was done with the intention to jump-start a new slate of ''Lord of the Rings'' prequels for [[New Line Cinema]],<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":24" /> with [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also expressing interest in making an "epic trilogy", probably about the [[Angmar conflict|Angmar War]].<ref name=":23" /> However, having developed the [[Gollum]] premise for so long, they decided to start with it. Asked about unrealized projects in 2024, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] observed that "there's a lot of that in ''The Hunt for Gollum.''"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LdzKS584wA&t=614s|articlename=Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim Interviews! Peter Jackson Role Explained|author=Brandon Davis|dated=29 October 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]], had directed second unit on ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]<ref name=":7" />'' and had since become a director in his own right, as well as narrating audiobooks of Tolkien's novels. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] approached [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] around October 2023.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssUmmuU-Bmk&t=76s|articlename=Andy Serkis Talks Motion Capture, Gollum, and Directing {{!}} Superhero Comic Con San Antonio 2024 Q&A|author=Freeman Coliseum|dated=24 June 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> While developing the story, they already made availability checks to key cast and crew members.<br />
<br />
===Writing===<br />
Story meetings have happened at least as early as May 2024<ref name=":7" /> and by July they were about to start writing,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/comconnireland/status/1835962321211904490|articlename=Andy Serkis took to the stage at Comic Con Northern Ireland to talk all things Lord of the Rings and more!|author=@comconnireland|dated=16 September 2024|website=Twitter}}</ref> with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] spotted at the [[Hobbiton]] set in November with writers [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and Arty Papageorgiou, producers [[Zane Weiner]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/05/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-1236390022/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ Sets Pre-Christmas 2027 Release|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=8 May 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and Carlos Ramirez Laloli.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.elfenomeno.com/info/ver/23481/comienza-el-rodaje-de-el-senor-de-los-anillos-la-caza-de-gollum-en-hobbiton|articlename=¿Comienza el rodaje de El Señor de los Anillos: La Caza de Gollum en Hobbiton?|author=Elfenomeno|dated=6 November 2024|website=Elfenomeno.com}}</ref> By December they had been in the process of writing the story treatment.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-arty-papageorgiou-phoebe-gittins/|articlename="Who Better for a Gollum Film Than Gollum Himself?": 'War of the Rohirrim' Writers on Working with Andy Serkis in 'The Hunt for Gollum'|author=Therese Lacson|dated=16 December 2024|website=Collider}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] later estimated they would finish writing by the middle of the year - executive Pamela Abdy since put the completion of the script at May<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/04/warner-bros-mike-de-luca-pam-abdy-courage-in-face-of-brutal-press-coverage-1236366618/|articlename=Warner Bros’ Mike De Luca & Pam Abdy: Playing Long Game, Mixing IP Like ‘Bodyguard’ Revamp & Bold Originals & Animation Despite Brutal Press|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=11 April 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> - and begin "scouting locations and building [sets]" with shooting due to begin towards the beginning of 2026.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/15/exclusive-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-on-the-hunt-for-gollum/|articlename=Exclusive: Andy Serkis, Philippa Boyens on new Lord of the Rings film|author=Abbey Wakefield|dated=15 December 2024|website=1News}}</ref> As a result, the release date for the film was ultimately delayed from 2026 to 17 December 2027.<ref name="TheDirect2027Release">{{webcite|author=Klein Felt|articleurl=https://thedirect.com/article/hunt-for-gollum-movie-lord-of-the-rings-release-official|articlename=Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum Movie Gets Release Window from Andy Serkis|dated=27 Feb 2025|website=[https://thedirect.com The Direct]|accessed=27 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-december-2027-1236390820/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ Sets December 2027 Release Date; Warner Bros. Also Dates New ‘Evil Dead’ and M. Night Shyamalan Movies for 2026|author=Zack Sharf|dated=8 May 2025|website=Variety}}</ref><br />
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A draft of the screenplay had been sent to de Luca and Abdy in May, probably prior to the investor meeting on the 8th, when [[Warner Bros.|Warner]]'s CEO David Zaslav announced the official release date.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://voicefilm.com/david-zaslav-announces-that-the-release-date-for-the-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie-will-be-revealed-today/|articlename=David Zaslav Announces That the Release Date for the Next ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie Will Be Revealed Today|author=Mark|dated=8 May 2025|website=Voice Film}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comicbasics.com/warner-ceo-david-zaslav-says-they-will-focus-more-on-their-main-ips-like-harry-potter-and-dc-in-the-future-those-belong-to-us-and-theyll-only-belong-to-us-forever/|articlename=Warner CEO David Zaslav Says They Will Focus More on Their Main IPs Like ‘Harry Potter’ and DC in the Future: “Those belong to us, and they’ll only belong to us forever.”|author=Arthur S. Poe|dated=8 May 2025|website=Comic Basics}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since revealed that the film is due to start pre production in August<ref name=":33">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1krwz8d/andy_serkis_the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for/|articlename=Andy Serkis Panel at Fan Expo Philadelphia 2025|author=FandomWire News|dated=19 May 2025}}</ref> - when the film started hiring crew - then ammended to "late August to early September"<ref name=":18" />, with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] ultimately arriving in [[Wellington]] circa 8 September to begin work on the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://metro.co.uk/2025/09/03/andy-serkis-admits-cant-escape-gollum-ahead-lord-rings-return-24066270/amp/|articlename=Andy Serkis admits he ‘can’t escape Gollum’ ahead of Lord of the Rings return|author=Sabrina Barr|dated=3 September 2025|website=Metro UK}}</ref> Serkis had left New Zealand during the holiday season, attending the premiere of "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" before flying back to New Zealand: en rote he landed in Los Angeles.<ref name=":41">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/andy-serkis-wants-original-lord-of-the-rings-cast-in-new-film/|articlename=LOTR' Star Andy Serkis: OG Cast Is Precious, Love 'Em For New Flick|author=Anonymous|dated=20 January 20 2026|website=TMZ}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Pre production==<br />
[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had further said preproduction will last for six months,<ref name=":27">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comingsoon.it/cinema/news/in-un-mondo-alla-deriva-gollum-ci-salvera-la-nostra-intervista-ad-andy/n203564/|articlename=In un mondo alla deriva Gollum ci salverà: la nostra intervista ad Andy Serkis|author=Carola Proto|dated=25 June 2025|website=Coming Soon.it}}</ref> with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] later confirming it will start filming in May<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1msw9fp/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_starts/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum starts shooting in May, says Sir Ian McKellen. "I'll tell you two secrets about the casting..."|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=17 August 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> for an extended shooting period:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-filming-update-andy-serkis/|articlename=Director Andy Serkis Offers Huge Filming Update For 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' [Exclusive]|author=Chris McPherson and Steven Weintraub|dated=10 June 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> This puts the beginning of filming in [[New Zealand]] winter and, deducting the holidays, six months after [[Andy Serkis|Andy]]'s arrival. Location scouting may have taken place at Hawke's Bay as early as June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1lis26w/a_location_scout_for_the_lord_of_the_rings_the/|articlename=A location scout for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum seems to be snooping around Hawke's Bay, New Zealand|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=23 June 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> and later at the Waikato.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360837801/aliens-warriors-heroes-princesses-and-gollum-big-productions-filmed-and-possibly-coming-waikato|articlename=Aliens, warriors, heroes, princesses ... and Gollum: The big productions filmed in (and possibly coming to) the Waikato|author=Mike Mather|dated=1 October 2025|website=Waikato Times}}</ref> They had also watched the films sometime prior to November.<ref>Latino USA TV, "How Movie Monsters Are Really Made!", YouTube, 26 November 2025.</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] also spoke appreciatively of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s penchant for behind the scenes extras, suggesting a similar approach to the film.<ref name=":33" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/gu1jj7/one_zoom_to_rule_them_all_reunited_apart_lord_of/|articlename=One Zoom to Rule Them All {{!}} Reunited Apart LORD OF THE RINGS Edition|author=Josh Gad|dated=31 May 2021|website=}}</ref> In October, [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] revealed that they're developing prosthetics.<ref name=":34">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1og2b4p/andy_serkis_says_all_the_art_department_from_lord/|articlename=Andy Serkis says "all the art department" from Lord of the Rings are "excited to come back." They started location scouting and camera tests.|author=u/Lord_Varys92|dated=25 October 2024|website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
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Since [[Elijah Wood]], slated to appear in the film, is on tour through to early September,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://parade.com/news/lord-of-the-rings-hobbits-25-years-later-reunion-tour|articlename=The Hobbits Are Back Together — and Their Big News Has Fans Cheering|author=Whitney Danhauer|dated=25 October 2025|website=Parade}}</ref> his scenes might be scheduled for [[New Zealand]] summer, which could suggest shooting ''in situ'' in [[Hobbiton]], presumably depicting [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] dallying outside [[Bag End]] while [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and [[Gandalf]] argue within, as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. [[Ian McKellen]] is also hoping to join the production in [[New Zealand as Middle-earth|New Zealand]] during July.<ref>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, "There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW," ''YouTub''e, 5 February 2026.</ref><br />
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===Crew===<br />
The film, said to be "one of the most expensive feature films to be shot in [[New Zealand]]"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/new-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-film-will-be-shot-in-nz-set-for-2027-release/3BDNB3QFKJDAVGB4ODOTQ63YLY/|articlename=New Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum film will be shot in NZ, set for 2027 release|author=Tom Rose|dated=18 June 2025|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> is expected to draft alums of the ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]'' (many of whom will have also worked on ''[[The Rings of Power]]'' Season One and other projects) working in the [[Wellington]] and greater New Zealand screen sector.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350274670/film-heavyweights-alight-over-lotr-comeback|articlename=Film heavyweights ‘alight’ over LOTR comeback|author=Rachel Thomas|dated=10 May 2024|website=The New Zealand Post}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Crewing began in early August, with Wood since confirming the involvement of production designer [[Dan Hennah]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX5NhkyQ710|articlename=Elijah Wood en Monterrey/ conferencia de la DesertCon|author=Asi SoyTv|dated=6 October 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> and set decorator Ra Vincent might also be involved.<ref name=":34" /> Although [[Janet Brennan Croft|Janet Brennan-Croft]] acted as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] consultant on previous films, Beppe Pezzini will fill this role for this film.<ref>Educational Media Services | University of Oxford, "Beppe Pezzini on Classics and Fantasy | Fantasy Summer School @facultyofenglishoxford," ''YouTube'', 23 September 2025.</ref><br />
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IMDb credits Bob Buck as ''a'' costume designer for the film: it remains to be seen if Ngila Dickson, having just wrapped ''Predator: Badlands'' with [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]], might return. Kate Hawley, who was attached to del Toro's version of the film, is unlikely to take part due to work on "Bad Bridgets."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/10/daisy-edgar-jones-emilia-jones-bad-bridgets-luckychap-1236604481/|articlename=Daisy Edgar-Jones And Emilia Jones To Star In ‘Bad Bridgets’ From LuckyChap|author=Justin Kroll|dated=31 October 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> Liz Mullane and Rachel Bullock head the New Zealand casting sweep. Both [[Wētā FX|WetaFX]] and [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] are confirmed for the project,<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32328070/companycredits/?ref_=tt_dt_cmpy|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)|author=Anonymous|website=IMDb}}</ref> as are [[Gino Acevedo]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/p/DRy30vUkme7/|articlename="Oh no!"|author=Ginoacevedofx|dated=3 December 2025|website=Instagram}}</ref> [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ggba.swiss/en/the-lord-of-the-rings-nature-and-switzerlands-hidden-history-a-conversation-with-john-howe/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings, Nature and Switzerland’s Hidden History (A Conversation with John Howe)|author=Woody Wade|dated=10 December 2025|website=Greater Geneva Bern Area}}</ref> In April - by which point a composer was already said to be attached to the project - [[Howard Shore]] said he was interested to "see how that all works out."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.classical-music.com/articles/howard-shore|articlename=Howard Shore: the film composer behind Hannibal Lecter and Bilbo Baggins|author=Michael Beek|dated=16 April 2025|website=Classical Music.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://en.softonic.com/articles/the-composer-of-the-soundtrack-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-made-a-cameo-in-the-movies-and-no-one-noticed#google_vignette|articlename=The composer of the soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings made a cameo in the movies and no one noticed|author=Agencias|dated=26 December 2025|website=Softonic}}</ref><br />
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As early as October, [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] suggested that they're "doing camera tests."<ref name=":34" /> This is said to include miniature photography, with Alex Funke said to participate, even if only in an advisory position. On the live action side, although Richard Bluck (who filmed with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], and might shoot second unit) had been mentioned, it appears the film will be lensed by Robert Richardson.<ref name=":34" /> While the film was in the story conference stage in July 2024, Richardson said he had "a number" of projects "on the constantly-shifting horizon of the film industry."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.filmlightcolourawards.com/colour-awards-2024/jury-colour-awards-2024/robert-richardson-cinematographer-asc-ack/|articlename=Robert Richardson, Cinematographer, ASC, ACK|author=Anonymous|dated=18 July 2024|website=Film Light Colour Awards}}</ref> One of these projects was a Hannibal epic, whose delay freed Richardson to lens the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2025/7/23/michael-part-1-delayed-to-april-2026|articlename=‘Michael’ Delayed to April 2026|author=Jordan Ruimy|dated=23 July 2025|website=World of Reel}}</ref><br />
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The film is a co-production of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s [[WingNut Films|WingNut films]] and [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]]' ''Imaginarium''. [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] will executive produce with his ''Imaginarium'' partner John Cavendish and Jackson's agent [[Ken Kamins]].<ref name="Gollum">{{webcite|author=Jennifer Maas|articleurl=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-movie-2026-release-warner-bros-1235997102/|articlename=Warner Bros. to Release New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ in 2026, Peter Jackson to Produce and Andy Serkis to Direct|dated=9 May 2024|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=8 June 2024}}</ref> IMDb also credits studio chiefs Michael de Luca (who helped produce [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']]), Pam Abdy and David Zaslav as executive producers<ref name=":8" /> and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] mentioned [[Warner Bros.|Warners]]' business consultant Alan Horn (who had produced ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]])'' as a collaborator, but these credits have yet to become official.<ref name=":7" /><br />
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===Cast===<br />
With [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] due to star as [[Gollum]], approaches had been made to [[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/09/ian-mckellen-return-gandalf-new-the-lord-of-the-rings-films-1236075547/|articlename=Ian McKellen Reveals He’s Been Approached To Reprise His Role As Gandalf In Andy Serkis’ New ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Films|author=Jake Kanter|dated=2 September 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and [[Viggo Mortensen]] to reprise [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]], respectively. [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] said he's in talks to reprise "a little bit" of [[Gandalf]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/sir-ian-mckellan-i-thought-36196617|articlename=EXCLUSIVE: Sir Ian McKellan: 'I thought I was a goner, but I'm coming back as Gandalf'|author=Marc Baker and Jackie Annett|dated=5 November 2025|website=The Mirror}}</ref> in [[New Zealand]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ian-mckellen-an-ark-lowry-lord-of-the-rings-f9wc9nmdq|articlename=Ian McKellen at 86: ‘I’ve had to accept that I’m not immortal’|author=Jonathan Dean|dated=14 February 2026|website=The Times}}</ref> As of December, the contracts with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]] hadn't been finalized,<ref name=":40" /> but [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] expressed a desire to return to [[New Zealand]] for filming. [[Liv Tyler]], [[Evangeline Lilly]] and, especially, [[Orlando Bloom]] have also expressed interest in reprising their parts,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nme.com/news/film/the-lord-of-the-rings-cast-say-they-would-jump-to-return-for-new-spin-off-movies-3853893|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’ cast say they would “jump” to return for new spin-off movies|author=Damian Jones|dated=11 April 2025|website=NME}}</ref> while [[Dominic Monaghan]] expressed a desire to visit the set.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/entertainment/dominic-monaghan-reveals-plans-for-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan reveals big plans for next ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie — including possible return as Merry<br />
By|author=Eric Todisco|dated=6 November 2025|website=New York Post}}</ref> [[Orcs]] are set to appear in the film, with [[Shane Rangi]] and [[Lawrence Makoare]] having reportedly been contacted.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/thelegacyofnerd/status/1979621220246344016|articlename=BREAKING: ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ Begins Filming in May 2026|author=@thelegacyofnerd|dated=8 October 2025|website=Twitter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' comments about seeing the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]] might suggest the involvement of [[Benedict Cumberbatch]].<ref name=":36">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYYSsook-4Y|articlename=Philippa Boyens ('ESDLA: LA GUERRA DE LOS ROHIRRIM'): "Queríamos que se sintiera como algo nuevo"|author=eCartelera|dated=10 December 2024}}</ref><br />
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[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had all spoke to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/the-war-of-the-rohirrim-philippa-boyens-on-the-new-anime-the-hunt-for-gollum-the-future-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-20241223/|articlename=‘The War Of The Rohirrim’: Philippa Boyens On The New Anime, ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ & The Future Of ‘The Lord of the Rings’|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=23 December 2024|website=The Playlist}}</ref> who had previously said he'd be "open to it" if it makes sense for "the age I am now"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/viggo-mortensen-interview-2024|articlename=Viggo Mortensen re-used Aragorn's sword in new movie The Dead Don't Hurt “Because it's really good”|author=Rafael Motamayor|dated=28 May 2024|website=GQ}}</ref> but after [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] pitched it to him as "Digital make-up" they agreed he'd wait to read the script: With the approach to [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] happening sometime between June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/ian-mckellen-if-this-is-my-last-job-id-better-get-it-right-hadnt-i-n3t38g6tb|articlename=Ian McKellen: ‘When a script arrives, I think this might be my last job’|author=Dominic Maxwell|dated=8 June 2024|website=The Times of London}}</ref> and September,<ref name=":2" /> the approach to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] may have taken place in mid-June, just prior to an interview in which [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] said "The script is the most important thing to me", seemingly no longer harping on the age quota.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/viggo-mortensen-lord-of-the-rings-script-feminism-1235935628/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Respecting Audiences, How Scripts Are Key “Unless I’m Broke,” New ‘LOTR’ Films|author=Georg Szalai|dated=30 June 2024|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said they need to "drag" him.<ref name=":36" /> <br />
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While in London for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' premiere, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also "had lunch with an [[Elves|Elf]] lord" who "would fall into that story."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/nerdoftherings/reel/DDgKw47uxkJ/|articlename="Philippa Boyens teases an “elf lord” returning for Hunt for Gollum! "|author=Matt Graf|dated=12 December 2024|website=Instagram}}</ref> Although this could refer to [[Orlando Bloom|Bloom]] or even [[Marton Csokas]], [[Lee Pace]] is the most likely as he was shooting ''The Running Man'' in London at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://people.com/glen-powell-films-running-man-reboot-37-years-after-arnold-schwarzenegger-movie-8745529|articlename=Glen Powell Films Running Man Remake in London 37 Years After Original Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie|author=Jen Juneau|dated=14 November 2024|website=People}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since divulged that they expect "some of the cast who were originally in" ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', as well as "some incredible new talent."<ref name=":28">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.jedinews.com/events/articles/indiana-comic-con-andy-serkis-full-panel/|articlename=Indiana Comic Con: Andy Serkis Full Panel|author=James Burns|dated=11 April 2025,|website=Jedi News}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] had since confirmed that [[Gandalf]] and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], surely to be played by himself and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]], are scheduled to reappear in the piece.<ref name=":12" /><br />
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Casting seems to have started in December,<ref name=":40">Steve Schofield ''et al'', "25 Years of Fellowship", ''Empire'' (March 2026), pp. 46-70.</ref> with young boys auditioning for the boy [[Gollum|Smeagol]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/KnightGambit/status/2011815291198849220|articlename=Small Tidbit.....|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Twitter}}</ref> and two of his fellow [[Stoors|Stoor]] riverfolk - a young girl and a young adult boy - in what looks like a setup for [[Gollum|Smeagol]]'s preoccupation with a birtday present. Actors in their early thirties auditioned for "young [[Aragorn|Strider]]."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://knightedgemedia.com/2026/01/the-hunt-for-gollum-casting-call-teases-young-strider-and-his-fellow-dunedain-rangers/#google_vignette|articlename=‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Casting Call Teases Young Strider and His Fellow Dúnedain Rangers|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Knight Edge Media}}</ref> Although [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had spoken about potentially having to "hand off"<ref name=":3" /> from [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], and rumours had pointed to the inexpediency of the deaging,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://3dvf.com/en/a-cult-actor-from-the-lord-of-the-rings-on-the-departure-the-question-arises-for-the-prequel-dedicated-to-gollum/#google_vignette|articlename=A Cult Actor from The Lord of the Rings on the Departure? The Question Arises for the Prequel Dedicated to Gollum|author=Quentin Couprie|dated=13 December 2025|accessed=3DVF}}</ref> the "young" designation may well suggest scenes alternating between this younger character, and either an old [[Aragorn|Elessar]] and/or the "mature" [[Aragorn]] of the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|''Fellowship of the Ring'']] era.''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://medium.com/p/dcf21faf019e|articlename=The Hunt for Gollum and the Aragorn problem|author=Chen Geller|website=Medium}}</ref>'' [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had earlier spoke of meeting [[Aragorn]] when he was "quite young" in ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]],'' but not so young that it didn't seem plausible to her to have [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] play him circa 2011''.<ref name=":39" />'' The audition scene, although not necessarily representative of the film, also implies the presence of the other [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]], perhaps including [[Halbarad]]. A younger Strider could also feature in a "Young Aragorn" picture. Serkis had since reaffirrmed that he would "love the old cast" back.<ref name=":41" /><br />
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==Plotline==<br />
The exact events the film covers remain undisclosed. There's ambiguity concerning both the exact timeframe for the film, and whether it will focus more on [[Gollum]] or [[Aragorn]]. An official "blurb" for the movie reads: "The pic explores [[Aragorn]]’s adventures as a [[Rangers of the North|ranger]], specifically his quest to capture [[Gollum]] between [[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]] and [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]], tracking him to keep the [[The One Ring|Ring]]’s location from [[Sauron|Sauron."]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-25th-anniversary-1236689724/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings’ Trilogy 25th Anniversary Event Rings Up $11M In Worldwide Box Office|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=19 January 2026|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> A more extended synopsis had also been circulating:<blockquote>Before the Fellowship, one creature's obsession holds the key to Middle-earth's survival -- or its demise. In The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, we meet young Smeagol -- an outsider drawn to trinkets and mischief -- long before The One Ring consumed him and began his tragic descent into the tortured, deceitful creature Gollum. With the ring lost and carried away by Bilbo Baggins, Gollum finds himself compelled to leave his cave in search of it. Gandalf the Grey calls upon Aragorn, still known as the ranger Strider, to track the elusive creature whose knowledge of the whereabouts of the ring could tip the balance toward the Dark Lord Sauron.<br />
Set in the shadowed time between Bilbo's birthday disappearance and the Fellowship's formation, this perilous journey through Middle-earth's darkest corners reveals untold truths, tests the resolve of its future king, and explores the fractured soul and backstory of Gollum, one of Tolkien's most enigmatic characters.<br />
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Directed by original cast member Andy Serkis, produced by Peter Jackson, and written & produced by Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens -- the creative team behind the Oscar-winning trilogy -- this live-action movie bridges the beloved films with new characters, returning heroes, and a deeply engaging origin story that resets the stage for, and changes everything you know about the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy.</blockquote>Strictly speaking, [[Aragorn]]'s hunt for [[Gollum]] begins during the events depicted in Jackson's [[The Fellowship of the Ring (2001 film)|''The Fellowship of the Ring'']], and in October, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said the story "falls after the [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|birthday party of Bilbo]] and before the Mines Of [[Moria]]".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-wont-be-two-films-second-philippa-boyens-exclusive/|articlename=The Hunt For Gollum Won’t Be Two Films, But A Second LOTR Film Is Incoming, Philippa Boyens Confirms|author=Ben Travis|dated=18 October 2024|website=Empire}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] added that the role of [[Aragorn]] is "very central" to the movie.<ref name=":36" /> Andy called the storyline "pivotal."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1md7lim/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_andy/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum - Andy Serkis says "this part of the story is pivotal"|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=30 July 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] had described the plot as "[[Aragorn]] trying to find [[Gollum]] with [[Gandalf]] directing operations from the sidelines."<ref name=":42" /> <br />
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However, ''a'' hunt for [[Gollum]] is begun by the [[Silvan Elves]] after Gollum first leaves the [[Misty Mountains|mountains]] in search of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and in December Jackson said the film "tells us what happened to [[Gollum]] between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - end of [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] - and the beginning of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/red-carpet-premiere-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim/P3BS7U5NPS5EMFLPUV4SYSYFDU/|articlename=Red carpet premiere for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|author=Mitchell Hageman|dated=11 December 2024|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since confirmed this timeframe: "It sits, kind of, in the timeline between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - between losing the [[The One Ring|Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] - and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''."<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1218&v=U-dw8DQDf90&feature=youtu.be|articlename=Kazakhstan feels like the center of the world - Andy Serkis {{!}} Interview of the Day|author=Silk Way / Qazaqstan|dated=15 July 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Dol Guldur]], the [[Nazgûl|Nazgul]] and [[Orcs]] are all said to potentially play part in the film. <br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also alluded to other storylines: "we are finding a lot of threads of story that are surprising in there when you really go in there and examine it".<ref name=":29">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1734018/philippa-boyens-lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-exclusive-interview/|articlename=War Of The Rohirrim's Philippa Boyens Reveals Details About The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum [Exclusive Interview]|author=Ben Pearson|dated=13 December 2024|website=/Film}}</ref> Events as varied as [[Aragorn]]'s sojourn in [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] with [[Arwen]], the fall of [[Balin's folk]], [[Boromir]]'s quest for [[Rivendell]] and much else occur concurrent to the time of the Hunt.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1iutc9r/building_bridges_so_what_happens_between_the/|articlename=Building Bridges: So, what happens between the trilogies that The Hunt for Gollum could possibly cover?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=21 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> "You see the layers and layers of story that’s underneath there and how interconnected they all are", she adds.<ref name=":3" /> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] also made comments to this effect: "Some pretty interesting stuff happens that we reference in passing in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The'' ''Lord of the Rings'']], but there’s a lot of more deep detail to it."<ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] adds that "We get to go to some places that we've never been before" in Middle-earth." One such place - only glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]]'' - is the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]].<ref name=":36" /> Both she and Serkis alluded to new characters<ref name=":28" /><ref name=":5" /> and new dramatic situations, saying it's "surprising"<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":29" /> and could be enjoyed be people wo don't know the novels.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.amica.it/video-post/andy-serkis-dirigero-signore-anelli-tornero-batman/|articlename=Andy Serkis, da Gollum a regista: «Dirigerò “Il Signore degli Anelli” e tornerò con Batman»|author=Emanuele Bigi|dated=27 June 2025|website=Amica}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also shared that one of the practicalities they were busy figuring out in the writing is "How does he [<nowiki/>[[Aragorn]]] pick up his scent? How does he find his trail, how does it happen?"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nerdist.com/article/nerdist-philippa-boyens-interview-the-war-of-the-rohirrim-the-lord-of-the-rings-future/|articlename=Philippa Boyens Talks the Future of THE LORD OF THE RINGS Movies and Naming a Tolkien Character in THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM|author=by Rotem Rusak|dated=19 December 2024|website=Nerdist}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"<br />
|- style="background: var(--tg-color-surface-2);" <br />
!Actor!!Role<br />
|-<br />
|[[Andy Serkis]]||[[Gollum]]<ref name="Gollum"></ref><br />
|-<br />
|[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
|[[Frodo Baggins]]<ref name=":12" /><br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{title|italics}}<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
{{screen}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Films]]<br />
<br />
[[fi:The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Legolas&diff=435312Legolas2026-02-20T20:20:23Z<p>King Elessar: I added a picture</p>
<hr />
<div>{{short description|Member of the Fellowship}}<br />
{{disambig-two|the Elf of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|Elf in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]''|[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)]]}}<br />
{{infobox character<br />
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]<br />
| name=Legolas<br />
| image=Līga Kļaviņa - Legolas (cropped).jpg<br />
| caption="Legolas" by [[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]] <br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|['lɛgolas]}}<br />
| othernames=''Laicolassë'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>Greenleaf<br />
| titles=Prince of [[Woodland Realm]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Woodland Realm]]<br/>[[Ithilien]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]]<br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| sailedwest={{FoA|120}}<br />
| sailedfrom=[[Ithilien]]<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=<br />
| parentage=[[Thranduil]]<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Over 6 feet (1.83 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, "Heights", p. 195</ref><br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=Green and brown garb<br />
| weapons=[[Bow of the Galadhrim]] and "long white knife"<br />
| steed=[[Arod]]<br />
}}<br />
{{Quote|There was also a strange Elf clad in green and brown, Legolas, a messenger from his father...|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}<br />
[[File:Legolas Greenleaf.jpeg|thumb|Legolas Greenleaf]]<br />
'''Legolas''' was a [[Silvan Elves|Silvan Elf]] of [[Sindar|Sindar]]in origin, the prince of the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. His grandfather [[Oropher]] was of the [[Sindar]] of [[Doriath]], and his father [[Thranduil]] was king of Mirkwood ([[Greenwood the Great]]). His birthdate is unknown, as are his earliest exploits. His most notable role is the part he played in the [[War of the Ring]], during which he represented the [[Elves|Elven]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His Elven abilities, such as superior sight and hearing, lightness of foot, and skilled archery, were invaluable to his eight companions.<br />
<br />
Legolas' unlikely friendship with the [[Dwarves|Dwarf]], [[Gimli]] son of [[Glóin]] was considered odd. As such a friendship was rare between the two races, due to the long-standing grievances between [[Dwarves]] and [[Elves]] dating back to the [[Elder Days]]. And, unlikely because of the grudge between their two particular houses for the rough treatment Glóin and the rest of [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s company was given by Thranduil on an earlier occasion.<ref>{{H|8}}; {{H|9}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There are nothing to say about Legolas’s birthdate and early upbringing, except for the very few things he himself has said on the matter.<br />
<br />
During the [[War of the Ring]], the creature [[Gollum]] was captured by [[Aragorn]], and put under lock and key by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. Through their over-kindliness to him, however, Gollum managed an escape with the help of [[Sauron]]'s [[Orcs]]. Legolas was dispatched to [[Rivendell]] to deliver this ill news to [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas was present at the [[Council of Elrond]] and related the news of Gollum's escape, quickly adding that it was not through lack of vigilance that he slipped their grasp, and provided a detailed account of the whole affair to the Council.<ref name="Council" /> He spoke little if at all after his report, but was later chosen to represent the Elves in the Nine Walkers of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. His skills would prove invaluable to the Fellowship. <br />
<br />
===Fellowship of the Ring===<br />
For the early part of the quest, the nine companions walked single file, Gandalf leading, Legolas, with his keen eyes, providing the rearguard. When the Company came to [[Hollin]], Legolas was very deeply moved: the wholesome air yet spoke of the Elves that dwelt there long ago, and his sharp ears heard the very stones crying out for grief at their departure and memory of their ways.<ref name="South" /> <br />
<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - 'I go to find the Sun!'.jpg|thumb|''I go to find the Sun!'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas in his light shoes could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge and wade their way forward. But snow or no snow, nothing could dampen his buoyant Elven spirit, and he joked lightly with Gandalf even at the darkest moments. He scouted ahead and behind the company, dancing over the snow with great ease, and brought news that the storm was, as they had been fearing, put out to stop them by some Power greater than they. When this report arrived, Gandalf reluctantly decided to abandon the idea of crossing by the [[Redhorn Gate]]. Legolas stayed near the [[Hobbits]] on the dangerous descent.<ref name="South">{{FR|South}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the bottom of the mountain, the company took a vote on attempting passage through [[Moria]]. Legolas was silent until asked for his opinion, and then said simply and seemingly reluctantly, "I do not wish to go to Moria." His loyalty and respectful deference to the decisions of the two leaders, Aragorn and Gandalf, extended even to following them through darkness and unknown horror; of all the Company, he was arguably the most loyal to leadership. When the voices of the [[Wargs]] were heard and the attack began, Legolas did perhaps more than anyone save Gandalf, shooting numerous Wargs and even collecting his spent arrows to fire again, retrieving them, like a responsible bowman, after the fight ended.<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Fellowship reached the West Gate of Moria, and were halted by the doors fast shut. At last gaining entrance, the Company, following Gandalf's staff, began their march through Moria, a pit so profoundly dark that even Legolas' eyes could see nothing. He served his turn, like the others, in lookout duty through the night on the march. When they came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] and were attacked by the Orcs, Legolas dispatched at least two before following the others out the east door, having to drag Gimli away from [[Balin]]'s tomb. When [[Durin's Bane]] made its frightful appearance, Legolas was the first to spot it when he turned to shoot an arrow towards the Orcs. He recognized it immediately as a [[Balrog]], and it is the only recorded time he was ever truly afraid: a Balrog held far more terror for an Elf than for any other, for only they remembered where the Demons of Fire had come from and whom they had first served.<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Crossing Nimrodel.jpg|thumb|''Crossing Nimrodel'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]<br />
After the fall of Gandalf, Aragorn led the Fellowship eastwards to the borders of the forest of Lórien. Legolas was seized with a deep excitement, for none of his kindred had been into the wood for many years, and he himself had only heard of it from tales. He was grieved, though, that it was winter, and the full glory of the ''[[Mellyrn]]'' was departed. The Fellowship splashed across the [[Nimrodel]] river, feeling their weariness drained away by its cool waters. As they rested on the shore, Legolas told the tales of [[Lothlórien]] still remembered by the Mirkwood Elves and sang to them part of the [[Lay of Nimrodel]]. At last, the Company turned aside from the path in order to shelter in the trees for the night, not caring to be caught on the ground by the Orcs pursuing them from Moria. Upon being surprised and questioned by the Elves of Lórien who were watching from a tree, Legolas responded cautiously in their own tongue. When [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded, "They say that you breathe so loud they could shoot you in the dark." He hastened to add that they need not fear the Elves.<br />
<br />
Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], bringing Frodo, though Sam followed, as always. The Galadhrim had heard Legolas' singing and knew him for one of their northern kindred. They had had tidings from the sons of Elrond as to the Quest upon which the Company was embarked, and readily accepted all of the fellowship save Gimli, who was only grudgingly allowed, for the suspicion of the Elves of Lórien towards the Dwarves was especially acute. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". The next morning, when the Elves took the company across the river [[Celebrant]] on their way to [[Caras Galadhon]], they told Gimli he would have to be blindfolded, but he was outraged and refused. When Aragorn offered for all of the Company to wear blindfolds, Gimli said if only Legolas would wear one, he would. Legolas was outraged in turn, but Aragorn settled the dispute by asking to blindfold the whole of the Company. In the end, Legolas had no choice but to agree.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]]]]<br />
In Lothlórien, many Elves sang of Gandalf, and their language was such that only Legolas could understand. Legolas would not translate the lamentations for the rest of the Company, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however, with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] permeating the air, he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship that would never be broken.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> He was one of the Company that could handle boats, and when the Fellowship prepared to leave Lórien, he was assigned to paddle one with Gimli. From the lady Galadriel, he received an Elven cloak and brooch, like the others, and a long, stout bow and quiver of arrows, such as the Galadhrim used.<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref><br />
<br />
When the Company was ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and up the riverbank with his bow, searching in the darkness for any sign of the Orcs. From Frodo's low position in the boats, he appeared to be crowned with white stars as he stood tall upon the bank. Suddenly, the south wind chased the clouds away, and a chilling dread fell on the Company. Legolas looked up, and sighed, "[[Elbereth Gilthoniel]]!" as if to draw strength to face the terror riding high in the wind. As the Shadow approached, he bent the great bow of Lórien and shot the descending [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]] from the sky, one of his most masterful deeds. He was praised by the rest of the Company for this, especially Gimli.<ref>{{FR|River}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Three Hunters===<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Awaiting the Riders of Rohan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Awaiting the Riders of Rohan'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
When the company was ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many Orcs until his arrows ran out, and then used his knife.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], when he learned that Boromir had fallen, he sang a lament with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind, which came from the Sea.<ref>{{TT|Departure}}</ref> Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.<ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref><br />
<br />
When accosted by the [[Riders of Rohan]] led by [[Éomer]], Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty Marchwarden, threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. When Éomer lent them horses to speed them on their way, Legolas was given [[Arod]], a very high-spirited horse. But Legolas had the Elvish way with beasts, and after he had leaped lightly upon Arod, the horse was docile beneath him. Legolas let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn Forest]] in their search for [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. When they arrived by the smoking pile of Orc ashes, they combed the battlefield for any sign of the Hobbits for several hours, but gave up as night approached. Camping under the eaves of the forest, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire they lit, stretching out its limbs and leaves to the heat. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own guess.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon entering Fangorn, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying, “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the [[Three Hunters]] met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s encouragement Legolas did not shoot him. The old man declared, "''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''" Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognised that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added, "''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''"<ref name="White" /><br />
<br />
===With the Rohirrim===<br />
Legolas was the first to ask Gandalf about Merry and Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered [[Galadriel's messages]] to each of them, Legolas' being:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|Legolas Greenleaf long under tree<br /><br />
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!<br /><br />
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,<br /><br />
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.<ref name=White/>}}<br />
<br />
Later, Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both of [[Isengard]] and [[Edoras]] from afar. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden|Théoden King]], and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer's horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared, "''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''"<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' [[John Howe]]]]<br />
As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that he did not like the place. Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the [[Rohirrim]]. At the opening of the battle, Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.<ref name="Road">{{TT|Road}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Glittering Caves|Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a return to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of Gimli, Aragorn, and the [[Hobbits]], Merry and Pippin.<ref>{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Return of the King===<br />
When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.<br />
<br />
Amidst the Paths of the Dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone, save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond|Elrond's]] sons, felt no fear of the [[Oathbreakers]],<ref>{{RK|Company}}</ref> and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he stopped there, while Gimli promptly said, "''For my part I heeded them not''". Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the [[One Ring]].<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of [[Men]] to the dubious Gimli.<ref name="Debate" /><br />
<br />
===Battle of the Morannon and aftermath===<br />
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in honour of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the urging of Aragorn, Legolas remained in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time, after attending the coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]]. During the parting of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], Legolas went with Gimli to [[Aglarond]]. After that, he rode off with Gimli to return to [[Fangorn Forest]].<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===After the War of the Ring===<br />
[[File:Turner Mohan - Legolas and Gimli depart.jpg|thumb|''Legolas and Gimli depart'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]] <br />
In the early Fourth Age Legolas brought south [[Elves of Mirkwood|Elves out of Greenwood]], and they dwelt in Ithilien, which became once again the fairest country in all the westlands.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>{{rp|1080}} During his stay in Ithilien, Legolas devised the renowned gardens of Prince Faramir's new home in the Hills of [[Emyn Arnen]].<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, Commentary on ''The Stewards of Gondor'' ("Faramir"), p. 220</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas and the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-Elves]] later worked together with Gimli and the Dwarves to rebuild and improve [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1080}} After King Elessar died in {{FoA|120}}, Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien and sailed down the Anduin and onwards into the [[Aman|West]],<ref name="AppB">{{App|Later}}, entry '''1541''', p. 1098</ref> reportedly taking Gimli with him.<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1081}}<ref name="AppB" /><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance and equipment===<br />
[[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas: <br />
{{blockquote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', p. 327}}<br />
<br />
At Rivendell, Legolas was dressed in green and brown garb,<ref name="Council" /> and he was probably dressed similarly for the duration of the quest.<br />
He bore a bow from Mirkwood, and later a [[Bow of the Galadhrim]]. He also had a long white knife.<ref name="South" /> He was a master archer, unmatched by any other during his time, capable of shooting adversaries from afar, and on occasion kill more than one with a single arrow, as shown when he nailed two orcs through the throat in Moria.<ref name="Bridge" /> His skill with a bow was even more formidable due to his keen eyesight. At the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he also proved skilled at knife-fighting in close quarters.<ref>{{TT|Deep}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through Caradhras and even the Paths of the Dead without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he spoke of the "strong men" on Caradhras, who Boromir (meaning himself and Aragorn) had said could forge a way out through the snow.<ref name="South" /> He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli's words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]].<ref name="Road" /><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The name ''Legolas'' is a [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means "Greenleaf". At one point he is called "Legolas '''Greenleaf'''" by Gandalf, coupling his name and its translation like an epithet.<ref group="note">''Greenleaf'' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]'').</ref> <br />
<br />
''Legolas'' consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', a very rare, archaic word for "green" (cf. ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'', the [[Green Elves]]), which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''[[Calenhad]], [[Parth Galen]]'' and ''[[Pinnath Gelin]]''); and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''[[lass|las(s)]]'', "leaf").<ref>{{L|211}}</ref><ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|84}}<br />
<br />
In one note, [[Tolkien]] considered ''Legolas'' to be a non-Sindarin name, instead being [[Ossiriand]]ish in which ''laiquā'' > ''lēgo'' (shortened in trisyllabic names to ''lěgo'').<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|153}}<br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] cognate of ''Laegolas'' was '''''Laicolasse'''''.<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|56}}<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree| ORO |ORO=[[Oropher]]<br/><small>''d. {{SA|3434}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| THR |THR=[[Thranduil]]<br/><small>''Unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| LEG |LEG='''LEGOLAS'''<br/><small>''Sailed West {{FoA|120}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
The name "''[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)|Legolas Greenleaf]]''" appeared first in "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]" in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', applied to a character who guided some survivors of the sack of the city to safety.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, ''Entries in the Name-list to The Fall of Gondolin'', p. 217</ref> However, this character had no further development in the [[Legendarium]] and is unrelated to the Legolas of the Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
<br />
While writing ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien first considered [[Glorfindel]] to be the Elven character of the Fellowship, however he dropped the idea, and Legolas was created to replace him. Perhaps this is the reason why Legolas is considered the most underdeveloped character of the Fellowship, playing only a minor role in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/53965333513/why-is-legolass-character-so-underdeveloped|articlename=Why is Legolas so underdeveloped?|website=[http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com Ask About Middle-Earth]}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="300" heights="200"><br />
File:Sagan om Ringen - Legolas.png|''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Legolas 2.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Legolas.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Legolas.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''<br />
File:Lego Legolas poster.png|Legolas as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Legolas.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Frank Duncan]] was the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is chosen as the elf representative of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. Legolas walks behind the other members of the Fellowship, as his eyesight is superior.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]]. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel]]'s place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[John Vickery]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in this film, as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[David Collings]] provided the voice of Legolas. In an interesting deviation, he is the one to defend Gimli to [[Haldir]].<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Michael Reisz]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].<br />
<br />
:In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendix B|Appendices]].<br />
<br />
:He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.<br />
<br />
:Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. It is not clear whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.<br />
<br />
:Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas's "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming an unprecedented fan favourite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Legolas is provided by Richard Stanke.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a non-playable character, accompanying the Ring-bearer since Rivendell.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a playable character, skilled in both ranged and melee. He and Gimli accompany Aragorn through Paths of the Dead, later he fights on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]'''<br />
:Legolas makes a cameo as one of the Wood-elves that Bilbo must avoid in the "Barrels Out of Bond" level. He is recognizable due to his resemblance to Thranduil. While he is unnamed in-game, his identity is confirmed in the game files. No voice actor is specified for the character.<ref>''The Hobbit (2003 video game)'', "Barrels Out of Bond"</ref><br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:[[Grant George]] provides the voice of Legolas.<ref>http://www.dynamicduovo.com/aboutgrant.html</ref> The game depicts Legolas's hunt for [[Gollum]] in northern Mirkwood, which is interrupted by the orcs.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, and accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode. He specializes in powerful ranged attacks.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is now the Hero for the Elven faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is first met in [[Rivendell]], where before the Fellowship's departure he helps the player in the search for the missing Nazgul. Later, the player catches up with Legolas at several points during the Fellowship's journey such as [[Cerin Amroth]], [[Meduseld]], [[Hornburg]] and the [[Pelennor Fields]]. After [[Sauron]]'s defeat, Legolas and [[Gimli]] accompany soldiers of [[Gondor]] who on the orders of King Elessar begin exploring and securing the Land of Shadow; Legolas assists the player in their exploration of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. Afterwards, Legolas for a brief time returns home to his father's halls in [[Eryn Lasgalen]], where he introduces the player to [[Grimbeorn]]. He soon returns back to [[Minas Tirith]] for the wedding of Aragorn and [[Arwen]], after which he continues the exploration of the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]], eventually discovering the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:[[Crispin Freeman]] plays Legolas, who is available as a Hero in several missions.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crispin_freeman_fansite/message/9438</ref><br />
:In the game's Evil Campaign, Legolas makes a final stand at Rivendell when it is invaded by the armies of Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas can be found and talked to in Rivendell, he retains the appearance from the movies. While he provides insight into many events, interactions with him do not affect the main plot.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|LEGO The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Legolas based on his appearance in ''The Lord of the Rings'' films is included in the [[Lego#Sets|set]] The Mines of Moria<br />
<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref>, as well as in the set Pirate Ship Ambush and a fun pack for ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''. In the ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'' in 2012, Legolas plays largely the same role as in the films, though with additional comedic elements. He also joins the members of the Fellowship at the Grey Havens to witness the departure of Frodo and Gandalf.<br />
:A second Legolas figure based on his appearance in ''The Hobbit'' films appears in the sets Legolas Greenleaf, Escape from Mirkwood Spiders, and The Battle of Five Armies. Legolas also appears in ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]''.<br />
<br />
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''<br />
:Orlando Bloom reprised his role as Legolas in [[Peter Jackson]]'s adaptation of the Hobbit.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ/posts/10150265634081558|articlename=Ten years ago,...|dated=27-May-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Bloom was [[Wikipedia:de-aging in film|digitally de-aged]] to match his appearance as Legolas in ''Lord of the Rings'' 13 years ago.<ref>{{webcite|author=Mat Bradley-Tschirgi|articleurl=http://www.gamesradar.com/7-movie-actors-made-impossibly-young-by-cgi/|articlename=7 movie actors made impossibly young by CGI|website=[http://www.gamesradar.com/ GamesRadar]|accessed=30-May-2017}}</ref> He is one of the Elves who capture [[Thorin and Company]] who traverse Mirkwood. His company, including [[Tauriel]], were ordered by Thranduil to clean up the [[spider]] nests. As he examines [[Glóin]], he finds a locket with a picture of Gimli, his future friend, and comments on his ugliness. His father notices Legolas's affection for [[Tauriel]], which he doesn't approve because she is a pure Silvan-elf. However he joins her in pursuit of the pack of Orcs (led by [[Bolg]]) who are after [[Thorin]]. Thranduil and Legolas later interrogate [[Narzug]], a captured Orc. Alarmed by the news, Thranduil orders his Realm to be sealed from the outside world, but when Legolas hears that Tauriel has run after Kili, he leaves to find her.<br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas appears after the destruction of [[Lake-town]]. With Tauriel he goes to investigate the Orcs' armies in [[Gundabad]] where his mother was killed during an old battle, something about which his father never talks. He returns to the ruins of [[Dale]] where the [[Lake-men]] are regrouping. He participates in the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and goes with Tauriel to the [[Ravenhill]] to support [[Thorin]]. In order to save Tauriel from Bolg, he uses a mutilated [[Trolls|Troll]] to demolish an ancient tower and duels with Bolg. Bitter with his father's treatment towards Tauriel, he says that he won't return to Mirkwood; Thranduil advises him to go to [[Eriador|the North]] and find the [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain]] and a young ranger called "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]." Before parting, Thranduil assures him that his mother loved him more than anything else.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Legolas/Disputes]]<br />
<br />
{{references|n}}<br />
{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}<br />
{{hobbitfilms}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Moriquendi]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]<br />
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]<br />
[[Category:Sindar]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/standard/legolas]]<br />
[[fi:Legolas]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Wizards&diff=435311Wizards2026-02-20T20:18:35Z<p>King Elessar: I added a picture</p>
<hr />
<div>{{short description|Messengers of the Valar}}<br />
{{Cleanup}}{{organization infobox<br />
| name=Order of Wizards<br />
| image = Angel Falto - The Istari.jpg<br />
| caption="[[:File:Angel Falto - The Istari.jpg|The Istari]]" by [[:Category:Images by Angel Falto|Angel Falto]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=Heren Istarion, ''Istari'' ([[Quenya|Q]]), ''Ithryn'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), [[Five Wizards]]<ref name=Five>{{PM|Last}}, ''The Five Wizards'', second note on the reverse of a page probably from 1972</ref><br />
| founded=c. {{TA|1000}}<br />
| founder=[[Manwë]]<br />
| purpose=The help the [[Free peoples]] to resist [[Sauron]]<br />
| members=[[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], [[Radagast]], [[Alatar]], [[Pallando]]<br />
| location=[[Orthanc]] (Saruman)<br/>[[Rhosgobel]] (Radagast)<br>[[Rhûn]] and [[Harad]] (Blue Wizards)<br />
| disbanded={{TA|3021}}<br />
| notablefor=Bringing about the final defeat of [[Sauron]] (mostly by Gandalf)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{Quote|Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.|[[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]] in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Three is Company]]"}}<br />
[[File:TheFiveWizards.jpeg|thumb|The Five Wizards]]<br />
The '''Wizards''', commonly known as the ''Istari'' ([[Quenya]]) and the ''Ithryn'' ([[Sindarin]]) was the title assigned to five [[Maiar]] in the [[Third Age]] of [[Middle-earth]]. They formed the '''Order of Wizards''' ([[Quenya|Q.]] '''Heren Istarion''') .<ref name="Istari">{{UT|Istari}}, ''the essay on the Istari''</ref><br />
<br />
Among [[Men]] it was initially assumed that the Wizards were also men who, by long and secret study, had acquired great knowledge of lore and arts. However, as the Third Age passed it was marked that the Wizards did not die, so Men began to believe that they were of [[Elves|Elven-kind]]. However, none except [[Elrond]], [[Círdan]], and [[Galadriel]] knew that, in actuality, the Wizards were vassals of the [[Valar]] who were sent to assist the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth against [[Sauron]] as he gathered his forces during the Third Age.<ref name="Istari" /><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
===Formation of The Order===<br />
The five known [[Istar|Istari]] were:<br />
<br />
*[[Curumo]], a Maia of [[Aulë]], the chief and the wisest of the Order according to Gandalf during the [[Council of Elrond]].<br />
*[[Olórin]], a Maia of [[Manwë]] and [[Varda]] (held by [[Círdan]] the Shipwright to be the wisest of the Order).<ref>{{S|IIc}}</ref><br />
*[[Aiwendil]], a Maia of [[Yavanna]];<ref name="sketch" /> also known as Hrávandil.<ref name="nome">{{NM|P1xiii}}, pp. 95, 99</ref><br />
*[[Ithryn Luin|Two Wizards]] who went into the East and South, and do not appear in any of the main tales of [[Middle-earth]]. The names Alatar and Pallando, both Maiar of [[Oromë]] are known.<ref name="sketch" /> However there are tales about two Wizards, perhaps the same two, called Rómestámo and Morinehtar who operated during the [[Second Age]].<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref> It is not known whether they are the same spirits as Palacendo and Haimenar.<ref name="nome" /><br />
<br />
The precursor of the Heren Istarion were perhaps the [[Five Guardians]], who, under [[Melian]], were tasked by the [[Valar]] to protect the first [[Elves]] during the [[Battle of the Powers]]; the spirits assigned for this corresponded more or less to the Maiar who were sent millennia later.<ref name="nome" /><br />
<br />
The Heren Istarion had been created in [[Valinor]]. A council of the [[Valar]] was called by [[Manwë]] which resolved to send three emissaries. Initially only Curumo, chosen by [[Aulë]], and Alatar, chosen by Oromë, stepped forward. Manwë then asked for Olórin and commanded him to go. Curumo took Aiwendil with him because [[Yavanna]] begged him to do so and Alatar took along his friend Pallando.<ref name="sketch">{{UT|Istari}}, sketch of a narrative about a council of the Valar</ref><br />
<br />
They were clothed in the bodies of old men, restricting their powers so that they would only assist the peoples of Middle-earth and not seek dominion like Sauron, who was also a Maia. They were charged by the Valar to assist the people of Middle-earth through persuasion and encouragement, not force or fear. By inhabiting the bodies of Men they also became susceptible to all of the weaknesses of a physical body: they felt hunger, pain, greed, sorrow, joy, and all other emotions and pains of [[Men]]. While they were vulnerable and they could be killed, they aged only very slowly and were [[immortality|immortal]].<ref name="Istari" /><br />
<br />
===Arrival in Middle-earth===<br />
Círdan witnessed the arrival of the Order in Middle-earth around the year c. {{TA|1000}} (though the two Wizards may have arrived much earlier)<!-- source -->. Their "mission" was to advise and persuade Men and Elves to resist [[Sauron]]. Each wizard was assigned a colour for his clothes. The wizard in white was Saruman, regarded by all as the leader of the order, with white being indicative of the chief. The Wizard clad in brown was Radagast and the one clad in grey was Gandalf, seemingly the oldest and the least of the Order. The other two who travelled to the East and South were sometimes said to clad themselves in robes of sea-blue and were known as the [[Blue Wizards]].<ref name="Istari" /> It is not known if the colour had any special meaning concerning their rank, abilities or nature.<!-- needs more sources --><br />
<br />
In the northwest of Middle-earth Curumo became known as Saruman to Men and [[Curunír]] to [[Elves]]; Olórin was known as Gandalf to Men and [[Mithrandir]] to Elves;<ref name=":0">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[Appendix B]], "''The Third Age",'' p. 1085</ref> while Aiwendil became known as Radagast. <br />
<br />
In spite of their specific and unambiguous goal, the Wizards were nevertheless capable of mortal, even negative feelings. Thus, Gandalf felt great affection for the [[Hobbits]] and Radagast for the animals. On the other hand, Saruman fell victim to greed, jealousy, and lust for power; the other two Wizards may have also fallen prey to these temptations during their journeys in the East.<!-- Source? --><br />
<br />
Very few of Middle-earth's inhabitants knew who the Wizards really were, as the Istari did not share this information. Most believed they were Elves or wise Men; the name ''Gandalf'' represents this interpretation, meaning ''Wand-elf'', because the Men who gave him the nickname believed he was an Elf. They attracted few questions due to their gentle nature and dislike of direct interference with other people's affairs.<!-- source --><br />
<br />
===Saruman===<br />
[[File:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|thumb|Saruman by [[John Howe]]]]<br />
Saruman was originally gifted with the greatest power of the five Istari and was named the head of the [[White Council]], a group of [[the Wise]] in opposition to Sauron. In {{TA|2759}}<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]], "The Third Age", p. 1088</ref>, he was invited by the rulers of [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]] to settle in [[Isengard]] and the impenetrable tower of [[Orthanc]]. Saruman was learned in the lore of the [[Rings of Power]]<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[The Fellowship of the Ring|''The Fellowship of the Ring'']], [[The Shadow of the Past]], p. 48</ref> and, by [[Third Age 3000|T.A. 3000]], he had become corrupted by the desire for the Rings and by Sauron's direct influence on him through the ''[[Palantíri|palantír]]'' of Orthanc.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]], "The Third Age", p. 1090</ref> Eventually, he became ensnared in Sauron's power, and assisted him in the [[War of the Ring]]. He was later defeated by the [[Ents]] and Gandalf (then called "Gandalf the White" after his defeat of the [[Durin's Bane]], the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Moria]]) who broke his staff and cast him from the Order of Wizards and from the Council.<ref name=":1">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[The Two Towers]], [[The Voice of Saruman]], p. 583</ref> Saruman's death came later at the hands of his servant [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] in [[The Shire]], after the destruction of the [[the One Ring|One Ring]] and the [[Battle of Bywater]]. His spirit was then dispersed by a wind from the West,<ref name=":2" /> becoming similar to Sauron in his destruction.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Field of Cormallen]]", p. 949</ref><br />
<br />
===Radagast===<br />
[[File:Matt DeMino - Radagast the Brown.png|thumb|313x313px|Radagast the Brown by Matt DeMino]]<br />
Radagast stayed true to his mission for a while, even serving as a messenger to Gandalf from Saruman, convincing Gandalf to meet with Saruman. He also instructed the birds in his service to assist Saruman and Gandalf. Radagast dwelt at [[Rhosgobel]]<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[The Fellowship of the Ring|''The Fellowship of the Ring'']], [[The Ring Goes South]], p. 274</ref> near the borders of [[Mirkwood]]. Eventually, Radagast is said to have become enamoured of the [[Animals|beasts]] and [[birds]] and to have ultimately failed to complete his mission. Later writings are less critical of Radagast, arguing that he did not fail at his mission as much as simply choose a tactic - working with the animal world - that ultimately proved less directly effective than working with Men and Elves.<!-- source? --><br />
<br />
===Gandalf===<br />
[[File:John Howe - Gandalf 01.jpg|thumb|''Gandalf'' by [[John Howe]]|left]]Gandalf arrived in the [[Grey Havens]] shortly after Radagast and Saruman. He was welcomed by [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who gave him [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three Elven Rings]], to support him in the weariness that he had taken upon himself.<ref name=":0" /> He then wandered Middle-earth for many years, serving as a counselor to many while being known by many names, though his sojourns were limited to the West and he never went East.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]", p. 670</ref> He held a seat in the White Council along with fellow Wizard Saruman (who led the Council in spite of [[Galadriel]] wanting Gandalf to lead it),<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), [[The Silmarillion|''The Silmarillion'']], [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]</ref> going on to expose the presence of Sauron in [[Dol Guldur]] in [[Third Age 2063|T.A. 2063]].<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[Appendix B]], "''The Third Age",'' p. 1087</ref> He then went on to be pivotal in the success of the [[Quest of Erebor]] and the defeat of [[Smaug]] in [[Third Age 2941|T.A. 2941]].<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[Appendix B]], "''The Third Age",'' p. 1089</ref> After this, he was instrumental in the success of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] during the [[Quest of the Ring]], wherein he defeated the Balrog of Moria and was reborn as Gandalf the White.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[The Two Towers|''The Two Towers'']], [[The White Rider]], p. 500</ref> After donning this new title, he cast Saruman from the Order of Wizards<ref name=":1" /> and went on to lead the West in their victory over Sauron and the establishment of the heir of [[Elendil]], [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]], as rightful [[king of Gondor]] in [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]].<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']], [[Appendix B]], "''The Third Age",'' p. 1095</ref> Having been successful in his mission, he sailed West and returned to [[Valinor]] in [[Third Age 3021|T.A. 3021]]<ref>{{RK|Havens}}, p. 1030</ref>.<br />
<br />
===Those who went East===<br />
[[File:Daniel Pilla - The Blue Wizards.jpg|thumb|312x312px|The Blue Wizards by Daniel Pilla]]<br />
The other two Wizards went into the East and South and did not enter the tales of the [[Westlands]]. Some came to call them the ''Ithryn Luin,'' or "Blue Wizards," and some thought that they also failed in their mission and fell to the temptations that had corrupted Saruman, and that their fall gave rise to magical cults in the East and South.<ref>{{UT|13a}}, note 3 referring to a letter by J.R.R. Tolkien from 1958</ref> However, other tales suggest otherwise, even that two Wizards had successful influence in the East and South ensuring the victories of the West.<ref name="Five" /><br />
<br />
===End of The Order===<br />
The Order of Wizards came to an end with the passing of Sauron. After being killed by Grima Wormtongue, it is probable that the spirit of Saruman was not allowed to return to the [[Aman|Aman]], because the grey mist that rose from his body and that lingered as a pale shrouded figure dissolved into nothing when a cold wind came from the West.<ref name=":2">{{RK|Scouring}}, p. 1020</ref> Gandalf, previously mentioned, was successful in his mission and returned to [[Aman]] alongside the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] [[Frodo Baggins]]. The fate of Radagast and the other Wizards who landed in the North is unknown, as one verse mentions that only Gandalf returned to the West.<ref name="Istari" /><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The name ''Wizards'', which means "wise" (in the sense of "Wise Men"<ref>{{PM|Third}}, manuscript T4, entry c. 1000</ref>) rather than "sorcerer" or "magician"<ref>{{L|131|24}}</ref><ref name="L156">{{L|156}}</ref> is a translation of the [[Quenya]] name ''Istari''.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
The [[Quenya]] name '''''Istari''''' (singular ''Istar'') means "ones who know"<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry Q '''Istari''', p. 119</ref> or "those who know".<ref name="L156" /><ref>{{PM|XINotes}}, p. 360, note 30</ref> [[Helge Fauskanger]] suggests that it is a combination of the verb ''[[ista-]]'' ("to know") and the [[Wikipedia:Agentive ending|agentive ending]] ''[[-ro|-r(o)]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=Helge Fauskanger|articleurl=https://folk.uib.no/hnohf/affix~1.htm|articlename=Quenya Affixes|website=Ardalambion|accessed=19 November 2022}}</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Sindarin]] name '''''Ithryn''''' (singular ''Ithron'') means "wizards".<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-2467954793.html|articlename=S. ''Ithron'' n.|website=Eldamo|accessed=19 November 2022}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In [[Gnomish]], one of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s early conceptions of an [[Elvish|Elven]] language, the word for "wizard" is ''curug'' (and "witch" is ''curus''). An alternative word is ''thothweg'', also translated as "wizard".<ref>{{PE|11}}, pp. 27, 73</ref><br />
<br />
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', while no mention is made of an Order of Wizards, Gandalf tells [[Beorn]] that Radagast is his "cousin".<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> In the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' it is said that the Wizards appeared in Middle-earth about [[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]],<ref name="Istari" /> but in ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'' a rough note by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] said that the [[Blue Wizards]] (Alatar and Pallando, or Morinehtar and Rómestámo) came much earlier in the [[Second Age]].<ref>{{PM|Last}}, The Five Wizards, pp. 384-5</ref> [[Christopher Tolkien]] stated that much of the writings about the Istari are rapid jottings and often illegible.<ref name="Istari" /><br />
<br />
J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in a letter to [[Naomi Mitchison]] in 1954 before the publication of ''[[The Return of the King]]'' and the [[The Lord of the Rings Appendices|Appendices]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' that the wizards "disappeared with the end of the Rings".<ref>{{L|144}}</ref><br />
<br />
J.R.R. Tolkien mentioned in a letter to [[Rhona Beare]] in 1958 that he did not know the colours of the two Wizards whose names did not appear in ''The Lord of the Rings'' and that he did not know anything clearly about them. He wrote that he thought that they went to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range, that he feared that they failed in different ways and suspected that they founded and began secret cults and magic traditions that lasted longer than the fall of Sauron. He also mentioned that the names of the "Istari" were nicknames that they received from the Elves for a peculiarity, function, or deed.<ref>{{L|211}}, answers to Question 3 and Question 5.</ref><br />
<br />
It is mentioned in an essay on the Istari, which according to Christopher Tolkien appeared to have been written in 1954, that the Valar sent the Wizards as emissaries to resist Sauron when the shadow of Sauron began to stir again. It is stated that the number of Wizards is unknown, but that the chief wizards of the wizards who came to the North of Middle-earth were five. The first Wizard who came was dressed in white, there were two dressed in sea-blue and one in earthen-brown. Last came a wizard who was dressed in grey. He wrote that the Blue Wizards did not have names in the West, except ''Ithryn Luin'', the Blue Wizards, because they passed into the East with Saruman and never returned. He wrote that it is not now known if they pursued their purposes for which they were sent in the East or perished or were ensnared by Sauron and became his servants.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref><br />
<br />
In a sketch of a narrative it is told that [[Manwë]] summoned a council of the Valar in which it was asked who would got as emissaires to Middle-earth. Curumo who was chosen by [[Aulë]] and Alatar who was sent by [[Oromë]] came forward. Manwë chose Olórin. Yavanna asked Curumo to take Aiwendil with him and Alatar took [[Pallando]] as a friend with him. In tables from the same time period Curumo is associated with Aulë, Olórin with Manwë and Varda, Aiwendil with Yvanna and Alatar and Pallando with Oromë (replacing Pallando with Mandos and Nienna). Christopher Tolkien guesses that the reason why Alatar and Pallando are associated with Oromë was, because he had the greatest knowledge of the further parts of Middle-earth and that they were sent to travel in those regions.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref><br />
<br />
In notes that were written during the last year of his life<ref>{{PM|Last}}, introductory paragraph</ref> J.R.R. Tolkien mentioned that the Wizards did not come at the same time. Possibly Saruman, Gandalf and Radagast came at the same time.<ref name="Last">{{PM|Last}}, The Five Wizards</ref> He wrote that that Valinor received urgent messages and prayers in S.A. 1600 that asked for help when it became clear for all the leaders of Elves and Men that war against Sauron who was then unmasked as a new Dark Lord was inevitable. As a consequence, Glorfindel was sent back to Middle-earth to help Gil-galad and Elrond probably around S.A. 1600.<ref>{{PM|Last}}, Glorfindel, essay Glorfindel II</ref> <br />
<br />
The other two wizards probably came at the same time as Glorfindel. Their names were Morinehtar ("Darkness-slayer") and Rómestamo ("East-helper"). The were sent to help the few tribes of Men who had rebelled against the worship of Melkor, to stir up rebellion, to search for the hiding place of Sauron after his first fall (which they could not find) and to create dissension and disarray in the dark East. They had a big influence in the Second Age and the Third Age to weaken and disarray the forces of the East who would otherwise have outnumbered the forces of the West in both Ages. It is mentioned that a note about their names and functions seems lost, but their general history and effect on the Third Age except their names is clear. Christopher Tolkien thinks that this could refer to the sketch of a narrative about a council of the Valar in which the Wizards were chosen and where their names were Alatar and Pallando.<ref name="Last" /><br />
<br />
A note on the delay of Gil-galad and the Númenóreans that was written around the same time mentions that emissaries of Sauron were busy among the tribes of eastern Men at this time. It took Sauron ninety years to gather and train armies. This gathering of armies had been opposed and Sauron had gathered much less than he hoped. The note mentions that notes about the Five Wizards cover this matter. Sauron had powerful enemies in the East and in the Southern lands about which he had not thought about sufficiently.<ref>{{NM|Delay}}</ref> It is not stated who these enemies were and what the term "the Southern lands" means. However, it is mentioned before that the Númenóreans who occupied the Mouths of Anduin and the shorelands of Lebennin discovered the devices of Sauron and informed Gil-galad about it. It is possible that the Númenóreans were also active in the region of Umbar and Harad at that time, beause Aldarion had already sailed to Harad before. In contrast to the letter from 1958 the note on the Five Wizards from the last year of J.R.R. Tolkien's life does not mention that the other two wizards went to the South.<br />
<br />
==Other fiction==<br />
In Tolkien's ''[[Roverandom]]'', an old wizard, [[Artaxerxes]], uses a spell to bewitch [[Rover]], a dog, into a toy for biting him.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''<br />
:[[File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Saruman using Palantír.jpg|thumb|344x344px|Saruman as depicted by [[Christopher Lee]] in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]]]In Peter Jackson's film version of ''The Lord of the Rings'', two of the five Wizards (Saruman and Gandalf) were portrayed and featured heavily in the film trilogy (as the characters do in the books.)<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|LEGO The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:In the [[Lego#Sets|set]] Tower of Orthanc, stickers depict portraits of five wizards, two of which are recognizable as Saruman and Gandalf. A third resembles Radagast as he appears in ''The Hobbit'' film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''<br />
:Although Radagast has a small role in ''The Lord of the Rings'', his role was omitted in Peter Jackson's film trilogy. However, Radagast had a substantial supporting role in ''The Hobbit'' films, and Saruman had a brief appearance. The Blue Wizards are also referenced in passing by Gandalf, although they make no appearance.<br />
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{{notes}}<br />
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{{references}}<br />
{{ainur}}<br />
[[Category:Maiar]]<br />
[[Category:Organizations]]<br />
[[Category:Wizards]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:TheFiveWizards.jpeg&diff=435310File:TheFiveWizards.jpeg2026-02-20T20:16:45Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Blue_Wizards&diff=435309Blue Wizards2026-02-20T20:02:44Z<p>King Elessar: I added a picture</p>
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<div>{{short description|Wizards of the Istari}}<br />
{{Expansion}}<br />
[[File:BlueWizards.webp|thumb|Alatar and Pallando]]<br />
[[File:PallandoTheBlue.jpeg|thumb|Pallando]]<br />
[[File:AlatarTheBlue.jpeg|thumb|Alatar]]<!-- A History section should be written as in-universe according to the policy --><br />
{{infobox character<br />
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]<br />
| name=Blue Wizards<br />
| people=[[Maiar]] ([[Wizards]])<br />
| image=Daniel Pilla - The Blue Wizards.jpg<br />
| caption="The Blue Wizards" by [[:Category:Images by Daniel Pilla|Daniel Pilla]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=Earlier writings: ''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>Later writings: ''Morinehtar'' and ''Rómestámo''; ''Palacendo'' and ''Haimenar'' (Q)<br />
| titles=<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rhûn]] and [[Harad]]<ref name="UTIstari"/><br />
| affiliation=[[Order of Wizards]]<br/>[[Five Guardians]]<br />
| language=[[Valarin]]<br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| death=<br />
| deathlocation=<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=<br />
| parentage=<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=<br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=Sea-blue clothing<br />
| weapons=<br />
| steed=<br />
| gallery=the Blue Wizards<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''')<ref group="note">The term "Blue Wizards" is mentioned only in an "essay" and is the only source where they are assigned a colour; although Tolkien revisited the concept of the remaining two Wizards, giving them different names and backgrounds, their assigned colour (whether blue or other) or title, is never specified again. However the term "Blue Wizards" is used by the fans to refer to all concepts of these two Wizards.</ref> were the two [[Wizards]] (''Istari)'' who were sent into the far [[Rhun|East]] and [[Harad|South]] of [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]], but never returned.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.<br />
===Earlier writings===<br />
The idea that there were two other [[Wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman, in his wrath, revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:<br />
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the [[Keys of Barad-dûr]] itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards...|[[Saruman]] in ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Voice of Saruman]]"}}<br />
<br />
Nothing more was said of these two Wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief Wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'', or "Blue Wizards". It is said they travelled into the East with Curunír (Saruman), but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref><br />
<br />
Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]: <br />
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[Letter 211]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer'' by Tom Cross<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref>]]<br />
<br />
Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret<br/>of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country?<br/>One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]"<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}<br />
<br />
In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the other two Wizards are placed alongside those of the known three, Curumo (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and Olórin (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards were given no names, here these two are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to Middle-earth (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furthest regions of Middle-earth, and hence that is where the two Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
<br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Pallando.jpg|''Pallando'' by [[Angus McBride]]|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Based on the above material, the history of the two "Blue Wizards" can be determined as the following:<br />
<br />
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the Valar. They decide to send emissaries to Middle-earth. Oromë chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
**Notably, Pallando was originally affiliated with [[Mandos]] and [[Nienna]], though this was emended to Oromë.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
*The two Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards, c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref><br />
*The two, known as the "Blue Wizards", travel into the East of Middle-earth with Saruman. Saruman returns to the North-West, but the two do not.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
*Together or independent of each other, the two fall from their appointed task. They may have founded "magic" cults amongst the peoples of the East and South, which existed beyond the downfall of Sauron.<ref name="Letter211" /><br />
<br />
===Later writings===<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Towards the end of his life, Tolkien returned to the issue of the other two Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the two Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of [[Sauron]] in the East:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|"[[Last Writings]]", ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Therefore, Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the two [[Wizards]]. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Instead of mentioning that they drifted from their mission, Tolkien points out that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, "Darkness-slayer" and "East-helper", and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast" /><br />
<br />
Additionally, Tolkien stated that the interference of both Wizards, both in the East and South, was the reason that Sauron was not at sufficient strength to be able to resist the Númenor invasion:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Thus it was that though, as soon as [Sauron's] disguise was pierced and he was recognized as an enemy, he exerted all his time and strength to gathering and training armies, it took some ninety years before he felt ready to open war. And he misjudged this, as we see in his final defeat, when the great host of Minastir from Númenor landed in Middle-earth. His gathering of armies had not been unopposed, and his success had been much less than his hope. But this is a matter spoken of in notes on “The Five Wizards”. He had powerful enemies behind his back, the East, and in the Southern lands to which he had not yet given sufficient thought.|"Note on the Delay of Gil-galad and the Númenóreans", ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]''}}<br />
<br />
Based on these later writings, a history of the two Wizards can be summarised as the following:<ref name="PMLast" /><br />
<br />
*The two Wizards were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, "Darkness-slayer" and "East-helper".<br />
*The two Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as Glorfindel in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the Valar), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged [[The One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<br />
*The two Wizards journeyed into the East and South of Middle-earth, though it's uncertain whether they separated.<br />
*They were tasked with finding Sauron's hiding place in the East. They failed.<br />
*They brought "help to the few tribes of Men [in the East] that had rebelled from Melkor-worship," and they encouraged rebellion against Sauron.<ref name="PMLast" /> They were able to hinder Sauron's gathering and training of armies in the East and South during the Second Age, aiding the defeat of Sauron in the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] and beyond.<ref>{{NM|P3xviii}}</ref><br />
*They ensured that Sauron's forces in the East did not outnumber the West, thus ultimately helping secure victory for the Free peoples against Sauron in the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Νames and etymologies==<br />
''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' are [[Quenya]] names. The first is not clear, and possibly contains the Quenya elements for "radiance" (cf. [[Alatariel]]) and/or the ending ''-[[tar]]'' "lord" (cf. [[Annatar]]).<ref name="alatar-haimenar">{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-163516871.html|website=[[Eldamo]]|accessed=20 September 2023}}</ref><br />
''Pallando'', according to [[Christopher Tolkien]], possibly contains the element ''[[palan]]-'' "far"<ref name="UTIstari" />{{rp|401}} <br />
<br />
''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome" /> likely based on the Quenya words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
''Rómestámo'' or ''Róme(n)star'' is a Quenya name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391, note 28</ref><br />
<br />
If they were among the Maiar sent to [[Cuiviénen]] with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]] to protect the first Elves, they would have been called '''''Palacendo''''' ("*Far sighted one") and '''''Haimenar''''' ("*Far-farer") at the time.<ref name="alatar-haimenar" /><ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
The Blue Wizards have not appeared physically in any adaptation of [[Middle-earth]] works so far, and they are mentioned and implied only in the following adaptations:<br />
<br />
'''1993: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]: [[Valar and Maiar]]'':'''<br />
:Alatar is the senior of the Blue Wizards. As the most physically skilled of the order, he favours the Elven long bow and is thus also known as the Old Hunter. He has become enamoured of power and has his own kingdom in the East. It is strongly implied that he may become a new threat after Sauron's fall.<ref>{{ICE|2006}}, p. 78</ref><br />
<br />
:Pallando has split from Alatar and now lives among those who follow his words. He is known as the Soul-keeper, which can be taken quite literally given that he is described as [[Valar_and_Maiar#Notable_artefacts|possessing artefacts that let him store souls]].<ref>{{ICE|2006}}, pp. 84-85</ref><br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:The Two Wizards were to have been depicted in "an insertion of a shot or two of the wizards arriving, probably with no dialogue, as a quick flash-back." [[Alan Lee]] created sketches for hand-props for the Wizards, including their staffs. Props were made and costumes were "roughed out" before the idea was canned.<ref>{{webcite|author=Urulókë|articleurl=https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3832&start=10|articlename=Illustrating Tolkien's Unfinished Tales - a chat with the artists|dated=30 Sep, 2020|website=TolkienGuide|accessed=1 December, 2025|archiveurl=|archivename=|archivedate=}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:The Khundolar tribe of the [[Easterlings]] had among them the "Blue Caste" of sorcerers. Their Master, "Yirokhsar the Blue", forbade his followers to march with the Dark Lord's forces, but many still joined their kings who had fallen under the sway of [[Sauron]]. Also, the Jangovar Easterlings viewed Sauron as a god, but were confused why their master, "Yetkeyin the Violet", refused to obey Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''<br />
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.<br />
:<br />
:<br />
:Since the film production team did not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as legally controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731034017/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=27 February 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''<br />
:[[File:Middle-earth- Shadow of War .png|thumb|312x312px|An azurite figurine of the Blue Wizards in ''Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor'']]In the game, three artefacts describe the encounter of two Wizards whose names could not be remembered travelling side by side into [[Mordor]]. It is implied to be the Blue Wizards from the description of the artefact. Furthermore, a figurine depicting them has been carved out of azurite, a blue stone. More lore tells the player that the [[Black Hand]] could have been a king that brought Sauron the heads of two Istari. Whether or not this is true is unknown.<br />
<br />
{{References|Notes}}<br />
{{Ainur}}<br />
[[Category:Maiar]]<br />
[[Category:Second Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Wizards]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]<br />
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn luin]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Blue_Wizards&diff=435308Blue Wizards2026-02-20T20:02:07Z<p>King Elessar: I added a picture</p>
<hr />
<div>{{short description|Wizards of the Istari}}<br />
{{Expansion}}<br />
[[File:BlueWizards.webp|thumb|Alatar and Pallando]]<br />
[[File:PallandoTheBlue.jpeg|thumb|Pallando]]<!-- A History section should be written as in-universe according to the policy --><br />
{{infobox character<br />
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]<br />
| name=Blue Wizards<br />
| people=[[Maiar]] ([[Wizards]])<br />
| image=Daniel Pilla - The Blue Wizards.jpg<br />
| caption="The Blue Wizards" by [[:Category:Images by Daniel Pilla|Daniel Pilla]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=Earlier writings: ''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>Later writings: ''Morinehtar'' and ''Rómestámo''; ''Palacendo'' and ''Haimenar'' (Q)<br />
| titles=<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rhûn]] and [[Harad]]<ref name="UTIstari"/><br />
| affiliation=[[Order of Wizards]]<br/>[[Five Guardians]]<br />
| language=[[Valarin]]<br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| death=<br />
| deathlocation=<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=<br />
| parentage=<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=<br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=Sea-blue clothing<br />
| weapons=<br />
| steed=<br />
| gallery=the Blue Wizards<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''')<ref group="note">The term "Blue Wizards" is mentioned only in an "essay" and is the only source where they are assigned a colour; although Tolkien revisited the concept of the remaining two Wizards, giving them different names and backgrounds, their assigned colour (whether blue or other) or title, is never specified again. However the term "Blue Wizards" is used by the fans to refer to all concepts of these two Wizards.</ref> were the two [[Wizards]] (''Istari)'' who were sent into the far [[Rhun|East]] and [[Harad|South]] of [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]], but never returned.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.<br />
===Earlier writings===<br />
The idea that there were two other [[Wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman, in his wrath, revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:<br />
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the [[Keys of Barad-dûr]] itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards...|[[Saruman]] in ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Voice of Saruman]]"}}<br />
<br />
Nothing more was said of these two Wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief Wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'', or "Blue Wizards". It is said they travelled into the East with Curunír (Saruman), but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref><br />
<br />
Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]: <br />
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[Letter 211]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer'' by Tom Cross<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref>]]<br />
<br />
Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret<br/>of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country?<br/>One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]"<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}<br />
<br />
In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the other two Wizards are placed alongside those of the known three, Curumo (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and Olórin (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards were given no names, here these two are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to Middle-earth (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furthest regions of Middle-earth, and hence that is where the two Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
<br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Pallando.jpg|''Pallando'' by [[Angus McBride]]|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Based on the above material, the history of the two "Blue Wizards" can be determined as the following:<br />
<br />
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the Valar. They decide to send emissaries to Middle-earth. Oromë chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
**Notably, Pallando was originally affiliated with [[Mandos]] and [[Nienna]], though this was emended to Oromë.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
*The two Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards, c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref><br />
*The two, known as the "Blue Wizards", travel into the East of Middle-earth with Saruman. Saruman returns to the North-West, but the two do not.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
*Together or independent of each other, the two fall from their appointed task. They may have founded "magic" cults amongst the peoples of the East and South, which existed beyond the downfall of Sauron.<ref name="Letter211" /><br />
<br />
===Later writings===<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Towards the end of his life, Tolkien returned to the issue of the other two Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the two Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of [[Sauron]] in the East:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|"[[Last Writings]]", ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Therefore, Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the two [[Wizards]]. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Instead of mentioning that they drifted from their mission, Tolkien points out that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, "Darkness-slayer" and "East-helper", and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast" /><br />
<br />
Additionally, Tolkien stated that the interference of both Wizards, both in the East and South, was the reason that Sauron was not at sufficient strength to be able to resist the Númenor invasion:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Thus it was that though, as soon as [Sauron's] disguise was pierced and he was recognized as an enemy, he exerted all his time and strength to gathering and training armies, it took some ninety years before he felt ready to open war. And he misjudged this, as we see in his final defeat, when the great host of Minastir from Númenor landed in Middle-earth. His gathering of armies had not been unopposed, and his success had been much less than his hope. But this is a matter spoken of in notes on “The Five Wizards”. He had powerful enemies behind his back, the East, and in the Southern lands to which he had not yet given sufficient thought.|"Note on the Delay of Gil-galad and the Númenóreans", ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]''}}<br />
<br />
Based on these later writings, a history of the two Wizards can be summarised as the following:<ref name="PMLast" /><br />
<br />
*The two Wizards were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, "Darkness-slayer" and "East-helper".<br />
*The two Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as Glorfindel in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the Valar), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged [[The One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<br />
*The two Wizards journeyed into the East and South of Middle-earth, though it's uncertain whether they separated.<br />
*They were tasked with finding Sauron's hiding place in the East. They failed.<br />
*They brought "help to the few tribes of Men [in the East] that had rebelled from Melkor-worship," and they encouraged rebellion against Sauron.<ref name="PMLast" /> They were able to hinder Sauron's gathering and training of armies in the East and South during the Second Age, aiding the defeat of Sauron in the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] and beyond.<ref>{{NM|P3xviii}}</ref><br />
*They ensured that Sauron's forces in the East did not outnumber the West, thus ultimately helping secure victory for the Free peoples against Sauron in the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Νames and etymologies==<br />
''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' are [[Quenya]] names. The first is not clear, and possibly contains the Quenya elements for "radiance" (cf. [[Alatariel]]) and/or the ending ''-[[tar]]'' "lord" (cf. [[Annatar]]).<ref name="alatar-haimenar">{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-163516871.html|website=[[Eldamo]]|accessed=20 September 2023}}</ref><br />
''Pallando'', according to [[Christopher Tolkien]], possibly contains the element ''[[palan]]-'' "far"<ref name="UTIstari" />{{rp|401}} <br />
<br />
''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome" /> likely based on the Quenya words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
''Rómestámo'' or ''Róme(n)star'' is a Quenya name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391, note 28</ref><br />
<br />
If they were among the Maiar sent to [[Cuiviénen]] with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]] to protect the first Elves, they would have been called '''''Palacendo''''' ("*Far sighted one") and '''''Haimenar''''' ("*Far-farer") at the time.<ref name="alatar-haimenar" /><ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
The Blue Wizards have not appeared physically in any adaptation of [[Middle-earth]] works so far, and they are mentioned and implied only in the following adaptations:<br />
<br />
'''1993: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]: [[Valar and Maiar]]'':'''<br />
:Alatar is the senior of the Blue Wizards. As the most physically skilled of the order, he favours the Elven long bow and is thus also known as the Old Hunter. He has become enamoured of power and has his own kingdom in the East. It is strongly implied that he may become a new threat after Sauron's fall.<ref>{{ICE|2006}}, p. 78</ref><br />
<br />
:Pallando has split from Alatar and now lives among those who follow his words. He is known as the Soul-keeper, which can be taken quite literally given that he is described as [[Valar_and_Maiar#Notable_artefacts|possessing artefacts that let him store souls]].<ref>{{ICE|2006}}, pp. 84-85</ref><br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:The Two Wizards were to have been depicted in "an insertion of a shot or two of the wizards arriving, probably with no dialogue, as a quick flash-back." [[Alan Lee]] created sketches for hand-props for the Wizards, including their staffs. Props were made and costumes were "roughed out" before the idea was canned.<ref>{{webcite|author=Urulókë|articleurl=https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3832&start=10|articlename=Illustrating Tolkien's Unfinished Tales - a chat with the artists|dated=30 Sep, 2020|website=TolkienGuide|accessed=1 December, 2025|archiveurl=|archivename=|archivedate=}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:The Khundolar tribe of the [[Easterlings]] had among them the "Blue Caste" of sorcerers. Their Master, "Yirokhsar the Blue", forbade his followers to march with the Dark Lord's forces, but many still joined their kings who had fallen under the sway of [[Sauron]]. Also, the Jangovar Easterlings viewed Sauron as a god, but were confused why their master, "Yetkeyin the Violet", refused to obey Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''<br />
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.<br />
:<br />
:<br />
:Since the film production team did not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as legally controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731034017/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=27 February 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''<br />
:[[File:Middle-earth- Shadow of War .png|thumb|312x312px|An azurite figurine of the Blue Wizards in ''Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor'']]In the game, three artefacts describe the encounter of two Wizards whose names could not be remembered travelling side by side into [[Mordor]]. It is implied to be the Blue Wizards from the description of the artefact. Furthermore, a figurine depicting them has been carved out of azurite, a blue stone. More lore tells the player that the [[Black Hand]] could have been a king that brought Sauron the heads of two Istari. Whether or not this is true is unknown.<br />
<br />
{{References|Notes}}<br />
{{Ainur}}<br />
[[Category:Maiar]]<br />
[[Category:Second Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Wizards]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]<br />
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn luin]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Blue_Wizards&diff=435307Blue Wizards2026-02-20T20:01:19Z<p>King Elessar: I added a picture</p>
<hr />
<div>{{short description|Wizards of the Istari}}<br />
{{Expansion}}<br />
[[File:BlueWizards.webp|thumb|Alatar and Pallando]]<!-- A History section should be written as in-universe according to the policy --><br />
{{infobox character<br />
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]<br />
| name=Blue Wizards<br />
| people=[[Maiar]] ([[Wizards]])<br />
| image=Daniel Pilla - The Blue Wizards.jpg<br />
| caption="The Blue Wizards" by [[:Category:Images by Daniel Pilla|Daniel Pilla]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=Earlier writings: ''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>Later writings: ''Morinehtar'' and ''Rómestámo''; ''Palacendo'' and ''Haimenar'' (Q)<br />
| titles=<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rhûn]] and [[Harad]]<ref name="UTIstari"/><br />
| affiliation=[[Order of Wizards]]<br/>[[Five Guardians]]<br />
| language=[[Valarin]]<br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| death=<br />
| deathlocation=<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=<br />
| parentage=<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=<br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=Sea-blue clothing<br />
| weapons=<br />
| steed=<br />
| gallery=the Blue Wizards<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Blue Wizards''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] '''''Ithryn Luin''''')<ref group="note">The term "Blue Wizards" is mentioned only in an "essay" and is the only source where they are assigned a colour; although Tolkien revisited the concept of the remaining two Wizards, giving them different names and backgrounds, their assigned colour (whether blue or other) or title, is never specified again. However the term "Blue Wizards" is used by the fans to refer to all concepts of these two Wizards.</ref> were the two [[Wizards]] (''Istari)'' who were sent into the far [[Rhun|East]] and [[Harad|South]] of [[Middle-earth]] to contest the will of [[Sauron]], but never returned.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien's]] conception of the two Blue Wizards changed dramatically between his earlier and later writings.<br />
===Earlier writings===<br />
The idea that there were two other [[Wizards]] in addition to [[Gandalf]], [[Saruman]], and [[Radagast]] was first conceived when Saruman, in his wrath, revealed that there were five members of the Order of Wizards:<br />
{{Blockquote|Later! Yes, when you [Gandalf] also have the [[Keys of Barad-dûr]] itself, I suppose; and the crowns of seven kings, and the rods of the Five Wizards...|[[Saruman]] in ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Voice of Saruman]]"}}<br />
<br />
Nothing more was said of these two Wizards in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as it was published. However, whilst preparing (in [[1954]]) an index for ''[[The Return of the King]]'', Tolkien wrote what his [[Christopher Tolkien|son]] later referred to as the 'essay on the Istari'. There it is said that of the chief Wizards who went to the North of [[Middle-earth]] there were five, and two of these were clad in sea-blue. Little was known about these two in the West of Middle-earth; even their individual names were unknown, but they were known collectively as ''Ithryn Luin'', or "Blue Wizards". It is said they travelled into the East with Curunír (Saruman), but they did not return into the West. Their fate was unknown, but some held that they fell into evil and became servants of [[Sauron]].<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref><br />
<br />
Tolkien expanded upon this last point in a letter written in [[1958]]: <br />
{{Blockquote|I really do not know anything clearly about the other two [wizards] – since they do not concern the history of the N[orth].W[est]. I think they went as emissaries to distant regions, East and South, far out of Númenórean range: missionaries to 'enemy-occupied' lands, as it were. What success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.|[[Letter 211]]<ref name="Letter211">{{L|211}}</ref>}}<br />
<br />
[[File:Tom Cross - Alatar - Darkness-slayer.jpg|thumb|''Alatar: Darkness-slayer'' by Tom Cross<ref group="note">Tolkien did not associate Alatar with Morinehtar (which means "Darkness-slayer") and they should not be considered synonymous.</ref>]]<br />
<br />
Tolkien also suggests that only Gandalf returned to [[Valinor]]:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Wilt thou learn the lore <nowiki>||</nowiki> that was long secret<br/>of the Five that came <nowiki>||</nowiki> from a far country?<br/>One only returned. <nowiki>||</nowiki> Others never again|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]"<ref name="UTIstari"/>}}<br />
<br />
In a brief narrative about a council of the [[Valar]], the origins of the other two Wizards are placed alongside those of the known three, Curumo (Saruman), [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] (Radagast), and Olórin (Gandalf). Whilst in the essay on the Istari the Blue Wizards were given no names, here these two are called Alatar and Pallando. [[Oromë]] chose Alatar to send to Middle-earth (to contest the will of Sauron), and Alatar decided to bring along Pallando as his friend. Christopher Tolkien has speculated that their association with Oromë could be because he was the Vala who had the greatest knowledge of the furthest regions of Middle-earth, and hence that is where the two Wizards journeyed.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
<br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Pallando.jpg|''Pallando'' by [[Angus McBride]]|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Based on the above material, the history of the two "Blue Wizards" can be determined as the following:<br />
<br />
*[[Manwë]] summons a council of the Valar. They decide to send emissaries to Middle-earth. Oromë chooses to send Alatar, and Alatar brings along his friend Pallando.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
**Notably, Pallando was originally affiliated with [[Mandos]] and [[Nienna]], though this was emended to Oromë.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
*The two Wizards arrive in Middle-earth at roughly the same time as the other wizards, c. {{TA|1000}}<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref><br />
*The two, known as the "Blue Wizards", travel into the East of Middle-earth with Saruman. Saruman returns to the North-West, but the two do not.<ref name="UTIstari" /><br />
*Together or independent of each other, the two fall from their appointed task. They may have founded "magic" cults amongst the peoples of the East and South, which existed beyond the downfall of Sauron.<ref name="Letter211" /><br />
<br />
===Later writings===<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Slayer of Darkness.jpg|''Slayer of Darkness'' by [[Jef Murray]]|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Towards the end of his life, Tolkien returned to the issue of the other two Wizards. In a brief outline he noted that the two Wizards were sent to [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Second Age]] and were destined to disrupt the work of [[Sauron]] in the East:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Their task was to circumvent Sauron: to bring help to the few tribes of [[Men]] that had rebelled from [[Melkor]]-worship, to stir up rebellion ... and after his first fall to search out his hiding (in which they failed) and to cause [?dissension and disarray] among the dark East ... They must have had very great influence on the history of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]] in weakening and disarraying the forces of East ... who would both in the Second Age and Third Age otherwise have ... outnumbered the West.|"[[Last Writings]]", ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''<ref name="PMLast">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-85</ref>}}<br />
<br />
Therefore, Tolkien dramatically altered his conception of the two [[Wizards]]. They no longer arrived in Middle-earth along with [[Saruman]], [[Gandalf]], and [[Radagast]] in c. {{TA|1000}}. Instead they arrived much earlier, at roughly the same time as [[Glorfindel]] in c. {{SA|1600}}. Whilst Glorfindel was tasked with aiding [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] with the war in [[Eriador]], the Wizards were destined to journey to the East. Instead of mentioning that they drifted from their mission, Tolkien points out that they played a decisive role in the downfall of Sauron at the end of both the [[Second Age]] and the [[Third Age]]. They were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, "Darkness-slayer" and "East-helper", and were successful in preventing the forces of the East from outnumbering those of the [[Free peoples]] in the West.<ref name="PMLast" /><br />
<br />
Additionally, Tolkien stated that the interference of both Wizards, both in the East and South, was the reason that Sauron was not at sufficient strength to be able to resist the Númenor invasion:<br />
<br />
{{Blockquote|Thus it was that though, as soon as [Sauron's] disguise was pierced and he was recognized as an enemy, he exerted all his time and strength to gathering and training armies, it took some ninety years before he felt ready to open war. And he misjudged this, as we see in his final defeat, when the great host of Minastir from Númenor landed in Middle-earth. His gathering of armies had not been unopposed, and his success had been much less than his hope. But this is a matter spoken of in notes on “The Five Wizards”. He had powerful enemies behind his back, the East, and in the Southern lands to which he had not yet given sufficient thought.|"Note on the Delay of Gil-galad and the Númenóreans", ''[[The Nature of Middle-earth]]''}}<br />
<br />
Based on these later writings, a history of the two Wizards can be summarised as the following:<ref name="PMLast" /><br />
<br />
*The two Wizards were known as Morinehtar and Rómestámo, "Darkness-slayer" and "East-helper".<br />
*The two Wizards were sent to Middle-earth at roughly the same time as Glorfindel in c. {{SA|1600}} (and similarly at the behest of the Valar), the Year of Dread, when Sauron forged [[The One Ring]] and completed the building of [[Barad-dûr]].<br />
*The two Wizards journeyed into the East and South of Middle-earth, though it's uncertain whether they separated.<br />
*They were tasked with finding Sauron's hiding place in the East. They failed.<br />
*They brought "help to the few tribes of Men [in the East] that had rebelled from Melkor-worship," and they encouraged rebellion against Sauron.<ref name="PMLast" /> They were able to hinder Sauron's gathering and training of armies in the East and South during the Second Age, aiding the defeat of Sauron in the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] and beyond.<ref>{{NM|P3xviii}}</ref><br />
*They ensured that Sauron's forces in the East did not outnumber the West, thus ultimately helping secure victory for the Free peoples against Sauron in the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Ithryn Luin'' consists of ''[[ithron|ithryn]]'' ("wizards"; plural of ''ithron'') and ''[[luin]]'' ("blue").<ref name="UTIndex">{{UT|Index}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Νames and etymologies==<br />
''Alatar'' and ''Pallando'' are [[Quenya]] names. The first is not clear, and possibly contains the Quenya elements for "radiance" (cf. [[Alatariel]]) and/or the ending ''-[[tar]]'' "lord" (cf. [[Annatar]]).<ref name="alatar-haimenar">{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-163516871.html|website=[[Eldamo]]|accessed=20 September 2023}}</ref><br />
''Pallando'', according to [[Christopher Tolkien]], possibly contains the element ''[[palan]]-'' "far"<ref name="UTIstari" />{{rp|401}} <br />
<br />
''Morinehtar'' is described as meaning "Darkness-slayer",<ref name="pome" /> likely based on the Quenya words ''[[mori-]]'' ("darkness") and ''nehtar'' ("slayer").<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/quen-eng.rtf|articlename=Quenya-English Wordlist|website=[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf Ardalambion]|accessed=12-September-2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
''Rómestámo'' or ''Róme(n)star'' is a Quenya name meaning "East-helper".<ref name="pome">{{PM|Last}}, pp. 384-5, 391, note 28</ref><br />
<br />
If they were among the Maiar sent to [[Cuiviénen]] with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]] to protect the first Elves, they would have been called '''''Palacendo''''' ("*Far sighted one") and '''''Haimenar''''' ("*Far-farer") at the time.<ref name="alatar-haimenar" /><ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
The Blue Wizards have not appeared physically in any adaptation of [[Middle-earth]] works so far, and they are mentioned and implied only in the following adaptations:<br />
<br />
'''1993: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]: [[Valar and Maiar]]'':'''<br />
:Alatar is the senior of the Blue Wizards. As the most physically skilled of the order, he favours the Elven long bow and is thus also known as the Old Hunter. He has become enamoured of power and has his own kingdom in the East. It is strongly implied that he may become a new threat after Sauron's fall.<ref>{{ICE|2006}}, p. 78</ref><br />
<br />
:Pallando has split from Alatar and now lives among those who follow his words. He is known as the Soul-keeper, which can be taken quite literally given that he is described as [[Valar_and_Maiar#Notable_artefacts|possessing artefacts that let him store souls]].<ref>{{ICE|2006}}, pp. 84-85</ref><br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:The Two Wizards were to have been depicted in "an insertion of a shot or two of the wizards arriving, probably with no dialogue, as a quick flash-back." [[Alan Lee]] created sketches for hand-props for the Wizards, including their staffs. Props were made and costumes were "roughed out" before the idea was canned.<ref>{{webcite|author=Urulókë|articleurl=https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3832&start=10|articlename=Illustrating Tolkien's Unfinished Tales - a chat with the artists|dated=30 Sep, 2020|website=TolkienGuide|accessed=1 December, 2025|archiveurl=|archivename=|archivedate=}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:The Khundolar tribe of the [[Easterlings]] had among them the "Blue Caste" of sorcerers. Their Master, "Yirokhsar the Blue", forbade his followers to march with the Dark Lord's forces, but many still joined their kings who had fallen under the sway of [[Sauron]]. Also, the Jangovar Easterlings viewed Sauron as a god, but were confused why their master, "Yetkeyin the Violet", refused to obey Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''<br />
:[[Gandalf]] mentions the Blue Wizards when he explains the number of Wizards, and says that he has forgotten their names.<br />
:<br />
:<br />
:Since the film production team did not have the rights to include material from sources other than ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', the decision to include the line "Blue Wizards" (only appearing in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 244</ref>) has been regarded as legally controversial.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Janet Brennan Croft]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731034017/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/23828|articlename=Source Material (message #23828)|dated=17 December 2012|website=[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/ MythSoc mailing list]|accessed=27 February 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''<br />
:[[File:Middle-earth- Shadow of War .png|thumb|312x312px|An azurite figurine of the Blue Wizards in ''Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor'']]In the game, three artefacts describe the encounter of two Wizards whose names could not be remembered travelling side by side into [[Mordor]]. It is implied to be the Blue Wizards from the description of the artefact. Furthermore, a figurine depicting them has been carved out of azurite, a blue stone. More lore tells the player that the [[Black Hand]] could have been a king that brought Sauron the heads of two Istari. Whether or not this is true is unknown.<br />
<br />
{{References|Notes}}<br />
{{Ainur}}<br />
[[Category:Maiar]]<br />
[[Category:Second Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Wizards]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Ithryn Luin]]<br />
[[fi:Siniset velhot]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/ithryn luin]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:AlatarTheBlue.jpeg&diff=435306File:AlatarTheBlue.jpeg2026-02-20T20:00:03Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:PallandoTheBlue.jpeg&diff=435305File:PallandoTheBlue.jpeg2026-02-20T19:59:02Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:BlueWizards.webp&diff=435303File:BlueWizards.webp2026-02-20T19:55:29Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Lord_of_the_Rings:_The_Hunt_for_Gollum&diff=435267The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum2026-02-20T03:08:11Z<p>King Elessar: I changed a picture’s name</p>
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<div>{{Disambig-two|the 2027 film adaptation|2009 fan film|[[The Hunt for Gollum]]}}<br />
{{film infobox<br />
| image =The Hunt For Gollum.png <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum<br />
| director = [[Andy Serkis]]<br />
| producer = [[Peter Jackson]]<br />[[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />[[Zane Weiner]]<br />
| writer = [[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />Phoebe Gittins<br />Arty Papageorgiou<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = [[Andy Serkis]]<ref name=Gollum></ref> <br /><br />
[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
| music = <br />
| cinematography =Robert Richardson ASC <br />
| editing = <br />
| studio = WingNut films<br />Imaginarium<br />[[New Line Cinema]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| distributor = [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| released = 17 December [[2027]]<ref name="TheDirect2027Release"/><br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[New Zealand]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| language = English<br />
| budget = <br />
| website = <br />
|imdb_id=32328070<br />
|basedon=[[The Lord of the Rings]]|production design=[[Dan Hennah]] (Production designer)}}<br />
'''''The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum''''' is the title (originally, working title<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/09/curtis-brown-jrr-tolkien-literary-estate-deal-1236526748/|articlename=Curtis Brown To Rep J.R.R. Tolkien’s Literary Estate|author=Jesse Whittock|dated=10 September 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>) of a forthcoming film adaptation currently in pre-production and set for a [[2027]] release, the first of a planned series of Tolkien films to be produced by [[New Line Cinema]], a division of [[Warner Bros.|Warner Brothers]].<ref name=":4">{{webcite|author=Matt Donnelly|articleurl=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-new-movies-warner-bros-1235533672/|articlename=New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Set at Warner Bros. |dated=23 February 2023|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=10 June 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
The film will cover [[Gollum]]'s travels after losing [[The One Ring|the Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] (as depicted in [[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|''An Unexpected Journey'']]), through [[Gandalf]] setting out to track the creature after [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]] (as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'') and down to [[Gollum]] intercepting [[Fellowship of the Ring|the Fellowship]] in [[Moria|Moria.]] <br />
<br />
It will be directed by and star [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]] in [[Peter Jackson]]'s previous films, as well as directing second unit. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] will produce with his co-writing team of [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens]], who will also write the screenplay with ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' scribes Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. <br />
<br />
The subject of this film is a longstanding fascination of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s who developed it quite intensly in 2008 with [[Guillermo del Toro]]. The film is in preproduction with several cast and crew members from previous films already attached, including actor [[Elijah Wood]], concept artists [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]] and others. <br />
<br />
==Early Development==<br />
Although the film was only announced in 2023, it had a long gestation period with [[Peter Jackson]], who considered filming this subject since circa 1997, and as late as July 2015. During 2008, in particular, the film was in development with a plot synopsis, a tentative budget and an initial cast and crew attached, and drew the attention of further talent like [[Viggo Mortensen]], as well as the press. Elements of this proposed "bridge film" were eventually put into ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' but mostly axed during the early months of the shoot. Jackson also negotiated in 2018 about producing a show for [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime]] about the related subject of the travels of young [[Aragorn]], but ended up producing ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' with [[New Line Cinema]] instead.<br />
<br />
===During ''The'' ''Lord of the Rings''===<br />
[[Peter Jackson]] read [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']] circa 1979, and he claims that he "always loved the concept that when [[Gandalf]] leaves [[Bag End]] he goes and joins up with [[Aragorn]] and the two of them hunt [[Gollum]] down."<ref name=":26">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, "Director's Commentary", Peter Jackson, ''The Lord of the Rings trilogy'' (New Line Cinema: 2004).</ref> This piece of backstory was also expanded upon in the [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio serial]], which [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was very familiar with. He and [[Fran Walsh]] first pitched a trilogy based on [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' around November 1995.<ref>Brian Sibley, Peter Jackson: A Filmmaker's Journey (London: HarperCollins, 2006), pp. 312 ff.</ref><ref>J. W Braun, ''The lord of the films : the unofficial guide to Tolkien's Middle-Earth on the big screen'' (Toronto: ECW Press, 2009), pp. 20, 63, 68-69, 195.</ref><ref>Michael Pellerin, "Completing Middle-earth," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (Warner Brothers: 2015).</ref> They may well have had the [[Gollum]] episode in mind at some time between that point and early 1997. So long as they intended to start with ''The Hobbit'' (up to early 1996), they will have been mindful of the need to connect the two novels, and while their treatment (mid 1997) doesn't seem to cover the [[Gollum]] episode, it already dramatizes the remainder of the backstory that's given in "[[The Shadow of the Past]]", "[[The Council of Elrond]]" and [[appendix B]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1j06oqh/so_what_is_the_hunt_for_gollum_really_based_on/|articlename=So, what is The Hunt for Gollum REALLY based on?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=28 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> When the project expanded (September 1998) to three films, Jackson tried to finally incorporate this storyline - some eight pages' worth - but realized that he "just couldn't put [the Hunt for [[Gollum]]] into the movie".<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
[[Peter Jackson|Peter]] nevertheless publicly expressed a desire to film "[[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] hunting [[Gollum]], and his capture by [[Orcs]]"<ref name=":25">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://members.tripod.com/peter_jackson_online/lotr/articles/20_questions2.htm|articlename=20 QUESTIONS WITH PETER JACKSON- PART 2|author=Harry Knowles|dated=31 December 1998|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> At the time, the idea was to shoot this as additional material and add it into the extended edition: although by early 2001 he would have realized this could not be accomodated in the pickups to ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', in 2003 he would still half-jokingly talk about shooting more pickups to "fatten these films out without technically going beyond ‘The Lord of the Rings’ as the licensed property." Elsewhere in the commentary, he jokes about "spinoff" entries.<ref name=":26" /> Other ideas for this treatment included [[Tom Bombadil]]<ref name=":25" /> and the [[Lothlórien|attack on Lorien]], with the entire expansion estimated at two or three hours' worth.<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
By the end of 2001, The success of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' emboldened [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]<ref>Kristin Thompson, T''he Frodo Franchise: The Lord of the Rings and Modern Hollywoo''d (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2007), pp. 51, 327, 338.</ref> to pursue more films (he was also in discussions to "rekindle" ''King Kong'' at the time) and he had later discussed filming a "''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'' prequel", along with ''[[The Hobbit]]'', with composer [[Howard Shore]] and executive producer [[Mark Ordesky]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2006/11/19/24053-peter-jackson-and-fran-walsh-talk-the-hobbit-2/|articlename=Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh Talk THE HOBBIT|author=Xoanon|dated=19 November 2006|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.rhino.com/article/interview-howard-shore-the-lord-of-the-rings|articlename=INTERVIEW: Howard Shore (“The Lord of the Rings”)|author=Will Harris|dated=27 April 2018|website=Rhino}}</ref> At a later premiere, [[New Line Cinema|New Line]]'s president Robert Shaye told [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s agent [[Ken Kamins]] that they "would want to have a conversation" about the two films.<ref name=":30" /> The idea at the time was to incorporate [[Arwen]] as a female character<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327113046/https://ew.com/article/2003/12/06/peter-jackson-mulls-rings-prequel/|articlename=Peter Jackson mulls ''Rings'' prequel|author=Gary Susman|dated=6 December 2003|website=EW}}</ref> and produce both films back-to-back "in some short order"<ref name=":30">Ian Nathan, ''Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth'' (London: HarperCollins, 2019), pp. 827, 835.</ref> after ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', in order to "complete the set of films.”<ref name=":10" /> Actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|articlename=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|author=Anonymous|dated=9 Dec 2003|website=The Guardian}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] and producer Barrie Osborne<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2002/12/16/25965-ttt-benefit-with-barrie-osborne-2/|articlename=TTT Benefit with Barrie Osborne<br />
by|author=xoanon|dated=16 December 2002|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> all expressed interest at the time. <br />
<br />
While talking about ''[[The Hobbit]]'' in 16 September 2006, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] said they "have thought about it from time to time" and in fact "spent most of this morning" talking about the films. They talked of how "[[Elrond]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Arwen]] could all feature"<ref name=":11" /> and "[[Gollum]]'s sneaking into [[Mordor]] and [[Aragorn]] protecting [[The Shire]]. That's what we'd do. Love to work with [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] again".<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30085|articlename=Part 5: Quint and Peter Jackson talk THE HOBBIT and a potential return to low budget horror!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=16 September 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], hearing this remark in 2012, said it "sounds like a lot of fun".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/03/13/54232-viggo-mortensens-visit-to-boston-part-2-new-video/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen’s visit to Boston – part 2 (new video!)|author=Greendragon|dated=13 March 2012|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
<br />
===During ''The Hobbit''===<br />
Since the rights to [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] were split with [[MGM|Metro Goldwyn-Mayer]], in March 2007 [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] pitched this to CEO Harry Sloan: he had already heard of it from [[New Line Cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/14/hobbit-crown-panther-news|articlename=Hobbit, Crown, Panther News|author=Anonymous|dated=15 Nov 2006|website=IGN}}</ref> who had previously fallen-out with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], but Sloan was won over by Jackson's pitch, which was apparently very detailed.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.kristinthompson.net/blog/2008/05/19/the-hobbit-films-pj-and-fw-know-every-scene-every-moment/|articlename=The Hobbit films: PJ and FW know “every scene, every moment”|author=Kristin Thompson|dated=19 May 2008|website=Kristinthompson.net}}</ref> By contrast, Shaye later said [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] "hasn't told us too much about it."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.screendaily.com/new-line-mgm-team-for-two-hobbit-movies-with-peter-jackson/4036350.article|articlename=New Line, MGM team for two Hobbit movies with Peter Jackson|author=Jeremy Kay|dated=18 December 2007|website=Screen Daily}}</ref><br />
<br />
By December, both films were moving forward with a budget of $150 million each: the idea was that [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] would write and produce and the films will be shot in 2009 for release in 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/del-toro-doubles-up-hobbit-103547/|articlename=Del Toro doubles up for ‘Hobbit’|author=Borys Kit|dated=28 January 2008|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Robert Shaye, Michael Lynne and [[Mark Ordesky]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/columns/shaye-kept-new-line-afloat-1117982001/|articlename=Shaye kept New Line afloat|author=Anne Thompson|dated=7 March 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> were attached as executive producers until February, when they were replaced by Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood.Actor [[Ian McKellen|Ian Mckellen]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/26/lordoftherings.jrrtolkien|articlename=Hard Hobbit to break: McKellen set for return as Gandalf|author=Anonymous|dated=26 March 2008|website=The Guardian}}</ref> assistant Matthew Dravitzky,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://if.com.au/guillermo-wants-old-buddies-to-join-him-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo wants old buddies to join him on The Hobbit|author=Anonymous|dated=23 March 2009|website=IF FX}}</ref> composer [[Howard Shore]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/28/30045-howard-shore-is-working-on-hobbit-score/|articlename=Howard Shore is Working on Hobbit Score|author=28 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/02/24/28408-howard-shore-talks-hobbit-in-switzerland/|articlename=Howard Shore Talks ‘Hobbit’ in Switzerland|author=Calisuri|dated=24 February 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref>, [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]]<ref name=":38">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/22/30352-del-toro-interview-part-3-%E2%80%9Ci-love-new-zealand%E2%80%9D/|articlename=Del Toro Interview Part 3: “I Love New Zealand!”|author=Xoanon|dated=22 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and [[Wētā FX|Weta FX]]<ref name=":37" /> were attached to the project. Although [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] hadn't ruled out directing - he later aired the notion of shooting second unit<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012042437/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/08/guillermo-del-toro-to-fly-solo-on-hobbit-directing-duties-says-no-to-peter-jackson-assist/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro To Fly Solo On ‘Hobbit’ Directing Duties, Says No To Peter Jackson Assist|author=Shawn Adler|dated=8 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref><ref name=":17" /> - he soon picked [[Guillermo del Toro]] to direct.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/01/30/28331-torn-exclusive-del-toro-%e2%80%9c99-percent-certain%e2%80%9d-says-nl-insider/|articlename=TORN exclusive: Del Toro “99 percent certain” says NL insider.|author=MrCere|dated=30 January 2008|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
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Subsequently, actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref name=":17" /> [[Ian Holm]]<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501020820/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1586421/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Addresses 'Hobbit' Fans' Concerns, Talks Possible Casting|author=Shawn Adler, Josh Horowitz|dated=28 April 2008|website=Premiere.com}}</ref>; concept artists [[Alan Lee]] and [[John Howe]]; prosthetics supervisor [[Gino Acevedo]]<ref name=":37">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/04/25/28747-guillermo-del-toro-chats-with-torn-about-the-hobbit-films/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Chats with TORN About ‘The Hobbit’ Films!|author=Xoanon|dated=25 April 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and costume designer Kate Hawley<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.whowhatwear.com/living/who-what-wear-podcast-kate-hawley|articlename=How the Frankenstein Costume Designer Brought the Film to Life|author=Madeline Hill|dated=17 November 2025|website=Who What Wear}}</ref> were all attached. They had approached [[Grant Major]] but he declined<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://www.artstars.us/grant-major/8/|articlename=Grant Major|author=Tom Lisowski|dated=14 November 2011|website=Art Stars}}</ref> and they engaged [[Dan Hennah]] as production designer.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/51948|articlename=An Unexpected Journey: Quint on the set of The Hobbit Part 3 – Beginnings and Endings|author=Eric Vespe|dated=14 November 2011|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> Actors [[Martin Freeman]]<ref>In "The Road Back to Middle-earth", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (New Line Cinema: 2015), Philippa Boyens recalls proposing Freeman as Bilbo Baggins when she saw him at the 2003 BAFTAs.</ref> and [[Hugo Weaving]];<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/504115/guillermo-del-toro-confirms-hugo-weaving-for-the-hobbit-and-much-more/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Confirms Hugo Weaving For The Hobbit... And Much More|author=Brendon Connolly|dated=11 June 2009|website=Slash Film}}</ref> as well as [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]]'s regular collaborators (including artists Wayne Barlowe and Francisco Ruiz Velasco<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201164150/http://bilbohobbit.com/del-toro-talks-hobbit-in-live-chat/|articlename="Del Toro talks 'Hobbit' in Live Chat"|author=Alex|dated=27 November 2008|website=BilboHobbit.com}}</ref>) were also being sought beginning at this time.<br />
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"We got really excited," said [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]], "because this second film is not a ‘tag on’, it’s not ‘filler,’ it’s an integral part of telling the story of those 50 years of history lost in the narrative".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/60-year-period-between-hobbi-20080425/|articlename=60-Year Period Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Fellowship’ For Hobbit Sequel Suddenly Gone? Or Not?|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=25 April 2008|website=The Playlist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gamesradar.com/guillermo-del-toro-talks-hobbit-and-more/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro talks Hobbit and more|author=Anonymous|dated=25 April 2008|website=Total Film}}</ref> Although he had a radical new vision for the designs in the first film, <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915124607/http://www.premiere.com/features/4642/exclusive-guillermo-del-toro-on-hellboy-ii-page4.html|articlename=Exclusive: Guillermo del Toro on 'Hellboy II'|author=Anonymous|website=Premiere}}</ref> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] intended to use the second film to affect a gradual change of style towards that of [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]: "We have to recreate a lot of the stuff they did on the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]," he said: helpfully, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the [[Bag End]] and [[Rivendell]] sets, and they set about rebuilding [[Hobbiton]].<ref name=":32" /><br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] also rewatched the extended editions with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and intended to watch the making-ofs, dailies "the camera reports... everything," particularly for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914124349/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/nycomicconnews.php?id=44254|articlename=EXCL: Del Toro on Hellboy II and The Hobbit|author=Edward Douglas|dated=21 April 2008|website=Coming Soon.net}}</ref> The remastering of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' was also begun around this time. This was done because [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] felt that it "has to evolve into the lensing, the color palette, the texture palette, and the feel of the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]…"<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/37428|articlename=Quint and Guillermo del Toro chat about HELLBOY II, THE HOBBIT and more!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=12 July 2008|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> partially for this purpose, a break was to be scheduled partway through the shoot,<ref name=":31">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712175117/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2879|articlename=GUILLERMO DEL TORO ESCAPES 'LABYRINTH' AND ENDS RIGHT BACK INTO 'HELLBOY'|author=Carl Cortez|dated=9 July 2008|website=iFMagazine}}</ref> which was estimated at over 370 days.<ref name=":31" /> <br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] insisted the second film would add to the series.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wReRe8Si2aU|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: RT's Dinner & the Movies Interview Pt 5|author=OCR|dated=11 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> He said "it’s also expanding and illuminating some of the aspects of the trilogy in a slightly different way, like same characters in a different environment. I find that very attractive."<ref name=":13" /> The idea was that the first film would be a retelling of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']], including the bulk of the [[Dol Guldur]] storyline, up to [[Smaug]]'s death: the second would wrap-up the remainder of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] in its first half, and concern itself with the Hunt for [[Gollum]] and other "bridging" plot threads in its second half.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831093447/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/07/hobbit-films-will-be-one-continuous-journey-promises-guillermo-del-toro/|articlename='Hobbit' Films Will Be One 'Continuous Journey,' Promises Guillermo Del Toro|author=Shawn Adler|dated=7 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> <br />
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Although [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] predicted the second film would require the most work,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P0dTo0yNpQ|articlename=THE HOBBIT 1 & 2 MOVIE UPDATE|author=ReelzChannel|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> both he<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVHzVKy_F8w|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro talks about Hobbit Movie|author=Brettmartintv|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] showed a particular eagerness towards it, with [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] calling it a "treasure trove of possibilities."<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915084029/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1590278/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Answers 'Hobbit' Fans' Questions About Returning 'Rings' Cast, Religion And More|author=Shawn Adler|dated=2 July 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was also "really looking forward to developing Film Two. It gives us a freedom that we haven't really had on our [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] journey."<ref name=":17" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] concluded that "the promise of that land is absolutely mind-boggling!"<ref name=":16" /> <br />
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Referring specifically to [[Gollum]]'s part in the events, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said "[[Gollum]] has a rather fascinating arch to go through and his alliance to [[Shelob]] or his period of imprisonment in [[Thranduil]]'s". [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] added that "There's an awful lot of incident that happens during that 60 year gap. At this stage, we're not imagining a film that literally covers 60 years, like a bio-pic or documentary. We would figure out what happens during that 60 years, and choose one short section of time to drop in and dramatise for the screen". Both filmmakers said they agreed that "apart from extreme circumstances, we would never recast a character who appeared in the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|LOTR trilogy]]".<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730161821/http://www.wetanz.com/holics/index.php?itemid=695&catid=2|articlename=An Unexpected Party Chat|author=Anonymous|dated=30 July 2008|website=Weta Workshop website}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later remarked that, in some cases, they'd sooner write around a character than recast the part.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/41848|articlename=Comic-Con '09: Peter Jackson talks to Capone about DISTRICT 9, THE HOBBIT, and the state of the film industry!!!|author="Capone"|dated=28 July 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> <br />
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As of the formulation of these comments in July, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said the second film is "too early"<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YoRDF12aRc|articlename=GDT the Hobbit 1|author=Garfeimao TheOneRing|dated=14 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> in its development process to know precisely what it might entail, estimating that it would take six months to formulate the storyline for the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/09/exclusive-gdt-on-the-hobbit|articlename=Exclusive: GDT on The Hobbit|author=Eric Moro and Stax|dated=10 July 2008|website=IGN}}</ref> By September, however, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] claimed they "found what reverberated."<ref name=":14" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] had expressed reservations about the term "bridge film" from the outset, but by now he and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] disabused of the term completely, having come to see the films as five undifferentiated parts of a greater whole. <br />
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Although they apparently made an outline,<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/16/30296-guillermo-del-toro-i%e2%80%99m-so-voracious-about-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: “I’m so voracious about The Hobbit!”|author=Xoanon|dated=16 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> it seems the film went no further than this. Up until this point, del Toro had been video-conferencing with Jackson and the other collaborators, meeting in person every three weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/features/guillermo-del-toro-booked-thru-2017-1117991560/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro booked thru 2017|author=Michael Fleming|dated=3 September, 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> By the time he arrived to concentrate on writing the story treatment in November 2008<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=147373;guest=501771554#147373|articlename="Hola"|author=Guillermo del Toro|dated=8 November 2008|website=The One Ring Discussion Boards}}</ref><ref>Alfio Leotta, ''Peter Jackson'' (London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015), p. 196.</ref> the contents of the "bridge" film were being gradually edged-out by the contents of ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]],'' to the point that by the time the completed treatment was greenlit in April 2009<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/08/03/32999-peter-jackson-speaks/|articlename=Peter Jackson speaks|author=MrCere|dated=3 August 2009|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref> the films could only be described as a two-part adaptation of ''[[The Hobbit]].'' Although [[John Howe]] apparently sent [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] some sketches,<ref name=":38" /> and [[Howard Shore]] had musical ideas,<ref>TheOneRing, Hobbit Desolation of Smaug Music Commentary Watch Along, ''YouTube'', 29 July 2020. Esp. 1:12:15. One such musical idea dates back to the composition of ''The Fellowship of the Ring:'' the flat sixth setting of the Hobbits' bassline that's heard when Gandalf glimpses Thorin's map: Howard was saving that as a "portent of an adventure" towards a potential adaptation of The Hobbit, but by the stage of discussing with del Toro he would have realized it would be applicable to the "bridge" film as well.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30722|articlename=ScoreKeeper Talks To Howard Shore About THE TWO TOWERS Complete Recordings, THE HOBBIT, And More!!|author=Merrick|dated=16 November 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> no more work was done on the bridge film. At this time, a [[The Hunt for Gollum|fan film on the same subject was released]]. <br />
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Even so, elements of the bridge film clung to the project for a long time: in 2013 [[Philippa Boyens]] said that "When we started structuring this trilogy we honestly thought about telling some of that. How [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] becomes the uncle of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and take care of him. The story of [[Gollum]]…"<ref name=":9" /> Casting calls had been issued for the roles of [[Primula Brandybuck]] and [[Drogo Baggins]]:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024010428/http://www.movies.spoilertv.com/2010/01/hobbit-casting-call.html#ixzz0btnyJvCI|articlename=Hobbit - Official Casting Call and Plot Details|author=DarkUFO|dated=4 January 2010|website=SpoilerTV}}</ref> While Caroline Grace-Cassidy was considered for [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]], [[Ryan Gage]] was cast in the role of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and remained attached to it well into shooting, only being recast as [[Alfrid]] around May.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cate-blanchett-revisiting-rings-role-57193/|articlename=Cate Blanchett Revisiting ‘Rings’ Role In ‘Hobbit’|author=Gregg Kilday|dated=7 December 2010|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s cameo, which was originally rumoured to include him "moving to live at [[Bag End]] after the untimely drowning of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]]" was probably rewritten into its present form around that time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=theonering.net/torwp/2014/03/25/87789-how-would-have-peter-jacksons-the-hobbit-looked-as-a-duology/|articlename=How would have Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit looked as a duology?|author=Demosthenes|dated=25 March 2014|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> They had scouted locations for the [[Barrow-downs|Barrow Downs]], possibly with a connection to the aforementioned "[[Aragorn]] protecting the [[The Shire|Shire]]" plot point.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://narniafans.com/2019/08/interview-with-narnia-conceptual-designer-john-howe/|articlename=Interview with Narnia Conceptual Designer John Howe|author=David Sutton|dated=18 August 2019|website=Narnia Fans.com}}</ref> More scenes were planned for the [[Dol Guldur]] story and the [[Orcs]]: they had gone as far as designing a young [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)#Gothmog in adaptations|Gothmog]] who would participate in the concluding battle, but didn't utilize him.<ref name=":0" /> <br />
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Another storyline concerned Itarille (later [[Tauriel]]) and her romance with an Elf lord of [[Rivendell]]: clearly an outgrowth of the original idea of featuring [[Arwen]] in the film. [[Aidan Turner]] seems to have read for the part of this Elf Lord. Indeed, Jackson recalled in 2015 that "We did try to figure out a way to get a cameo, even if it was a cameo, for [[Aragorn]] and actually for [[Arwen]], too: we tried to have [[Liv Tyler]] in the film".<ref name=":0" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] remarked in 2013 that they envisioned [[Aragorn]] being "quite young" in the film, but concluded that [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] "could have absolutely played" him at the time. "It was incredibly tempting."<ref name=":39">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TapH7wM8MdI&t=85s|articlename=Philippa Boyens ci parla delle scene tagliate dello Hobbit: la Desolazione di Smaug e di... Aragorn!|author=Badtaste|dated=11 December 2013|website=YouTube}}</ref> It's unclear when the idea finally died out: the scene "invoking [[Aragorn]]" was scripted in early 2013, as a "homage" to their earlier plans. <br />
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[[Viggo Mortensen]] had been interested in the project since 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/18/29885-viggo-mortensen-still-waiting-for-guillermo-del-toro%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98hobbit%E2%80%99-call/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Still Waiting For Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’ Call|author=Xoanon|dated=18 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> In 2008 he said he would "rather do it myself than see another actor finish the job for me,"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/12/17/30804-tv-watch-viggo-mortensen-on-night-talk/|articlename=TV Watch: Viggo Mortensen on ‘Night Talk’|author=Xoanon|dated=17 December 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/39305|articlename=Capone has a GOOD chat with Viggo Mortensen about politics, THE ROAD, APPALOOSA, and THE HOBBIT!!!|author=Steve Prokopy|dated=11 May 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> saying "it would be fun."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/41460224.html|articlename=Moviefone's Exclusive Viggo Mortensen Interview!|author=Anonymous|dated=25 November 2009|website=Moviefone}}</ref> Other actors from [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']] have also expressed interest in appearing in the film, including [[Liv Tyler]], <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/03/21/42863-liv-tyler-not-contacted-for-hobbit/|articlename=Liv Tyler Not Contacted For Hobbit|author=DiveTwin|dated=21 March 2011|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[Cate Blanchett]],<ref name=":16" /> [[Dominic Monaghan]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/dominic-monaghan-ready-to-return-for-the-hobbit-movies/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan Ready to Return for The Hobbit Movies?|author=Brandon Lee Tenney|dated=19 January 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> [[Sean Astin]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/03/10/31356-astin-up-for-hobbit-if-hobbit-up-for-him/|articlename=Astin up for Hobbit if Hobbit up for him|author=Xoanon|dated=10 March 2009|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Noble]] and [[Sean Bean]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a434476/sean-bean-on-the-hobbit-absence-theyre-sticklers-for-detail/|articlename=Sean Bean on 'The Hobbit' absence: 'They're sticklers for detail'|author=Emma Dibdin|dated=30 October 2012|website=Digital Spy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/viggo-mortensen-optimistic-about-role-20090401/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Optimistic About Role In Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’, Project Extends To A Trilogy?|author=Simon Dang|dated=1 April 2009|website=The Playlist}}</ref> [[Christopher Lee]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://whatculture.com/film/christopher-lee-wants-sarumann-return-in-the-hobbit|articlename=Christopher Lee wants Saruman return in THE HOBBIT|author=Matt Holmes|dated=25 June 2011|website=WhatCulture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qGFbBNnodw&t=77s|articlename=Christopher Lee about possibly returning to Middle Earth|author="Rushblogg"|dated=12 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Brad Dourif]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/12/29751-brad-dourif-on-returning-to-middle-earth/|articlename=Brad Dourif on Returning to Middle-earth|author=Deej|dated=12 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Rhys-Davies]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-makeup-difficulties-explained-john-rhys-davies/|articlename=John Rhys-Davies Reveals Gruesome Makeup Process for Gimli in The Lord of the Rings [Exclusive]|author=Aidan Kelley and Steven Weintraub|dated=9 August 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> and [[Elijah Wood]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/11/16/30565-elijah-hobbit-appearance-concievably-possible/|articlename=Elijah – Hobbit appearance ‘concievably possible’|author=Altaira|dated=16 November 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2008/elijah-wood-confirms-dual-hobbit-movie-details/|articlename=Elijah Wood Confirms Dual Hobbit Movie Details|author=Alex Billington|dated=11 January 2008|website=First Showing}}</ref><br />
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Around 2010, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] recieved an availability call<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/may/28/viggo-mortensen-interview|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'If I think a film's beyond me – that's a good sign'|author=Imogen Tilden|dated=28 May 2013|website=The Guardian}}</ref> from [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]: "I said sure, if [[Aragorn]] is supposed to be in the bridge story, because he’s not in [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']],” he said.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/05/30/72294-viggo-turned-down-role-as-aragorn-not-so-fast/|articlename=Viggo ‘Turned Down’ Role as Aragorn? Not so fast…|author=Newsfrombree|dated=30 May 2013|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.wired.com/2012/03/viggo-mortensen-speaks-2/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Speaks: Part 2 of 3|author=Ethan Gilsdorf|dated=11 March 2012|website=Wired.com}}</ref> Informed that they "can take certain liberties" he said he'd "love to revisit him."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/viggo-mortensen-interview-captain-fantastic-lord-of-the-rings-aragorn-hobbit-david-cronenberg-a7231826.html|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'I didn't throw Peter Jackson under the bus'|author=Jacob Stolworthy|dated=23 January 2017|website=The Independent}}</ref> However, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later revealed that since that call, they "could think of no way of doing it".<ref name=":0" /> Having no further contact, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] concluded in November 2011 that "[[Aragorn]] is half elf [sic] and also lives a couple hundred years or more and he could be in a bridge, but I have to assume it isn't going to happen".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/rings-actor-mortensen-unlikely-to-repeat-role-idUSTRE7AM2U9/|articlename="Rings" actor Mortensen unlikely to repeat role|author=Kurt Orzeck|dated=24 November 2011|website=Reuters}}</ref> Although he still has misgivings - "It would make sense if Aragorn was part of the story and he's not"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/interview-viggo-mortensen-is-lord-of-all-things-1573949|articlename=Interview: Viggo Mortensen is lord of all things|author=Chitra Ramaswamy|dated=25 May 2013|website=The Scotsman}}</ref> - he said he would still be open to playing [[Aragorn]] "if it seemed sensible to do so".<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
===After ''The Hobbit''===<br />
<br />
Conversations about making the "bridge film" as a third instalment<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/guillermo-del-toro-updates-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Briefly Talks More About The Hobbit Split|author=Alex Billington|dated=5 June 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> continued well into 2010:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://geeksofdoom.com/2009/08/19/bridge-between-the-hobbit-lord-of-the-rings-still-to-be-built-peter-jackson-to-direct-third-movie|articlename=[Updated] Bridge Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Still To Be Built? Peter Jackson To Direct Third Movie?|author="The Movie God"|dated=19 August 2009|website=Geeks of Doom}}</ref> In 2012, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had revealed that "a third movie has always been in discussion."<ref>Michael Pellerin, "The Clouds Burst", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> These conversations resumed - now with the film situated as a fourth movie - as [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] was winding down in 2013. Says [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]: "There’s enough story there to make a bridge movie, you know, there’s 60 years between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' and a lot of things happened."<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.heyuguys.com/interview-peter-jackson-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/|articlename=The HeyUGuys Interview: The Hobbit director Peter Jackson all but rules out a return to Middle Earth|author=Stefan Pape|dated=13 December 2013|website=HeyUGuys}}</ref> In the director's commentary to ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]]'' in 2015, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] remained open to the idea of making more films, and mused about what Jackson jokingly calls "A fictitious film 3.5" which [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] goes on to call "The Hunt for Gollum".<ref name=":0">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, "Director's Commentary," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said it could include "a few other things that go on which are really interesting" like [[Saruman]]'s search for the [[The One Ring|Ring]]. She elaborates:<blockquote>''[[Aragorn]] really is one who tracks Gollum and ends up...and finds him eventually in the [[Dead Marshes]], and he's taken [[Woodland Realm|to the Elves]]. And he's taken to the Elves, and because of the kindness of the Elves - and [[Legolas]] is one of his keepers... in [[Mirkwood]], and through their kindness he actually manages to escape. Or has he escaped? Or was he let loose?''<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>[[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the possibility of returning to [[Middle-earth]] open<ref name=":0" /> but [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] revealed that they "had zero expectations of going back to this."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-peter-jackson-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-explain-23-years-after-cannes-saved-original-trilogy-1235917510/|articlename=Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis & Philippa Boyens Explain Why They’re Returning To Middle-Earth For ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ 23 Years After Cannes Saved The Billion-Dollar Franchise|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=15 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/don-t-expect--the-hobbit-3--to-lead-directly-into--the-lord-of-the-rings-140402150.html|articlename=The Hobbit 3 won't lead into The Lord of the Rings|author=Tom Butler|dated=11 December 2013|website=Yahoo Entertainment UK}}</ref> Their ultimate decision to return to this premise may have been stirred, in part, by other projects: first, Jackson had seen the in-development video game ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|Shadow of Mordor]],'' on which [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] and others from Jackson's crew had worked, and which had nestled itself into the gap between ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]].''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/why-lord-of-the-rings-fans-should-be-excited-for-shadow-of-mordor|articlename=Why Lord of the Rings Fans Should Be Excited for Shadow of Mordor|author=Luke Karmali|dated=20 February 2014|website=IGN}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Shortly afterwards, when the [[Tolkien Estate]] (still nominally under [[Christopher Tolkien]]) shopped the television rights, the idea of doing a show about young [[Aragorn]] was pitched, first by Netflix, and then - at the suggestion of the Russo brothers<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/the-rings-of-power-showrunners-interview-season-2-1235233124/|articlename=‘The Rings of Power’ Showrunners Break Silence on Backlash, Sauron and Season 2|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 October 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> - by [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=946980;sb=post_time;so=DESC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=206510448#947231|articlename=If you will indulge me in a story|author="Uncle Iorlas"|dated=21 July 2018|website=The One Ring.net Message Boards}}</ref> Upon hearing this, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' mind immediately went to the period of the hunt: "If you're telling the [story of] him hunting [[Gollum]], you're getting closer to [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]]."<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.fandom.com/articles/peter-jackson-lord-of-the-rings-series|articlename=Peter Jackson’s Tips For Casting Aragorn in Lord of the Rings TV Show|author=Kim Taylor-Foster|dated=4 December 2018|website=Fandom.com}}</ref> She and Jackson had also expressed interest in the potential of [[Aragorn]]'s younger days and life in [[Rivendell]]: "He's probably going to have to start young,"<ref name=":21" /> remarked Boyens, concluding that "A lot of the early [[Aragorn]] story hasn't been told."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/108970711/philippa-boyens-on-mortal-engines-hobbits-and-going-solo|articlename=Philippa Boyens on Mortal Engines, Hobbits and going solo|author=Philip Matthews|dated=16 December 2018|website=Stuff.nz}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortesen]] also got wind of the rumours and said he's open to reprising his role.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/viggo-mortensen-interview-falling-lord-of-the-rings/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Falling, Directing, and LOTR TV Show Interest|author=Christina Radish|dated=14 February 2021|website=Collider}}</ref><br />
<br />
Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood from [[New Line Cinema]] were brought into the fold in the hopes of cooperating on the show. In early 2018 lawyer Peter Nelson set-up "dialogue between [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]" to participate as executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/how-lord-rings-tv-series-landed-at-amazon-not-netflix-1099213/|articlename=Inside Amazon’s $250M ‘Lord of the Rings’ Deal: “It’s Very Much a Creature of the Times”|author=Tatiana Siegel|dated=5 April 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308114202/https://www.herr-der-ringe-film.de/v3/de/news/tolkienfilme/news_121920.php|articlename=Exklusiv: Zu den Kulissen der HERR DER RINGE Serie, Her Der Ringe Film (archived).|author=Cirdan|dated=20 June 2018|website=Herr der Ringe.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/108520139/sir-peter-jackson-hasnt-given-up-hope-of-making-the-dam-busters|articlename=Sir Peter Jackson hasn't given up hope of making The Dam Busters|author=James Croot|dated=12 November 2018|website=NZStuff}}</ref> Preoccupied with ''Mortal Engines'' and ''They Shall Not Grow Old'', [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] proposed in June 2018 to review the scripts and put "the creative team together."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://de.ign.com/tv/129313/interview/peter-jackson-ist-fur-das-kreative-team-hinter-der-herr-der-ringe-serie-verantwortlich|articlename=Peter Jackson ist für das kreative Team hinter der Herr der Ringe-Serie verantwortlich|author=Valentin Aschenbrenner|dated=5 June 2018|website=IGN.de}}</ref> In July, Amazon landed on [[John D. Payne]] and [[Patrick McKay]] as showrunners, and before any work could be done, a regime change in [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]]<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/peter-jackson-amazon-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-1235193692/|articlename=Peter Jackson Says Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Ghosted Him|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> in early 2019 resulted in [[New Line Cinema]] being demoted to a "minority licensee stakeholder."<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-vs-warner-bros-1235337625/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Amazon, Warner Bros. Ready for Tolkien Battle|author=James Hibberd|dated=28 February 2023|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Although the showrunners had asked to meet [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]],<ref name=":19" /> COVID prevented this from taking place.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/10-burning-questions-about-amazons-the-rings-of-power?srsltid=AfmBOopmlhLKVkCtSqkuvTTAcUtyQUICWXopTWLQq_1tu4aEf1ICrDLp|articlename=10 Burning Questions About Amazon’s The Rings of Power|author=Joanna Robinson|dated=14 February 2022|website=Vanity Fair}}</ref> While the show used a substantial number of his crew, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] were reportedly "very frustrated that so many believed they were involved with [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]’s show."<ref name=":20" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had avoided watching the show to prevent "cross-contamination."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1693866/why-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-screenwriter-wont-watch-the-rings-of-power/|articlename=Why One Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Screenwriter Won't Watch The Rings Of Power|author=Jaron Pak|dated=21 October 2024|website=Slash Film}}</ref> Since then, the show had left [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s home country of [[New Zealand]].<br />
<br />
Already in 2019, the show's development had galvanized Emmerich and Blackwood to pursue an animated film with [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] (who were not involved in the show) and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]. The bridge film might have been the "CG-animated" story that [[New Line Cinema|New Line]] "had been exploring with Sir [[Peter Jackson]]" but it failed to materialize and they decided to pursue ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim]]''<ref>Daniel Falconer, ''The Art of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim'' (Wiliam Murrow: London, 2025), pp. 9-10.</ref>. Later on, Emmerich and Blackwood were replaced by Michael de Luca and Pam Abdy, who were "striving to keep [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]] from blurring the lines too much between" the show and the films.<ref name=":20" /> Other projects like [[Tales of the Shire: A "The Lord of the Rings" Game|''Tales of the Shire'']], the remastering of the six films to Ultra High Definition and renovations of [[Hobbiton]] were begun shortly afterwards, as well.<br />
<br />
After this long gestation period, ''The Hunt for Gollum'' entered development once again in 2022. [[Andy Serkis]] was attached as director in October 2023 and story meetings occurred as early as May 2024, along with early availability calls to actors like [[Ian McKellen]] and [[Viggo Mortensen]] between that time and early September. By that point, the writing of the treatment was underway, followed by the first draft in January-May. After some crew hiring in August, pre-production started in early September 2025 ahead of shooting in May 2026.<br />
<br />
==Development==<br />
In 2022 the new administration of [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] expressed a desire to make more films, including ones "based on iconic characters, such as [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gollum]], [[Galadriel]], [[Éowyn|Eowyn]] and other characters."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lord-of-the-rings-rights-embracer-1235201442/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘The Hobbit’ Movie, Games and Other Rights Holder Sold to Swedish Gaming Company Embracer|author=Georg Szalai|dated=18 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] kept updated throughout the negotiations to extend [[New Line Cinema]]'s lease on the rights.<ref name=":4" /> <br />
<br />
Having "really enjoyed working with [[Kenji Kamiyama]], who directed ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]''," [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] signed on to produce two new films: [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] denied<ref name=":22" /> rumours that this involved splitting the [[Gollum]] story,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-cast-plot-everything-we-know-1235919922/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’: Everything We Know So Far|author=Dessi Gomez|dated=16 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://filmstories.co.uk/news/the-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-its-two-films-says-ian-mckellen/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings: Hunt For Gollum {{!}} “It’s two films” says Ian McKellen|author=Ryan Lambie|dated=11 September 2024|website=Film Stories}}</ref> and at various times her and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] expressed interest in subjects varying from the [[Battle of Dale|War in the North]], Young [[Aragorn]], or certain vignettes from [[Rohan]] or [[Gondor]]'s history, which are all possible for the second film.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1i97ctm/the_next_film_after_the_hunt_for_gollum/|articlename=The next film after The Hunt for Gollum: Everything we know so far|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=25 January 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> These are probably ''not'' the other two scripts [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had been working on, however.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/peter-jackson-not-retired-working-on-three-scripts-1235138316/|articlename=Peter Jackson Is Working on Three Screenplays: ‘I’m Certainly Not Retired’|author=By Rance Collins|dated=13 July 2025|website=IndieWire}}</ref><br />
<br />
Signing on the films was done with the intention to jump-start a new slate of ''Lord of the Rings'' prequels for [[New Line Cinema]],<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":24" /> with [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also expressing interest in making an "epic trilogy", probably about the [[Angmar conflict|Angmar War]].<ref name=":23" /> However, having developed the [[Gollum]] premise for so long, they decided to start with it. Asked about unrealized projects in 2024, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] observed that "there's a lot of that in ''The Hunt for Gollum.''"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LdzKS584wA&t=614s|articlename=Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim Interviews! Peter Jackson Role Explained|author=Brandon Davis|dated=29 October 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]], had directed second unit on ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]<ref name=":7" />'' and had since become a director in his own right, as well as narrating audiobooks of Tolkien's novels. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] approached [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] around October 2023.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssUmmuU-Bmk&t=76s|articlename=Andy Serkis Talks Motion Capture, Gollum, and Directing {{!}} Superhero Comic Con San Antonio 2024 Q&A|author=Freeman Coliseum|dated=24 June 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> While developing the story, they already made availability checks to key cast and crew members.<br />
<br />
===Writing===<br />
Story meetings have happened at least as early as May 2024<ref name=":7" /> and by July they were about to start writing,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/comconnireland/status/1835962321211904490|articlename=Andy Serkis took to the stage at Comic Con Northern Ireland to talk all things Lord of the Rings and more!|author=@comconnireland|dated=16 September 2024|website=Twitter}}</ref> with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] spotted at the [[Hobbiton]] set in November with writers [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and Arty Papageorgiou, producers [[Zane Weiner]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/05/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-1236390022/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ Sets Pre-Christmas 2027 Release|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=8 May 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and Carlos Ramirez Laloli.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.elfenomeno.com/info/ver/23481/comienza-el-rodaje-de-el-senor-de-los-anillos-la-caza-de-gollum-en-hobbiton|articlename=¿Comienza el rodaje de El Señor de los Anillos: La Caza de Gollum en Hobbiton?|author=Elfenomeno|dated=6 November 2024|website=Elfenomeno.com}}</ref> By December they had been in the process of writing the story treatment.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-arty-papageorgiou-phoebe-gittins/|articlename="Who Better for a Gollum Film Than Gollum Himself?": 'War of the Rohirrim' Writers on Working with Andy Serkis in 'The Hunt for Gollum'|author=Therese Lacson|dated=16 December 2024|website=Collider}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] later estimated they would finish writing by the middle of the year - executive Pamela Abdy since put the completion of the script at May<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/04/warner-bros-mike-de-luca-pam-abdy-courage-in-face-of-brutal-press-coverage-1236366618/|articlename=Warner Bros’ Mike De Luca & Pam Abdy: Playing Long Game, Mixing IP Like ‘Bodyguard’ Revamp & Bold Originals & Animation Despite Brutal Press|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=11 April 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> - and begin "scouting locations and building [sets]" with shooting due to begin towards the beginning of 2026.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/15/exclusive-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-on-the-hunt-for-gollum/|articlename=Exclusive: Andy Serkis, Philippa Boyens on new Lord of the Rings film|author=Abbey Wakefield|dated=15 December 2024|website=1News}}</ref> As a result, the release date for the film was ultimately delayed from 2026 to 17 December 2027.<ref name="TheDirect2027Release">{{webcite|author=Klein Felt|articleurl=https://thedirect.com/article/hunt-for-gollum-movie-lord-of-the-rings-release-official|articlename=Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum Movie Gets Release Window from Andy Serkis|dated=27 Feb 2025|website=[https://thedirect.com The Direct]|accessed=27 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-december-2027-1236390820/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ Sets December 2027 Release Date; Warner Bros. Also Dates New ‘Evil Dead’ and M. Night Shyamalan Movies for 2026|author=Zack Sharf|dated=8 May 2025|website=Variety}}</ref><br />
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A draft of the screenplay had been sent to de Luca and Abdy in May, probably prior to the investor meeting on the 8th, when [[Warner Bros.|Warner]]'s CEO David Zaslav announced the official release date.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://voicefilm.com/david-zaslav-announces-that-the-release-date-for-the-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie-will-be-revealed-today/|articlename=David Zaslav Announces That the Release Date for the Next ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie Will Be Revealed Today|author=Mark|dated=8 May 2025|website=Voice Film}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comicbasics.com/warner-ceo-david-zaslav-says-they-will-focus-more-on-their-main-ips-like-harry-potter-and-dc-in-the-future-those-belong-to-us-and-theyll-only-belong-to-us-forever/|articlename=Warner CEO David Zaslav Says They Will Focus More on Their Main IPs Like ‘Harry Potter’ and DC in the Future: “Those belong to us, and they’ll only belong to us forever.”|author=Arthur S. Poe|dated=8 May 2025|website=Comic Basics}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since revealed that the film is due to start pre production in August<ref name=":33">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1krwz8d/andy_serkis_the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for/|articlename=Andy Serkis Panel at Fan Expo Philadelphia 2025|author=FandomWire News|dated=19 May 2025}}</ref> - when the film started hiring crew - then ammended to "late August to early September"<ref name=":18" />, with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] ultimately arriving in [[Wellington]] circa 8 September to begin work on the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://metro.co.uk/2025/09/03/andy-serkis-admits-cant-escape-gollum-ahead-lord-rings-return-24066270/amp/|articlename=Andy Serkis admits he ‘can’t escape Gollum’ ahead of Lord of the Rings return|author=Sabrina Barr|dated=3 September 2025|website=Metro UK}}</ref> Serkis had left New Zealand during the holiday season, attending the premiere of "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" before flying back to New Zealand: en rote he landed in Los Angeles.<ref name=":41">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/andy-serkis-wants-original-lord-of-the-rings-cast-in-new-film/|articlename=LOTR' Star Andy Serkis: OG Cast Is Precious, Love 'Em For New Flick|author=Anonymous|dated=20 January 20 2026|website=TMZ}}</ref><br />
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==Pre production==<br />
[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had further said preproduction will last for six months,<ref name=":27">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comingsoon.it/cinema/news/in-un-mondo-alla-deriva-gollum-ci-salvera-la-nostra-intervista-ad-andy/n203564/|articlename=In un mondo alla deriva Gollum ci salverà: la nostra intervista ad Andy Serkis|author=Carola Proto|dated=25 June 2025|website=Coming Soon.it}}</ref> with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] later confirming it will start filming in May<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1msw9fp/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_starts/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum starts shooting in May, says Sir Ian McKellen. "I'll tell you two secrets about the casting..."|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=17 August 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> for an extended shooting period:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-filming-update-andy-serkis/|articlename=Director Andy Serkis Offers Huge Filming Update For 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' [Exclusive]|author=Chris McPherson and Steven Weintraub|dated=10 June 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> This puts the beginning of filming in [[New Zealand]] winter and, deducting the holidays, six months after [[Andy Serkis|Andy]]'s arrival. Location scouting may have taken place at Hawke's Bay as early as June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1lis26w/a_location_scout_for_the_lord_of_the_rings_the/|articlename=A location scout for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum seems to be snooping around Hawke's Bay, New Zealand|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=23 June 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> and later at the Waikato.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360837801/aliens-warriors-heroes-princesses-and-gollum-big-productions-filmed-and-possibly-coming-waikato|articlename=Aliens, warriors, heroes, princesses ... and Gollum: The big productions filmed in (and possibly coming to) the Waikato|author=Mike Mather|dated=1 October 2025|website=Waikato Times}}</ref> They had also watched the films sometime prior to November.<ref>Latino USA TV, "How Movie Monsters Are Really Made!", YouTube, 26 November 2025.</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] also spoke appreciatively of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s penchant for behind the scenes extras, suggesting a similar approach to the film.<ref name=":33" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/gu1jj7/one_zoom_to_rule_them_all_reunited_apart_lord_of/|articlename=One Zoom to Rule Them All {{!}} Reunited Apart LORD OF THE RINGS Edition|author=Josh Gad|dated=31 May 2021|website=}}</ref> In October, [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] revealed that they're developing prosthetics.<ref name=":34">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1og2b4p/andy_serkis_says_all_the_art_department_from_lord/|articlename=Andy Serkis says "all the art department" from Lord of the Rings are "excited to come back." They started location scouting and camera tests.|author=u/Lord_Varys92|dated=25 October 2024|website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
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Since [[Elijah Wood]], slated to appear in the film, is on tour through to early September,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://parade.com/news/lord-of-the-rings-hobbits-25-years-later-reunion-tour|articlename=The Hobbits Are Back Together — and Their Big News Has Fans Cheering|author=Whitney Danhauer|dated=25 October 2025|website=Parade}}</ref> his scenes might be scheduled for [[New Zealand]] summer, which could suggest shooting ''in situ'' in [[Hobbiton]], presumably depicting [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] dallying outside [[Bag End]] while [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and [[Gandalf]] argue within, as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. [[Ian McKellen]] is also hoping to join the production in [[New Zealand as Middle-earth|New Zealand]] during July.<ref>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, "There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW," ''YouTub''e, 5 February 2026.</ref><br />
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===Crew===<br />
The film, said to be "one of the most expensive feature films to be shot in [[New Zealand]]"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/new-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-film-will-be-shot-in-nz-set-for-2027-release/3BDNB3QFKJDAVGB4ODOTQ63YLY/|articlename=New Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum film will be shot in NZ, set for 2027 release|author=Tom Rose|dated=18 June 2025|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> is expected to draft alums of the ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]'' (many of whom will have also worked on ''[[The Rings of Power]]'' Season One and other projects) working in the [[Wellington]] and greater New Zealand screen sector.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350274670/film-heavyweights-alight-over-lotr-comeback|articlename=Film heavyweights ‘alight’ over LOTR comeback|author=Rachel Thomas|dated=10 May 2024|website=The New Zealand Post}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Crewing began in early August, with Wood since confirming the involvement of production designer [[Dan Hennah]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX5NhkyQ710|articlename=Elijah Wood en Monterrey/ conferencia de la DesertCon|author=Asi SoyTv|dated=6 October 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> and set decorator Ra Vincent might also be involved.<ref name=":34" /> Although [[Janet Brennan Croft|Janet Brennan-Croft]] acted as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] consultant on previous films, Beppe Pezzini will fill this role for this film.<ref>Educational Media Services | University of Oxford, "Beppe Pezzini on Classics and Fantasy | Fantasy Summer School @facultyofenglishoxford," ''YouTube'', 23 September 2025.</ref><br />
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IMDb credits Bob Buck as ''a'' costume designer for the film: it remains to be seen if Ngila Dickson, having just wrapped ''Predator: Badlands'' with [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]], might return. Kate Hawley, who was attached to del Toro's version of the film, is unlikely to take part due to work on "Bad Bridgets."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/10/daisy-edgar-jones-emilia-jones-bad-bridgets-luckychap-1236604481/|articlename=Daisy Edgar-Jones And Emilia Jones To Star In ‘Bad Bridgets’ From LuckyChap|author=Justin Kroll|dated=31 October 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> Liz Mullane and Rachel Bullock head the New Zealand casting sweep. Both [[Wētā FX|WetaFX]] and [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] are confirmed for the project,<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32328070/companycredits/?ref_=tt_dt_cmpy|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)|author=Anonymous|website=IMDb}}</ref> as are [[Gino Acevedo]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/p/DRy30vUkme7/|articlename="Oh no!"|author=Ginoacevedofx|dated=3 December 2025|website=Instagram}}</ref> [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ggba.swiss/en/the-lord-of-the-rings-nature-and-switzerlands-hidden-history-a-conversation-with-john-howe/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings, Nature and Switzerland’s Hidden History (A Conversation with John Howe)|author=Woody Wade|dated=10 December 2025|website=Greater Geneva Bern Area}}</ref> In April - by which point a composer was already said to be attached to the project - [[Howard Shore]] said he was interested to "see how that all works out."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.classical-music.com/articles/howard-shore|articlename=Howard Shore: the film composer behind Hannibal Lecter and Bilbo Baggins|author=Michael Beek|dated=16 April 2025|website=Classical Music.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://en.softonic.com/articles/the-composer-of-the-soundtrack-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-made-a-cameo-in-the-movies-and-no-one-noticed#google_vignette|articlename=The composer of the soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings made a cameo in the movies and no one noticed|author=Agencias|dated=26 December 2025|website=Softonic}}</ref><br />
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As early as October, [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] suggested that they're "doing camera tests."<ref name=":34" /> This is said to include miniature photography, with Alex Funke said to participate, even if only in an advisory position. On the live action side, although Richard Bluck (who filmed with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], and might shoot second unit) had been mentioned, it appears the film will be lensed by Robert Richardson.<ref name=":34" /> While the film was in the story conference stage in July 2024, Richardson said he had "a number" of projects "on the constantly-shifting horizon of the film industry."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.filmlightcolourawards.com/colour-awards-2024/jury-colour-awards-2024/robert-richardson-cinematographer-asc-ack/|articlename=Robert Richardson, Cinematographer, ASC, ACK|author=Anonymous|dated=18 July 2024|website=Film Light Colour Awards}}</ref> One of these projects was a Hannibal epic, whose delay freed Richardson to lens the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2025/7/23/michael-part-1-delayed-to-april-2026|articlename=‘Michael’ Delayed to April 2026|author=Jordan Ruimy|dated=23 July 2025|website=World of Reel}}</ref><br />
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The film is a co-production of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s [[WingNut Films|WingNut films]] and [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]]' ''Imaginarium''. [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] will executive produce with his ''Imaginarium'' partner John Cavendish and Jackson's agent [[Ken Kamins]].<ref name="Gollum">{{webcite|author=Jennifer Maas|articleurl=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-movie-2026-release-warner-bros-1235997102/|articlename=Warner Bros. to Release New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ in 2026, Peter Jackson to Produce and Andy Serkis to Direct|dated=9 May 2024|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=8 June 2024}}</ref> IMDb also credits studio chiefs Michael de Luca (who helped produce [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']]), Pam Abdy and David Zaslav as executive producers<ref name=":8" /> and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] mentioned [[Warner Bros.|Warners]]' business consultant Alan Horn (who had produced ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]])'' as a collaborator, but these credits have yet to become official.<ref name=":7" /><br />
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===Cast===<br />
With [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] due to star as [[Gollum]], approaches had been made to [[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/09/ian-mckellen-return-gandalf-new-the-lord-of-the-rings-films-1236075547/|articlename=Ian McKellen Reveals He’s Been Approached To Reprise His Role As Gandalf In Andy Serkis’ New ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Films|author=Jake Kanter|dated=2 September 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and [[Viggo Mortensen]] to reprise [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]], respectively. [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] said he's in talks to reprise "a little bit" of [[Gandalf]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/sir-ian-mckellan-i-thought-36196617|articlename=EXCLUSIVE: Sir Ian McKellan: 'I thought I was a goner, but I'm coming back as Gandalf'|author=Marc Baker and Jackie Annett|dated=5 November 2025|website=The Mirror}}</ref> in [[New Zealand]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ian-mckellen-an-ark-lowry-lord-of-the-rings-f9wc9nmdq|articlename=Ian McKellen at 86: ‘I’ve had to accept that I’m not immortal’|author=Jonathan Dean|dated=14 February 2026|website=The Times}}</ref> As of December, the contracts with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]] hadn't been finalized,<ref name=":40" /> but [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] expressed a desire to return to [[New Zealand]] for filming. [[Liv Tyler]], [[Evangeline Lilly]] and, especially, [[Orlando Bloom]] have also expressed interest in reprising their parts,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nme.com/news/film/the-lord-of-the-rings-cast-say-they-would-jump-to-return-for-new-spin-off-movies-3853893|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’ cast say they would “jump” to return for new spin-off movies|author=Damian Jones|dated=11 April 2025|website=NME}}</ref> while [[Dominic Monaghan]] expressed a desire to visit the set.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/entertainment/dominic-monaghan-reveals-plans-for-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan reveals big plans for next ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie — including possible return as Merry<br />
By|author=Eric Todisco|dated=6 November 2025|website=New York Post}}</ref> [[Orcs]] are set to appear in the film, with [[Shane Rangi]] and [[Lawrence Makoare]] having reportedly been contacted.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/thelegacyofnerd/status/1979621220246344016|articlename=BREAKING: ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ Begins Filming in May 2026|author=@thelegacyofnerd|dated=8 October 2025|website=Twitter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' comments about seeing the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]] might suggest the involvement of [[Benedict Cumberbatch]].<ref name=":36">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYYSsook-4Y|articlename=Philippa Boyens ('ESDLA: LA GUERRA DE LOS ROHIRRIM'): "Queríamos que se sintiera como algo nuevo"|author=eCartelera|dated=10 December 2024}}</ref><br />
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[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had all spoke to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/the-war-of-the-rohirrim-philippa-boyens-on-the-new-anime-the-hunt-for-gollum-the-future-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-20241223/|articlename=‘The War Of The Rohirrim’: Philippa Boyens On The New Anime, ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ & The Future Of ‘The Lord of the Rings’|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=23 December 2024|website=The Playlist}}</ref> who had previously said he'd be "open to it" if it makes sense for "the age I am now"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/viggo-mortensen-interview-2024|articlename=Viggo Mortensen re-used Aragorn's sword in new movie The Dead Don't Hurt “Because it's really good”|author=Rafael Motamayor|dated=28 May 2024|website=GQ}}</ref> but after [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] pitched it to him as "Digital make-up" they agreed he'd wait to read the script: With the approach to [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] happening sometime between June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/ian-mckellen-if-this-is-my-last-job-id-better-get-it-right-hadnt-i-n3t38g6tb|articlename=Ian McKellen: ‘When a script arrives, I think this might be my last job’|author=Dominic Maxwell|dated=8 June 2024|website=The Times of London}}</ref> and September,<ref name=":2" /> the approach to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] may have taken place in mid-June, just prior to an interview in which [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] said "The script is the most important thing to me", seemingly no longer harping on the age quota.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/viggo-mortensen-lord-of-the-rings-script-feminism-1235935628/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Respecting Audiences, How Scripts Are Key “Unless I’m Broke,” New ‘LOTR’ Films|author=Georg Szalai|dated=30 June 2024|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said they need to "drag" him.<ref name=":36" /> <br />
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While in London for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' premiere, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also "had lunch with an [[Elves|Elf]] lord" who "would fall into that story."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/nerdoftherings/reel/DDgKw47uxkJ/|articlename="Philippa Boyens teases an “elf lord” returning for Hunt for Gollum! "|author=Matt Graf|dated=12 December 2024|website=Instagram}}</ref> Although this could refer to [[Orlando Bloom|Bloom]] or even [[Marton Csokas]], [[Lee Pace]] is the most likely as he was shooting ''The Running Man'' in London at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://people.com/glen-powell-films-running-man-reboot-37-years-after-arnold-schwarzenegger-movie-8745529|articlename=Glen Powell Films Running Man Remake in London 37 Years After Original Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie|author=Jen Juneau|dated=14 November 2024|website=People}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since divulged that they expect "some of the cast who were originally in" ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', as well as "some incredible new talent."<ref name=":28">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.jedinews.com/events/articles/indiana-comic-con-andy-serkis-full-panel/|articlename=Indiana Comic Con: Andy Serkis Full Panel|author=James Burns|dated=11 April 2025,|website=Jedi News}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] had since confirmed that [[Gandalf]] and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], surely to be played by himself and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]], are scheduled to reappear in the piece.<ref name=":12" /><br />
<br />
Casting seems to have started in December,<ref name=":40">Steve Schofield ''et al'', "25 Years of Fellowship", ''Empire'' (March 2026), pp. 46-70.</ref> with young boys auditioning for the boy [[Gollum|Smeagol]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/KnightGambit/status/2011815291198849220|articlename=Small Tidbit.....|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Twitter}}</ref> and two of his fellow [[Stoors|Stoor]] riverfolk - a young girl and a young adult boy - in what looks like a setup for [[Gollum|Smeagol]]'s preoccupation with a birtday present. Actors in their early thirties auditioned for "young [[Aragorn|Strider]]."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://knightedgemedia.com/2026/01/the-hunt-for-gollum-casting-call-teases-young-strider-and-his-fellow-dunedain-rangers/#google_vignette|articlename=‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Casting Call Teases Young Strider and His Fellow Dúnedain Rangers|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Knight Edge Media}}</ref> Although [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had spoken about potentially having to "hand off"<ref name=":3" /> from [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], and rumours had pointed to the inexpediency of the deaging,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://3dvf.com/en/a-cult-actor-from-the-lord-of-the-rings-on-the-departure-the-question-arises-for-the-prequel-dedicated-to-gollum/#google_vignette|articlename=A Cult Actor from The Lord of the Rings on the Departure? The Question Arises for the Prequel Dedicated to Gollum|author=Quentin Couprie|dated=13 December 2025|accessed=3DVF}}</ref> the "young" designation may well suggest scenes alternating between this younger character, and either an old [[Aragorn|Elessar]] and/or the "mature" [[Aragorn]] of the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|''Fellowship of the Ring'']] era.''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://medium.com/p/dcf21faf019e|articlename=The Hunt for Gollum and the Aragorn problem|author=Chen Geller|website=Medium}}</ref>'' [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had earlier spoke of meeting [[Aragorn]] when he was "quite young" in ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]],'' but not so young that it didn't seem plausible to her to have [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] play him circa 2011''.<ref name=":39" />'' The audition scene, although not necessarily representative of the film, also implies the presence of the other [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]], perhaps including [[Halbarad]]. A younger Strider could also feature in a "Young Aragorn" picture. Serkis had since reaffirrmed that he would "love the old cast" back.<ref name=":41" /><br />
<br />
==Plotline==<br />
The exact events the film covers remain undisclosed. There's ambiguity concerning both the exact timeframe for the film, and whether it will focus more on [[Gollum]] or [[Aragorn]]. An official "blurb" for the movie reads: "The pic explores [[Aragorn]]’s adventures as a [[Rangers of the North|ranger]], specifically his quest to capture [[Gollum]] between [[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]] and [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]], tracking him to keep the [[The One Ring|Ring]]’s location from [[Sauron|Sauron."]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-25th-anniversary-1236689724/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings’ Trilogy 25th Anniversary Event Rings Up $11M In Worldwide Box Office|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=19 January 2026|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> A more extended synopsis had also been circulating:<blockquote>Before the Fellowship, one creature's obsession holds the key to Middle-earth's survival -- or its demise. In The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, we meet young Smeagol -- an outsider drawn to trinkets and mischief -- long before The One Ring consumed him and began his tragic descent into the tortured, deceitful creature Gollum. With the ring lost and carried away by Bilbo Baggins, Gollum finds himself compelled to leave his cave in search of it. Gandalf the Grey calls upon Aragorn, still known as the ranger Strider, to track the elusive creature whose knowledge of the whereabouts of the ring could tip the balance toward the Dark Lord Sauron.<br />
Set in the shadowed time between Bilbo's birthday disappearance and the Fellowship's formation, this perilous journey through Middle-earth's darkest corners reveals untold truths, tests the resolve of its future king, and explores the fractured soul and backstory of Gollum, one of Tolkien's most enigmatic characters.<br />
<br />
Directed by original cast member Andy Serkis, produced by Peter Jackson, and written & produced by Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens -- the creative team behind the Oscar-winning trilogy -- this live-action movie bridges the beloved films with new characters, returning heroes, and a deeply engaging origin story that resets the stage for, and changes everything you know about the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy.</blockquote>Strictly speaking, [[Aragorn]]'s hunt for [[Gollum]] begins during the events depicted in Jackson's [[The Fellowship of the Ring (2001 film)|''The Fellowship of the Ring'']], and in October, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said the story "falls after the [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|birthday party of Bilbo]] and before the Mines Of [[Moria]]".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-wont-be-two-films-second-philippa-boyens-exclusive/|articlename=The Hunt For Gollum Won’t Be Two Films, But A Second LOTR Film Is Incoming, Philippa Boyens Confirms|author=Ben Travis|dated=18 October 2024|website=Empire}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] added that the role of [[Aragorn]] is "very central" to the movie.<ref name=":36" /> Andy called the storyline "pivotal."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1md7lim/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_andy/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum - Andy Serkis says "this part of the story is pivotal"|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=30 July 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] had described the plot as "[[Aragorn]] trying to find [[Gollum]] with [[Gandalf]] directing operations from the sidelines."<ref name=":42" /> <br />
<br />
However, ''a'' hunt for [[Gollum]] is begun by the [[Silvan Elves]] after Gollum first leaves the [[Misty Mountains|mountains]] in search of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and in December Jackson said the film "tells us what happened to [[Gollum]] between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - end of [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] - and the beginning of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/red-carpet-premiere-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim/P3BS7U5NPS5EMFLPUV4SYSYFDU/|articlename=Red carpet premiere for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|author=Mitchell Hageman|dated=11 December 2024|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since confirmed this timeframe: "It sits, kind of, in the timeline between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - between losing the [[The One Ring|Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] - and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''."<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1218&v=U-dw8DQDf90&feature=youtu.be|articlename=Kazakhstan feels like the center of the world - Andy Serkis {{!}} Interview of the Day|author=Silk Way / Qazaqstan|dated=15 July 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Dol Guldur]], the [[Nazgûl|Nazgul]] and [[Orcs]] are all said to potentially play part in the film. <br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also alluded to other storylines: "we are finding a lot of threads of story that are surprising in there when you really go in there and examine it".<ref name=":29">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1734018/philippa-boyens-lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-exclusive-interview/|articlename=War Of The Rohirrim's Philippa Boyens Reveals Details About The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum [Exclusive Interview]|author=Ben Pearson|dated=13 December 2024|website=/Film}}</ref> Events as varied as [[Aragorn]]'s sojourn in [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] with [[Arwen]], the fall of [[Balin's folk]], [[Boromir]]'s quest for [[Rivendell]] and much else occur concurrent to the time of the Hunt.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1iutc9r/building_bridges_so_what_happens_between_the/|articlename=Building Bridges: So, what happens between the trilogies that The Hunt for Gollum could possibly cover?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=21 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> "You see the layers and layers of story that’s underneath there and how interconnected they all are", she adds.<ref name=":3" /> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] also made comments to this effect: "Some pretty interesting stuff happens that we reference in passing in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The'' ''Lord of the Rings'']], but there’s a lot of more deep detail to it."<ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] adds that "We get to go to some places that we've never been before" in Middle-earth." One such place - only glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]]'' - is the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]].<ref name=":36" /> Both she and Serkis alluded to new characters<ref name=":28" /><ref name=":5" /> and new dramatic situations, saying it's "surprising"<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":29" /> and could be enjoyed be people wo don't know the novels.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.amica.it/video-post/andy-serkis-dirigero-signore-anelli-tornero-batman/|articlename=Andy Serkis, da Gollum a regista: «Dirigerò “Il Signore degli Anelli” e tornerò con Batman»|author=Emanuele Bigi|dated=27 June 2025|website=Amica}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also shared that one of the practicalities they were busy figuring out in the writing is "How does he [<nowiki/>[[Aragorn]]] pick up his scent? How does he find his trail, how does it happen?"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nerdist.com/article/nerdist-philippa-boyens-interview-the-war-of-the-rohirrim-the-lord-of-the-rings-future/|articlename=Philippa Boyens Talks the Future of THE LORD OF THE RINGS Movies and Naming a Tolkien Character in THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM|author=by Rotem Rusak|dated=19 December 2024|website=Nerdist}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"<br />
|- style="background: var(--tg-color-surface-2);" <br />
!Actor!!Role<br />
|-<br />
|[[Andy Serkis]]||[[Gollum]]<ref name="Gollum"></ref><br />
|-<br />
|[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
|[[Frodo Baggins]]<ref name=":12" /><br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{title|italics}}<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
{{screen}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Films]]<br />
<br />
[[fi:The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Lord_of_the_Rings:_The_Hunt_for_Gollum&diff=435266The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum2026-02-20T03:04:46Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Disambig-two|the 2027 film adaptation|2009 fan film|[[The Hunt for Gollum]]}}<br />
{{film infobox<br />
| image =The Hunt For Gollum.png <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = The Hunt for Gollum<br />
| director = [[Andy Serkis]]<br />
| producer = [[Peter Jackson]]<br />[[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />[[Zane Weiner]]<br />
| writer = [[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />Phoebe Gittins<br />Arty Papageorgiou<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = [[Andy Serkis]]<ref name=Gollum></ref> <br /><br />
[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
| music = <br />
| cinematography =Robert Richardson ASC <br />
| editing = <br />
| studio = WingNut films<br />Imaginarium<br />[[New Line Cinema]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| distributor = [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| released = 17 December [[2027]]<ref name="TheDirect2027Release"/><br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[New Zealand]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| language = English<br />
| budget = <br />
| website = <br />
|imdb_id=32328070<br />
|basedon=[[The Lord of the Rings]]|production design=[[Dan Hennah]] (Production designer)}}<br />
'''''The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum''''' is the title (originally, working title<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/09/curtis-brown-jrr-tolkien-literary-estate-deal-1236526748/|articlename=Curtis Brown To Rep J.R.R. Tolkien’s Literary Estate|author=Jesse Whittock|dated=10 September 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>) of a forthcoming film adaptation currently in pre-production and set for a [[2027]] release, the first of a planned series of Tolkien films to be produced by [[New Line Cinema]], a division of [[Warner Bros.|Warner Brothers]].<ref name=":4">{{webcite|author=Matt Donnelly|articleurl=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-new-movies-warner-bros-1235533672/|articlename=New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Set at Warner Bros. |dated=23 February 2023|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=10 June 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
The film will cover [[Gollum]]'s travels after losing [[The One Ring|the Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] (as depicted in [[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|''An Unexpected Journey'']]), through [[Gandalf]] setting out to track the creature after [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]] (as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'') and down to [[Gollum]] intercepting [[Fellowship of the Ring|the Fellowship]] in [[Moria|Moria.]] <br />
<br />
It will be directed by and star [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]] in [[Peter Jackson]]'s previous films, as well as directing second unit. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] will produce with his co-writing team of [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens]], who will also write the screenplay with ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' scribes Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. <br />
<br />
The subject of this film is a longstanding fascination of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s who developed it quite intensly in 2008 with [[Guillermo del Toro]]. The film is in preproduction with several cast and crew members from previous films already attached, including actor [[Elijah Wood]], concept artists [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]] and others. <br />
<br />
==Early Development==<br />
Although the film was only announced in 2023, it had a long gestation period with [[Peter Jackson]], who considered filming this subject since circa 1997, and as late as July 2015. During 2008, in particular, the film was in development with a plot synopsis, a tentative budget and an initial cast and crew attached, and drew the attention of further talent like [[Viggo Mortensen]], as well as the press. Elements of this proposed "bridge film" were eventually put into ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' but mostly axed during the early months of the shoot. Jackson also negotiated in 2018 about producing a show for [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime]] about the related subject of the travels of young [[Aragorn]], but ended up producing ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' with [[New Line Cinema]] instead.<br />
<br />
===During ''The'' ''Lord of the Rings''===<br />
[[Peter Jackson]] read [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']] circa 1979, and he claims that he "always loved the concept that when [[Gandalf]] leaves [[Bag End]] he goes and joins up with [[Aragorn]] and the two of them hunt [[Gollum]] down."<ref name=":26">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, "Director's Commentary", Peter Jackson, ''The Lord of the Rings trilogy'' (New Line Cinema: 2004).</ref> This piece of backstory was also expanded upon in the [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio serial]], which [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was very familiar with. He and [[Fran Walsh]] first pitched a trilogy based on [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' around November 1995.<ref>Brian Sibley, Peter Jackson: A Filmmaker's Journey (London: HarperCollins, 2006), pp. 312 ff.</ref><ref>J. W Braun, ''The lord of the films : the unofficial guide to Tolkien's Middle-Earth on the big screen'' (Toronto: ECW Press, 2009), pp. 20, 63, 68-69, 195.</ref><ref>Michael Pellerin, "Completing Middle-earth," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (Warner Brothers: 2015).</ref> They may well have had the [[Gollum]] episode in mind at some time between that point and early 1997. So long as they intended to start with ''The Hobbit'' (up to early 1996), they will have been mindful of the need to connect the two novels, and while their treatment (mid 1997) doesn't seem to cover the [[Gollum]] episode, it already dramatizes the remainder of the backstory that's given in "[[The Shadow of the Past]]", "[[The Council of Elrond]]" and [[appendix B]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1j06oqh/so_what_is_the_hunt_for_gollum_really_based_on/|articlename=So, what is The Hunt for Gollum REALLY based on?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=28 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> When the project expanded (September 1998) to three films, Jackson tried to finally incorporate this storyline - some eight pages' worth - but realized that he "just couldn't put [the Hunt for [[Gollum]]] into the movie".<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
[[Peter Jackson|Peter]] nevertheless publicly expressed a desire to film "[[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] hunting [[Gollum]], and his capture by [[Orcs]]"<ref name=":25">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://members.tripod.com/peter_jackson_online/lotr/articles/20_questions2.htm|articlename=20 QUESTIONS WITH PETER JACKSON- PART 2|author=Harry Knowles|dated=31 December 1998|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> At the time, the idea was to shoot this as additional material and add it into the extended edition: although by early 2001 he would have realized this could not be accomodated in the pickups to ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', in 2003 he would still half-jokingly talk about shooting more pickups to "fatten these films out without technically going beyond ‘The Lord of the Rings’ as the licensed property." Elsewhere in the commentary, he jokes about "spinoff" entries.<ref name=":26" /> Other ideas for this treatment included [[Tom Bombadil]]<ref name=":25" /> and the [[Lothlórien|attack on Lorien]], with the entire expansion estimated at two or three hours' worth.<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
By the end of 2001, The success of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' emboldened [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]<ref>Kristin Thompson, T''he Frodo Franchise: The Lord of the Rings and Modern Hollywoo''d (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2007), pp. 51, 327, 338.</ref> to pursue more films (he was also in discussions to "rekindle" ''King Kong'' at the time) and he had later discussed filming a "''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'' prequel", along with ''[[The Hobbit]]'', with composer [[Howard Shore]] and executive producer [[Mark Ordesky]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2006/11/19/24053-peter-jackson-and-fran-walsh-talk-the-hobbit-2/|articlename=Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh Talk THE HOBBIT|author=Xoanon|dated=19 November 2006|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.rhino.com/article/interview-howard-shore-the-lord-of-the-rings|articlename=INTERVIEW: Howard Shore (“The Lord of the Rings”)|author=Will Harris|dated=27 April 2018|website=Rhino}}</ref> At a later premiere, [[New Line Cinema|New Line]]'s president Robert Shaye told [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s agent [[Ken Kamins]] that they "would want to have a conversation" about the two films.<ref name=":30" /> The idea at the time was to incorporate [[Arwen]] as a female character<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327113046/https://ew.com/article/2003/12/06/peter-jackson-mulls-rings-prequel/|articlename=Peter Jackson mulls ''Rings'' prequel|author=Gary Susman|dated=6 December 2003|website=EW}}</ref> and produce both films back-to-back "in some short order"<ref name=":30">Ian Nathan, ''Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth'' (London: HarperCollins, 2019), pp. 827, 835.</ref> after ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', in order to "complete the set of films.”<ref name=":10" /> Actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|articlename=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|author=Anonymous|dated=9 Dec 2003|website=The Guardian}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] and producer Barrie Osborne<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2002/12/16/25965-ttt-benefit-with-barrie-osborne-2/|articlename=TTT Benefit with Barrie Osborne<br />
by|author=xoanon|dated=16 December 2002|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> all expressed interest at the time. <br />
<br />
While talking about ''[[The Hobbit]]'' in 16 September 2006, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] said they "have thought about it from time to time" and in fact "spent most of this morning" talking about the films. They talked of how "[[Elrond]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Arwen]] could all feature"<ref name=":11" /> and "[[Gollum]]'s sneaking into [[Mordor]] and [[Aragorn]] protecting [[The Shire]]. That's what we'd do. Love to work with [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] again".<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30085|articlename=Part 5: Quint and Peter Jackson talk THE HOBBIT and a potential return to low budget horror!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=16 September 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], hearing this remark in 2012, said it "sounds like a lot of fun".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/03/13/54232-viggo-mortensens-visit-to-boston-part-2-new-video/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen’s visit to Boston – part 2 (new video!)|author=Greendragon|dated=13 March 2012|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
<br />
===During ''The Hobbit''===<br />
Since the rights to [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] were split with [[MGM|Metro Goldwyn-Mayer]], in March 2007 [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] pitched this to CEO Harry Sloan: he had already heard of it from [[New Line Cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/14/hobbit-crown-panther-news|articlename=Hobbit, Crown, Panther News|author=Anonymous|dated=15 Nov 2006|website=IGN}}</ref> who had previously fallen-out with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], but Sloan was won over by Jackson's pitch, which was apparently very detailed.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.kristinthompson.net/blog/2008/05/19/the-hobbit-films-pj-and-fw-know-every-scene-every-moment/|articlename=The Hobbit films: PJ and FW know “every scene, every moment”|author=Kristin Thompson|dated=19 May 2008|website=Kristinthompson.net}}</ref> By contrast, Shaye later said [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] "hasn't told us too much about it."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.screendaily.com/new-line-mgm-team-for-two-hobbit-movies-with-peter-jackson/4036350.article|articlename=New Line, MGM team for two Hobbit movies with Peter Jackson|author=Jeremy Kay|dated=18 December 2007|website=Screen Daily}}</ref><br />
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By December, both films were moving forward with a budget of $150 million each: the idea was that [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] would write and produce and the films will be shot in 2009 for release in 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/del-toro-doubles-up-hobbit-103547/|articlename=Del Toro doubles up for ‘Hobbit’|author=Borys Kit|dated=28 January 2008|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Robert Shaye, Michael Lynne and [[Mark Ordesky]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/columns/shaye-kept-new-line-afloat-1117982001/|articlename=Shaye kept New Line afloat|author=Anne Thompson|dated=7 March 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> were attached as executive producers until February, when they were replaced by Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood.Actor [[Ian McKellen|Ian Mckellen]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/26/lordoftherings.jrrtolkien|articlename=Hard Hobbit to break: McKellen set for return as Gandalf|author=Anonymous|dated=26 March 2008|website=The Guardian}}</ref> assistant Matthew Dravitzky,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://if.com.au/guillermo-wants-old-buddies-to-join-him-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo wants old buddies to join him on The Hobbit|author=Anonymous|dated=23 March 2009|website=IF FX}}</ref> composer [[Howard Shore]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/28/30045-howard-shore-is-working-on-hobbit-score/|articlename=Howard Shore is Working on Hobbit Score|author=28 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/02/24/28408-howard-shore-talks-hobbit-in-switzerland/|articlename=Howard Shore Talks ‘Hobbit’ in Switzerland|author=Calisuri|dated=24 February 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref>, [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]]<ref name=":38">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/22/30352-del-toro-interview-part-3-%E2%80%9Ci-love-new-zealand%E2%80%9D/|articlename=Del Toro Interview Part 3: “I Love New Zealand!”|author=Xoanon|dated=22 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and [[Wētā FX|Weta FX]]<ref name=":37" /> were attached to the project. Although [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] hadn't ruled out directing - he later aired the notion of shooting second unit<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012042437/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/08/guillermo-del-toro-to-fly-solo-on-hobbit-directing-duties-says-no-to-peter-jackson-assist/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro To Fly Solo On ‘Hobbit’ Directing Duties, Says No To Peter Jackson Assist|author=Shawn Adler|dated=8 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref><ref name=":17" /> - he soon picked [[Guillermo del Toro]] to direct.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/01/30/28331-torn-exclusive-del-toro-%e2%80%9c99-percent-certain%e2%80%9d-says-nl-insider/|articlename=TORN exclusive: Del Toro “99 percent certain” says NL insider.|author=MrCere|dated=30 January 2008|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
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Subsequently, actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref name=":17" /> [[Ian Holm]]<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501020820/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1586421/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Addresses 'Hobbit' Fans' Concerns, Talks Possible Casting|author=Shawn Adler, Josh Horowitz|dated=28 April 2008|website=Premiere.com}}</ref>; concept artists [[Alan Lee]] and [[John Howe]]; prosthetics supervisor [[Gino Acevedo]]<ref name=":37">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/04/25/28747-guillermo-del-toro-chats-with-torn-about-the-hobbit-films/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Chats with TORN About ‘The Hobbit’ Films!|author=Xoanon|dated=25 April 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and costume designer Kate Hawley<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.whowhatwear.com/living/who-what-wear-podcast-kate-hawley|articlename=How the Frankenstein Costume Designer Brought the Film to Life|author=Madeline Hill|dated=17 November 2025|website=Who What Wear}}</ref> were all attached. They had approached [[Grant Major]] but he declined<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://www.artstars.us/grant-major/8/|articlename=Grant Major|author=Tom Lisowski|dated=14 November 2011|website=Art Stars}}</ref> and they engaged [[Dan Hennah]] as production designer.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/51948|articlename=An Unexpected Journey: Quint on the set of The Hobbit Part 3 – Beginnings and Endings|author=Eric Vespe|dated=14 November 2011|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> Actors [[Martin Freeman]]<ref>In "The Road Back to Middle-earth", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (New Line Cinema: 2015), Philippa Boyens recalls proposing Freeman as Bilbo Baggins when she saw him at the 2003 BAFTAs.</ref> and [[Hugo Weaving]];<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/504115/guillermo-del-toro-confirms-hugo-weaving-for-the-hobbit-and-much-more/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Confirms Hugo Weaving For The Hobbit... And Much More|author=Brendon Connolly|dated=11 June 2009|website=Slash Film}}</ref> as well as [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]]'s regular collaborators (including artists Wayne Barlowe and Francisco Ruiz Velasco<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201164150/http://bilbohobbit.com/del-toro-talks-hobbit-in-live-chat/|articlename="Del Toro talks 'Hobbit' in Live Chat"|author=Alex|dated=27 November 2008|website=BilboHobbit.com}}</ref>) were also being sought beginning at this time.<br />
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"We got really excited," said [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]], "because this second film is not a ‘tag on’, it’s not ‘filler,’ it’s an integral part of telling the story of those 50 years of history lost in the narrative".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/60-year-period-between-hobbi-20080425/|articlename=60-Year Period Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Fellowship’ For Hobbit Sequel Suddenly Gone? Or Not?|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=25 April 2008|website=The Playlist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gamesradar.com/guillermo-del-toro-talks-hobbit-and-more/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro talks Hobbit and more|author=Anonymous|dated=25 April 2008|website=Total Film}}</ref> Although he had a radical new vision for the designs in the first film, <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915124607/http://www.premiere.com/features/4642/exclusive-guillermo-del-toro-on-hellboy-ii-page4.html|articlename=Exclusive: Guillermo del Toro on 'Hellboy II'|author=Anonymous|website=Premiere}}</ref> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] intended to use the second film to affect a gradual change of style towards that of [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]: "We have to recreate a lot of the stuff they did on the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]," he said: helpfully, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the [[Bag End]] and [[Rivendell]] sets, and they set about rebuilding [[Hobbiton]].<ref name=":32" /><br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] also rewatched the extended editions with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and intended to watch the making-ofs, dailies "the camera reports... everything," particularly for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914124349/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/nycomicconnews.php?id=44254|articlename=EXCL: Del Toro on Hellboy II and The Hobbit|author=Edward Douglas|dated=21 April 2008|website=Coming Soon.net}}</ref> The remastering of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' was also begun around this time. This was done because [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] felt that it "has to evolve into the lensing, the color palette, the texture palette, and the feel of the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]…"<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/37428|articlename=Quint and Guillermo del Toro chat about HELLBOY II, THE HOBBIT and more!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=12 July 2008|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> partially for this purpose, a break was to be scheduled partway through the shoot,<ref name=":31">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712175117/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2879|articlename=GUILLERMO DEL TORO ESCAPES 'LABYRINTH' AND ENDS RIGHT BACK INTO 'HELLBOY'|author=Carl Cortez|dated=9 July 2008|website=iFMagazine}}</ref> which was estimated at over 370 days.<ref name=":31" /> <br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] insisted the second film would add to the series.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wReRe8Si2aU|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: RT's Dinner & the Movies Interview Pt 5|author=OCR|dated=11 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> He said "it’s also expanding and illuminating some of the aspects of the trilogy in a slightly different way, like same characters in a different environment. I find that very attractive."<ref name=":13" /> The idea was that the first film would be a retelling of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']], including the bulk of the [[Dol Guldur]] storyline, up to [[Smaug]]'s death: the second would wrap-up the remainder of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] in its first half, and concern itself with the Hunt for [[Gollum]] and other "bridging" plot threads in its second half.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831093447/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/07/hobbit-films-will-be-one-continuous-journey-promises-guillermo-del-toro/|articlename='Hobbit' Films Will Be One 'Continuous Journey,' Promises Guillermo Del Toro|author=Shawn Adler|dated=7 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> <br />
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Although [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] predicted the second film would require the most work,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P0dTo0yNpQ|articlename=THE HOBBIT 1 & 2 MOVIE UPDATE|author=ReelzChannel|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> both he<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVHzVKy_F8w|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro talks about Hobbit Movie|author=Brettmartintv|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] showed a particular eagerness towards it, with [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] calling it a "treasure trove of possibilities."<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915084029/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1590278/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Answers 'Hobbit' Fans' Questions About Returning 'Rings' Cast, Religion And More|author=Shawn Adler|dated=2 July 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was also "really looking forward to developing Film Two. It gives us a freedom that we haven't really had on our [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] journey."<ref name=":17" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] concluded that "the promise of that land is absolutely mind-boggling!"<ref name=":16" /> <br />
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Referring specifically to [[Gollum]]'s part in the events, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said "[[Gollum]] has a rather fascinating arch to go through and his alliance to [[Shelob]] or his period of imprisonment in [[Thranduil]]'s". [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] added that "There's an awful lot of incident that happens during that 60 year gap. At this stage, we're not imagining a film that literally covers 60 years, like a bio-pic or documentary. We would figure out what happens during that 60 years, and choose one short section of time to drop in and dramatise for the screen". Both filmmakers said they agreed that "apart from extreme circumstances, we would never recast a character who appeared in the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|LOTR trilogy]]".<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730161821/http://www.wetanz.com/holics/index.php?itemid=695&catid=2|articlename=An Unexpected Party Chat|author=Anonymous|dated=30 July 2008|website=Weta Workshop website}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later remarked that, in some cases, they'd sooner write around a character than recast the part.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/41848|articlename=Comic-Con '09: Peter Jackson talks to Capone about DISTRICT 9, THE HOBBIT, and the state of the film industry!!!|author="Capone"|dated=28 July 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> <br />
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As of the formulation of these comments in July, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said the second film is "too early"<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YoRDF12aRc|articlename=GDT the Hobbit 1|author=Garfeimao TheOneRing|dated=14 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> in its development process to know precisely what it might entail, estimating that it would take six months to formulate the storyline for the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/09/exclusive-gdt-on-the-hobbit|articlename=Exclusive: GDT on The Hobbit|author=Eric Moro and Stax|dated=10 July 2008|website=IGN}}</ref> By September, however, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] claimed they "found what reverberated."<ref name=":14" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] had expressed reservations about the term "bridge film" from the outset, but by now he and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] disabused of the term completely, having come to see the films as five undifferentiated parts of a greater whole. <br />
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Although they apparently made an outline,<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/16/30296-guillermo-del-toro-i%e2%80%99m-so-voracious-about-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: “I’m so voracious about The Hobbit!”|author=Xoanon|dated=16 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> it seems the film went no further than this. Up until this point, del Toro had been video-conferencing with Jackson and the other collaborators, meeting in person every three weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/features/guillermo-del-toro-booked-thru-2017-1117991560/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro booked thru 2017|author=Michael Fleming|dated=3 September, 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> By the time he arrived to concentrate on writing the story treatment in November 2008<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=147373;guest=501771554#147373|articlename="Hola"|author=Guillermo del Toro|dated=8 November 2008|website=The One Ring Discussion Boards}}</ref><ref>Alfio Leotta, ''Peter Jackson'' (London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015), p. 196.</ref> the contents of the "bridge" film were being gradually edged-out by the contents of ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]],'' to the point that by the time the completed treatment was greenlit in April 2009<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/08/03/32999-peter-jackson-speaks/|articlename=Peter Jackson speaks|author=MrCere|dated=3 August 2009|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref> the films could only be described as a two-part adaptation of ''[[The Hobbit]].'' Although [[John Howe]] apparently sent [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] some sketches,<ref name=":38" /> and [[Howard Shore]] had musical ideas,<ref>TheOneRing, Hobbit Desolation of Smaug Music Commentary Watch Along, ''YouTube'', 29 July 2020. Esp. 1:12:15. One such musical idea dates back to the composition of ''The Fellowship of the Ring:'' the flat sixth setting of the Hobbits' bassline that's heard when Gandalf glimpses Thorin's map: Howard was saving that as a "portent of an adventure" towards a potential adaptation of The Hobbit, but by the stage of discussing with del Toro he would have realized it would be applicable to the "bridge" film as well.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30722|articlename=ScoreKeeper Talks To Howard Shore About THE TWO TOWERS Complete Recordings, THE HOBBIT, And More!!|author=Merrick|dated=16 November 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> no more work was done on the bridge film. At this time, a [[The Hunt for Gollum|fan film on the same subject was released]]. <br />
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Even so, elements of the bridge film clung to the project for a long time: in 2013 [[Philippa Boyens]] said that "When we started structuring this trilogy we honestly thought about telling some of that. How [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] becomes the uncle of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and take care of him. The story of [[Gollum]]…"<ref name=":9" /> Casting calls had been issued for the roles of [[Primula Brandybuck]] and [[Drogo Baggins]]:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024010428/http://www.movies.spoilertv.com/2010/01/hobbit-casting-call.html#ixzz0btnyJvCI|articlename=Hobbit - Official Casting Call and Plot Details|author=DarkUFO|dated=4 January 2010|website=SpoilerTV}}</ref> While Caroline Grace-Cassidy was considered for [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]], [[Ryan Gage]] was cast in the role of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and remained attached to it well into shooting, only being recast as [[Alfrid]] around May.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cate-blanchett-revisiting-rings-role-57193/|articlename=Cate Blanchett Revisiting ‘Rings’ Role In ‘Hobbit’|author=Gregg Kilday|dated=7 December 2010|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s cameo, which was originally rumoured to include him "moving to live at [[Bag End]] after the untimely drowning of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]]" was probably rewritten into its present form around that time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=theonering.net/torwp/2014/03/25/87789-how-would-have-peter-jacksons-the-hobbit-looked-as-a-duology/|articlename=How would have Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit looked as a duology?|author=Demosthenes|dated=25 March 2014|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> They had scouted locations for the [[Barrow-downs|Barrow Downs]], possibly with a connection to the aforementioned "[[Aragorn]] protecting the [[The Shire|Shire]]" plot point.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://narniafans.com/2019/08/interview-with-narnia-conceptual-designer-john-howe/|articlename=Interview with Narnia Conceptual Designer John Howe|author=David Sutton|dated=18 August 2019|website=Narnia Fans.com}}</ref> More scenes were planned for the [[Dol Guldur]] story and the [[Orcs]]: they had gone as far as designing a young [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)#Gothmog in adaptations|Gothmog]] who would participate in the concluding battle, but didn't utilize him.<ref name=":0" /> <br />
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Another storyline concerned Itarille (later [[Tauriel]]) and her romance with an Elf lord of [[Rivendell]]: clearly an outgrowth of the original idea of featuring [[Arwen]] in the film. [[Aidan Turner]] seems to have read for the part of this Elf Lord. Indeed, Jackson recalled in 2015 that "We did try to figure out a way to get a cameo, even if it was a cameo, for [[Aragorn]] and actually for [[Arwen]], too: we tried to have [[Liv Tyler]] in the film".<ref name=":0" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] remarked in 2013 that they envisioned [[Aragorn]] being "quite young" in the film, but concluded that [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] "could have absolutely played" him at the time. "It was incredibly tempting."<ref name=":39">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TapH7wM8MdI&t=85s|articlename=Philippa Boyens ci parla delle scene tagliate dello Hobbit: la Desolazione di Smaug e di... Aragorn!|author=Badtaste|dated=11 December 2013|website=YouTube}}</ref> It's unclear when the idea finally died out: the scene "invoking [[Aragorn]]" was scripted in early 2013, as a "homage" to their earlier plans. <br />
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[[Viggo Mortensen]] had been interested in the project since 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/18/29885-viggo-mortensen-still-waiting-for-guillermo-del-toro%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98hobbit%E2%80%99-call/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Still Waiting For Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’ Call|author=Xoanon|dated=18 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> In 2008 he said he would "rather do it myself than see another actor finish the job for me,"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/12/17/30804-tv-watch-viggo-mortensen-on-night-talk/|articlename=TV Watch: Viggo Mortensen on ‘Night Talk’|author=Xoanon|dated=17 December 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/39305|articlename=Capone has a GOOD chat with Viggo Mortensen about politics, THE ROAD, APPALOOSA, and THE HOBBIT!!!|author=Steve Prokopy|dated=11 May 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> saying "it would be fun."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/41460224.html|articlename=Moviefone's Exclusive Viggo Mortensen Interview!|author=Anonymous|dated=25 November 2009|website=Moviefone}}</ref> Other actors from [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']] have also expressed interest in appearing in the film, including [[Liv Tyler]], <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/03/21/42863-liv-tyler-not-contacted-for-hobbit/|articlename=Liv Tyler Not Contacted For Hobbit|author=DiveTwin|dated=21 March 2011|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[Cate Blanchett]],<ref name=":16" /> [[Dominic Monaghan]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/dominic-monaghan-ready-to-return-for-the-hobbit-movies/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan Ready to Return for The Hobbit Movies?|author=Brandon Lee Tenney|dated=19 January 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> [[Sean Astin]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/03/10/31356-astin-up-for-hobbit-if-hobbit-up-for-him/|articlename=Astin up for Hobbit if Hobbit up for him|author=Xoanon|dated=10 March 2009|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Noble]] and [[Sean Bean]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a434476/sean-bean-on-the-hobbit-absence-theyre-sticklers-for-detail/|articlename=Sean Bean on 'The Hobbit' absence: 'They're sticklers for detail'|author=Emma Dibdin|dated=30 October 2012|website=Digital Spy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/viggo-mortensen-optimistic-about-role-20090401/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Optimistic About Role In Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’, Project Extends To A Trilogy?|author=Simon Dang|dated=1 April 2009|website=The Playlist}}</ref> [[Christopher Lee]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://whatculture.com/film/christopher-lee-wants-sarumann-return-in-the-hobbit|articlename=Christopher Lee wants Saruman return in THE HOBBIT|author=Matt Holmes|dated=25 June 2011|website=WhatCulture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qGFbBNnodw&t=77s|articlename=Christopher Lee about possibly returning to Middle Earth|author="Rushblogg"|dated=12 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Brad Dourif]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/12/29751-brad-dourif-on-returning-to-middle-earth/|articlename=Brad Dourif on Returning to Middle-earth|author=Deej|dated=12 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Rhys-Davies]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-makeup-difficulties-explained-john-rhys-davies/|articlename=John Rhys-Davies Reveals Gruesome Makeup Process for Gimli in The Lord of the Rings [Exclusive]|author=Aidan Kelley and Steven Weintraub|dated=9 August 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> and [[Elijah Wood]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/11/16/30565-elijah-hobbit-appearance-concievably-possible/|articlename=Elijah – Hobbit appearance ‘concievably possible’|author=Altaira|dated=16 November 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2008/elijah-wood-confirms-dual-hobbit-movie-details/|articlename=Elijah Wood Confirms Dual Hobbit Movie Details|author=Alex Billington|dated=11 January 2008|website=First Showing}}</ref><br />
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Around 2010, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] recieved an availability call<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/may/28/viggo-mortensen-interview|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'If I think a film's beyond me – that's a good sign'|author=Imogen Tilden|dated=28 May 2013|website=The Guardian}}</ref> from [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]: "I said sure, if [[Aragorn]] is supposed to be in the bridge story, because he’s not in [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']],” he said.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/05/30/72294-viggo-turned-down-role-as-aragorn-not-so-fast/|articlename=Viggo ‘Turned Down’ Role as Aragorn? Not so fast…|author=Newsfrombree|dated=30 May 2013|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.wired.com/2012/03/viggo-mortensen-speaks-2/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Speaks: Part 2 of 3|author=Ethan Gilsdorf|dated=11 March 2012|website=Wired.com}}</ref> Informed that they "can take certain liberties" he said he'd "love to revisit him."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/viggo-mortensen-interview-captain-fantastic-lord-of-the-rings-aragorn-hobbit-david-cronenberg-a7231826.html|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'I didn't throw Peter Jackson under the bus'|author=Jacob Stolworthy|dated=23 January 2017|website=The Independent}}</ref> However, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later revealed that since that call, they "could think of no way of doing it".<ref name=":0" /> Having no further contact, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] concluded in November 2011 that "[[Aragorn]] is half elf [sic] and also lives a couple hundred years or more and he could be in a bridge, but I have to assume it isn't going to happen".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/rings-actor-mortensen-unlikely-to-repeat-role-idUSTRE7AM2U9/|articlename="Rings" actor Mortensen unlikely to repeat role|author=Kurt Orzeck|dated=24 November 2011|website=Reuters}}</ref> Although he still has misgivings - "It would make sense if Aragorn was part of the story and he's not"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/interview-viggo-mortensen-is-lord-of-all-things-1573949|articlename=Interview: Viggo Mortensen is lord of all things|author=Chitra Ramaswamy|dated=25 May 2013|website=The Scotsman}}</ref> - he said he would still be open to playing [[Aragorn]] "if it seemed sensible to do so".<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
===After ''The Hobbit''===<br />
<br />
Conversations about making the "bridge film" as a third instalment<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/guillermo-del-toro-updates-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Briefly Talks More About The Hobbit Split|author=Alex Billington|dated=5 June 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> continued well into 2010:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://geeksofdoom.com/2009/08/19/bridge-between-the-hobbit-lord-of-the-rings-still-to-be-built-peter-jackson-to-direct-third-movie|articlename=[Updated] Bridge Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Still To Be Built? Peter Jackson To Direct Third Movie?|author="The Movie God"|dated=19 August 2009|website=Geeks of Doom}}</ref> In 2012, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had revealed that "a third movie has always been in discussion."<ref>Michael Pellerin, "The Clouds Burst", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> These conversations resumed - now with the film situated as a fourth movie - as [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] was winding down in 2013. Says [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]: "There’s enough story there to make a bridge movie, you know, there’s 60 years between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' and a lot of things happened."<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.heyuguys.com/interview-peter-jackson-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/|articlename=The HeyUGuys Interview: The Hobbit director Peter Jackson all but rules out a return to Middle Earth|author=Stefan Pape|dated=13 December 2013|website=HeyUGuys}}</ref> In the director's commentary to ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]]'' in 2015, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] remained open to the idea of making more films, and mused about what Jackson jokingly calls "A fictitious film 3.5" which [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] goes on to call "The Hunt for Gollum".<ref name=":0">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, "Director's Commentary," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said it could include "a few other things that go on which are really interesting" like [[Saruman]]'s search for the [[The One Ring|Ring]]. She elaborates:<blockquote>''[[Aragorn]] really is one who tracks Gollum and ends up...and finds him eventually in the [[Dead Marshes]], and he's taken [[Woodland Realm|to the Elves]]. And he's taken to the Elves, and because of the kindness of the Elves - and [[Legolas]] is one of his keepers... in [[Mirkwood]], and through their kindness he actually manages to escape. Or has he escaped? Or was he let loose?''<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>[[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the possibility of returning to [[Middle-earth]] open<ref name=":0" /> but [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] revealed that they "had zero expectations of going back to this."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-peter-jackson-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-explain-23-years-after-cannes-saved-original-trilogy-1235917510/|articlename=Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis & Philippa Boyens Explain Why They’re Returning To Middle-Earth For ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ 23 Years After Cannes Saved The Billion-Dollar Franchise|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=15 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/don-t-expect--the-hobbit-3--to-lead-directly-into--the-lord-of-the-rings-140402150.html|articlename=The Hobbit 3 won't lead into The Lord of the Rings|author=Tom Butler|dated=11 December 2013|website=Yahoo Entertainment UK}}</ref> Their ultimate decision to return to this premise may have been stirred, in part, by other projects: first, Jackson had seen the in-development video game ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|Shadow of Mordor]],'' on which [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] and others from Jackson's crew had worked, and which had nestled itself into the gap between ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]].''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/why-lord-of-the-rings-fans-should-be-excited-for-shadow-of-mordor|articlename=Why Lord of the Rings Fans Should Be Excited for Shadow of Mordor|author=Luke Karmali|dated=20 February 2014|website=IGN}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Shortly afterwards, when the [[Tolkien Estate]] (still nominally under [[Christopher Tolkien]]) shopped the television rights, the idea of doing a show about young [[Aragorn]] was pitched, first by Netflix, and then - at the suggestion of the Russo brothers<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/the-rings-of-power-showrunners-interview-season-2-1235233124/|articlename=‘The Rings of Power’ Showrunners Break Silence on Backlash, Sauron and Season 2|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 October 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> - by [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=946980;sb=post_time;so=DESC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=206510448#947231|articlename=If you will indulge me in a story|author="Uncle Iorlas"|dated=21 July 2018|website=The One Ring.net Message Boards}}</ref> Upon hearing this, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' mind immediately went to the period of the hunt: "If you're telling the [story of] him hunting [[Gollum]], you're getting closer to [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]]."<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.fandom.com/articles/peter-jackson-lord-of-the-rings-series|articlename=Peter Jackson’s Tips For Casting Aragorn in Lord of the Rings TV Show|author=Kim Taylor-Foster|dated=4 December 2018|website=Fandom.com}}</ref> She and Jackson had also expressed interest in the potential of [[Aragorn]]'s younger days and life in [[Rivendell]]: "He's probably going to have to start young,"<ref name=":21" /> remarked Boyens, concluding that "A lot of the early [[Aragorn]] story hasn't been told."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/108970711/philippa-boyens-on-mortal-engines-hobbits-and-going-solo|articlename=Philippa Boyens on Mortal Engines, Hobbits and going solo|author=Philip Matthews|dated=16 December 2018|website=Stuff.nz}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortesen]] also got wind of the rumours and said he's open to reprising his role.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/viggo-mortensen-interview-falling-lord-of-the-rings/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Falling, Directing, and LOTR TV Show Interest|author=Christina Radish|dated=14 February 2021|website=Collider}}</ref><br />
<br />
Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood from [[New Line Cinema]] were brought into the fold in the hopes of cooperating on the show. In early 2018 lawyer Peter Nelson set-up "dialogue between [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]" to participate as executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/how-lord-rings-tv-series-landed-at-amazon-not-netflix-1099213/|articlename=Inside Amazon’s $250M ‘Lord of the Rings’ Deal: “It’s Very Much a Creature of the Times”|author=Tatiana Siegel|dated=5 April 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308114202/https://www.herr-der-ringe-film.de/v3/de/news/tolkienfilme/news_121920.php|articlename=Exklusiv: Zu den Kulissen der HERR DER RINGE Serie, Her Der Ringe Film (archived).|author=Cirdan|dated=20 June 2018|website=Herr der Ringe.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/108520139/sir-peter-jackson-hasnt-given-up-hope-of-making-the-dam-busters|articlename=Sir Peter Jackson hasn't given up hope of making The Dam Busters|author=James Croot|dated=12 November 2018|website=NZStuff}}</ref> Preoccupied with ''Mortal Engines'' and ''They Shall Not Grow Old'', [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] proposed in June 2018 to review the scripts and put "the creative team together."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://de.ign.com/tv/129313/interview/peter-jackson-ist-fur-das-kreative-team-hinter-der-herr-der-ringe-serie-verantwortlich|articlename=Peter Jackson ist für das kreative Team hinter der Herr der Ringe-Serie verantwortlich|author=Valentin Aschenbrenner|dated=5 June 2018|website=IGN.de}}</ref> In July, Amazon landed on [[John D. Payne]] and [[Patrick McKay]] as showrunners, and before any work could be done, a regime change in [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]]<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/peter-jackson-amazon-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-1235193692/|articlename=Peter Jackson Says Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Ghosted Him|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> in early 2019 resulted in [[New Line Cinema]] being demoted to a "minority licensee stakeholder."<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-vs-warner-bros-1235337625/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Amazon, Warner Bros. Ready for Tolkien Battle|author=James Hibberd|dated=28 February 2023|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Although the showrunners had asked to meet [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]],<ref name=":19" /> COVID prevented this from taking place.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/10-burning-questions-about-amazons-the-rings-of-power?srsltid=AfmBOopmlhLKVkCtSqkuvTTAcUtyQUICWXopTWLQq_1tu4aEf1ICrDLp|articlename=10 Burning Questions About Amazon’s The Rings of Power|author=Joanna Robinson|dated=14 February 2022|website=Vanity Fair}}</ref> While the show used a substantial number of his crew, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] were reportedly "very frustrated that so many believed they were involved with [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]’s show."<ref name=":20" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had avoided watching the show to prevent "cross-contamination."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1693866/why-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-screenwriter-wont-watch-the-rings-of-power/|articlename=Why One Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Screenwriter Won't Watch The Rings Of Power|author=Jaron Pak|dated=21 October 2024|website=Slash Film}}</ref> Since then, the show had left [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s home country of [[New Zealand]].<br />
<br />
Already in 2019, the show's development had galvanized Emmerich and Blackwood to pursue an animated film with [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] (who were not involved in the show) and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]. The bridge film might have been the "CG-animated" story that [[New Line Cinema|New Line]] "had been exploring with Sir [[Peter Jackson]]" but it failed to materialize and they decided to pursue ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim]]''<ref>Daniel Falconer, ''The Art of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim'' (Wiliam Murrow: London, 2025), pp. 9-10.</ref>. Later on, Emmerich and Blackwood were replaced by Michael de Luca and Pam Abdy, who were "striving to keep [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]] from blurring the lines too much between" the show and the films.<ref name=":20" /> Other projects like [[Tales of the Shire: A "The Lord of the Rings" Game|''Tales of the Shire'']], the remastering of the six films to Ultra High Definition and renovations of [[Hobbiton]] were begun shortly afterwards, as well.<br />
<br />
After this long gestation period, ''The Hunt for Gollum'' entered development once again in 2022. [[Andy Serkis]] was attached as director in October 2023 and story meetings occurred as early as May 2024, along with early availability calls to actors like [[Ian McKellen]] and [[Viggo Mortensen]] between that time and early September. By that point, the writing of the treatment was underway, followed by the first draft in January-May. After some crew hiring in August, pre-production started in early September 2025 ahead of shooting in May 2026.<br />
<br />
==Development==<br />
In 2022 the new administration of [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] expressed a desire to make more films, including ones "based on iconic characters, such as [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gollum]], [[Galadriel]], [[Éowyn|Eowyn]] and other characters."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lord-of-the-rings-rights-embracer-1235201442/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘The Hobbit’ Movie, Games and Other Rights Holder Sold to Swedish Gaming Company Embracer|author=Georg Szalai|dated=18 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] kept updated throughout the negotiations to extend [[New Line Cinema]]'s lease on the rights.<ref name=":4" /> <br />
<br />
Having "really enjoyed working with [[Kenji Kamiyama]], who directed ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]''," [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] signed on to produce two new films: [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] denied<ref name=":22" /> rumours that this involved splitting the [[Gollum]] story,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-cast-plot-everything-we-know-1235919922/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’: Everything We Know So Far|author=Dessi Gomez|dated=16 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://filmstories.co.uk/news/the-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-its-two-films-says-ian-mckellen/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings: Hunt For Gollum {{!}} “It’s two films” says Ian McKellen|author=Ryan Lambie|dated=11 September 2024|website=Film Stories}}</ref> and at various times her and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] expressed interest in subjects varying from the [[Battle of Dale|War in the North]], Young [[Aragorn]], or certain vignettes from [[Rohan]] or [[Gondor]]'s history, which are all possible for the second film.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1i97ctm/the_next_film_after_the_hunt_for_gollum/|articlename=The next film after The Hunt for Gollum: Everything we know so far|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=25 January 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> These are probably ''not'' the other two scripts [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had been working on, however.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/peter-jackson-not-retired-working-on-three-scripts-1235138316/|articlename=Peter Jackson Is Working on Three Screenplays: ‘I’m Certainly Not Retired’|author=By Rance Collins|dated=13 July 2025|website=IndieWire}}</ref><br />
<br />
Signing on the films was done with the intention to jump-start a new slate of ''Lord of the Rings'' prequels for [[New Line Cinema]],<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":24" /> with [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also expressing interest in making an "epic trilogy", probably about the [[Angmar conflict|Angmar War]].<ref name=":23" /> However, having developed the [[Gollum]] premise for so long, they decided to start with it. Asked about unrealized projects in 2024, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] observed that "there's a lot of that in ''The Hunt for Gollum.''"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LdzKS584wA&t=614s|articlename=Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim Interviews! Peter Jackson Role Explained|author=Brandon Davis|dated=29 October 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]], had directed second unit on ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]<ref name=":7" />'' and had since become a director in his own right, as well as narrating audiobooks of Tolkien's novels. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] approached [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] around October 2023.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssUmmuU-Bmk&t=76s|articlename=Andy Serkis Talks Motion Capture, Gollum, and Directing {{!}} Superhero Comic Con San Antonio 2024 Q&A|author=Freeman Coliseum|dated=24 June 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> While developing the story, they already made availability checks to key cast and crew members.<br />
<br />
===Writing===<br />
Story meetings have happened at least as early as May 2024<ref name=":7" /> and by July they were about to start writing,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/comconnireland/status/1835962321211904490|articlename=Andy Serkis took to the stage at Comic Con Northern Ireland to talk all things Lord of the Rings and more!|author=@comconnireland|dated=16 September 2024|website=Twitter}}</ref> with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] spotted at the [[Hobbiton]] set in November with writers [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and Arty Papageorgiou, producers [[Zane Weiner]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/05/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-1236390022/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ Sets Pre-Christmas 2027 Release|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=8 May 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and Carlos Ramirez Laloli.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.elfenomeno.com/info/ver/23481/comienza-el-rodaje-de-el-senor-de-los-anillos-la-caza-de-gollum-en-hobbiton|articlename=¿Comienza el rodaje de El Señor de los Anillos: La Caza de Gollum en Hobbiton?|author=Elfenomeno|dated=6 November 2024|website=Elfenomeno.com}}</ref> By December they had been in the process of writing the story treatment.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-arty-papageorgiou-phoebe-gittins/|articlename="Who Better for a Gollum Film Than Gollum Himself?": 'War of the Rohirrim' Writers on Working with Andy Serkis in 'The Hunt for Gollum'|author=Therese Lacson|dated=16 December 2024|website=Collider}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] later estimated they would finish writing by the middle of the year - executive Pamela Abdy since put the completion of the script at May<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/04/warner-bros-mike-de-luca-pam-abdy-courage-in-face-of-brutal-press-coverage-1236366618/|articlename=Warner Bros’ Mike De Luca & Pam Abdy: Playing Long Game, Mixing IP Like ‘Bodyguard’ Revamp & Bold Originals & Animation Despite Brutal Press|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=11 April 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> - and begin "scouting locations and building [sets]" with shooting due to begin towards the beginning of 2026.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/15/exclusive-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-on-the-hunt-for-gollum/|articlename=Exclusive: Andy Serkis, Philippa Boyens on new Lord of the Rings film|author=Abbey Wakefield|dated=15 December 2024|website=1News}}</ref> As a result, the release date for the film was ultimately delayed from 2026 to 17 December 2027.<ref name="TheDirect2027Release">{{webcite|author=Klein Felt|articleurl=https://thedirect.com/article/hunt-for-gollum-movie-lord-of-the-rings-release-official|articlename=Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum Movie Gets Release Window from Andy Serkis|dated=27 Feb 2025|website=[https://thedirect.com The Direct]|accessed=27 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-december-2027-1236390820/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ Sets December 2027 Release Date; Warner Bros. Also Dates New ‘Evil Dead’ and M. Night Shyamalan Movies for 2026|author=Zack Sharf|dated=8 May 2025|website=Variety}}</ref><br />
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A draft of the screenplay had been sent to de Luca and Abdy in May, probably prior to the investor meeting on the 8th, when [[Warner Bros.|Warner]]'s CEO David Zaslav announced the official release date.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://voicefilm.com/david-zaslav-announces-that-the-release-date-for-the-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie-will-be-revealed-today/|articlename=David Zaslav Announces That the Release Date for the Next ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie Will Be Revealed Today|author=Mark|dated=8 May 2025|website=Voice Film}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comicbasics.com/warner-ceo-david-zaslav-says-they-will-focus-more-on-their-main-ips-like-harry-potter-and-dc-in-the-future-those-belong-to-us-and-theyll-only-belong-to-us-forever/|articlename=Warner CEO David Zaslav Says They Will Focus More on Their Main IPs Like ‘Harry Potter’ and DC in the Future: “Those belong to us, and they’ll only belong to us forever.”|author=Arthur S. Poe|dated=8 May 2025|website=Comic Basics}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since revealed that the film is due to start pre production in August<ref name=":33">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1krwz8d/andy_serkis_the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for/|articlename=Andy Serkis Panel at Fan Expo Philadelphia 2025|author=FandomWire News|dated=19 May 2025}}</ref> - when the film started hiring crew - then ammended to "late August to early September"<ref name=":18" />, with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] ultimately arriving in [[Wellington]] circa 8 September to begin work on the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://metro.co.uk/2025/09/03/andy-serkis-admits-cant-escape-gollum-ahead-lord-rings-return-24066270/amp/|articlename=Andy Serkis admits he ‘can’t escape Gollum’ ahead of Lord of the Rings return|author=Sabrina Barr|dated=3 September 2025|website=Metro UK}}</ref> Serkis had left New Zealand during the holiday season, attending the premiere of "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" before flying back to New Zealand: en rote he landed in Los Angeles.<ref name=":41">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/andy-serkis-wants-original-lord-of-the-rings-cast-in-new-film/|articlename=LOTR' Star Andy Serkis: OG Cast Is Precious, Love 'Em For New Flick|author=Anonymous|dated=20 January 20 2026|website=TMZ}}</ref><br />
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==Pre production==<br />
[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had further said preproduction will last for six months,<ref name=":27">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comingsoon.it/cinema/news/in-un-mondo-alla-deriva-gollum-ci-salvera-la-nostra-intervista-ad-andy/n203564/|articlename=In un mondo alla deriva Gollum ci salverà: la nostra intervista ad Andy Serkis|author=Carola Proto|dated=25 June 2025|website=Coming Soon.it}}</ref> with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] later confirming it will start filming in May<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1msw9fp/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_starts/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum starts shooting in May, says Sir Ian McKellen. "I'll tell you two secrets about the casting..."|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=17 August 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> for an extended shooting period:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-filming-update-andy-serkis/|articlename=Director Andy Serkis Offers Huge Filming Update For 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' [Exclusive]|author=Chris McPherson and Steven Weintraub|dated=10 June 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> This puts the beginning of filming in [[New Zealand]] winter and, deducting the holidays, six months after [[Andy Serkis|Andy]]'s arrival. Location scouting may have taken place at Hawke's Bay as early as June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1lis26w/a_location_scout_for_the_lord_of_the_rings_the/|articlename=A location scout for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum seems to be snooping around Hawke's Bay, New Zealand|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=23 June 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> and later at the Waikato.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360837801/aliens-warriors-heroes-princesses-and-gollum-big-productions-filmed-and-possibly-coming-waikato|articlename=Aliens, warriors, heroes, princesses ... and Gollum: The big productions filmed in (and possibly coming to) the Waikato|author=Mike Mather|dated=1 October 2025|website=Waikato Times}}</ref> They had also watched the films sometime prior to November.<ref>Latino USA TV, "How Movie Monsters Are Really Made!", YouTube, 26 November 2025.</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] also spoke appreciatively of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s penchant for behind the scenes extras, suggesting a similar approach to the film.<ref name=":33" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/gu1jj7/one_zoom_to_rule_them_all_reunited_apart_lord_of/|articlename=One Zoom to Rule Them All {{!}} Reunited Apart LORD OF THE RINGS Edition|author=Josh Gad|dated=31 May 2021|website=}}</ref> In October, [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] revealed that they're developing prosthetics.<ref name=":34">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1og2b4p/andy_serkis_says_all_the_art_department_from_lord/|articlename=Andy Serkis says "all the art department" from Lord of the Rings are "excited to come back." They started location scouting and camera tests.|author=u/Lord_Varys92|dated=25 October 2024|website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
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Since [[Elijah Wood]], slated to appear in the film, is on tour through to early September,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://parade.com/news/lord-of-the-rings-hobbits-25-years-later-reunion-tour|articlename=The Hobbits Are Back Together — and Their Big News Has Fans Cheering|author=Whitney Danhauer|dated=25 October 2025|website=Parade}}</ref> his scenes might be scheduled for [[New Zealand]] summer, which could suggest shooting ''in situ'' in [[Hobbiton]], presumably depicting [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] dallying outside [[Bag End]] while [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and [[Gandalf]] argue within, as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. [[Ian McKellen]] is also hoping to join the production in [[New Zealand as Middle-earth|New Zealand]] during July.<ref>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, "There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW," ''YouTub''e, 5 February 2026.</ref><br />
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===Crew===<br />
The film, said to be "one of the most expensive feature films to be shot in [[New Zealand]]"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/new-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-film-will-be-shot-in-nz-set-for-2027-release/3BDNB3QFKJDAVGB4ODOTQ63YLY/|articlename=New Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum film will be shot in NZ, set for 2027 release|author=Tom Rose|dated=18 June 2025|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> is expected to draft alums of the ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]'' (many of whom will have also worked on ''[[The Rings of Power]]'' Season One and other projects) working in the [[Wellington]] and greater New Zealand screen sector.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350274670/film-heavyweights-alight-over-lotr-comeback|articlename=Film heavyweights ‘alight’ over LOTR comeback|author=Rachel Thomas|dated=10 May 2024|website=The New Zealand Post}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Crewing began in early August, with Wood since confirming the involvement of production designer [[Dan Hennah]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX5NhkyQ710|articlename=Elijah Wood en Monterrey/ conferencia de la DesertCon|author=Asi SoyTv|dated=6 October 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> and set decorator Ra Vincent might also be involved.<ref name=":34" /> Although [[Janet Brennan Croft|Janet Brennan-Croft]] acted as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] consultant on previous films, Beppe Pezzini will fill this role for this film.<ref>Educational Media Services | University of Oxford, "Beppe Pezzini on Classics and Fantasy | Fantasy Summer School @facultyofenglishoxford," ''YouTube'', 23 September 2025.</ref><br />
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IMDb credits Bob Buck as ''a'' costume designer for the film: it remains to be seen if Ngila Dickson, having just wrapped ''Predator: Badlands'' with [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]], might return. Kate Hawley, who was attached to del Toro's version of the film, is unlikely to take part due to work on "Bad Bridgets."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/10/daisy-edgar-jones-emilia-jones-bad-bridgets-luckychap-1236604481/|articlename=Daisy Edgar-Jones And Emilia Jones To Star In ‘Bad Bridgets’ From LuckyChap|author=Justin Kroll|dated=31 October 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> Liz Mullane and Rachel Bullock head the New Zealand casting sweep. Both [[Wētā FX|WetaFX]] and [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] are confirmed for the project,<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32328070/companycredits/?ref_=tt_dt_cmpy|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)|author=Anonymous|website=IMDb}}</ref> as are [[Gino Acevedo]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/p/DRy30vUkme7/|articlename="Oh no!"|author=Ginoacevedofx|dated=3 December 2025|website=Instagram}}</ref> [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ggba.swiss/en/the-lord-of-the-rings-nature-and-switzerlands-hidden-history-a-conversation-with-john-howe/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings, Nature and Switzerland’s Hidden History (A Conversation with John Howe)|author=Woody Wade|dated=10 December 2025|website=Greater Geneva Bern Area}}</ref> In April - by which point a composer was already said to be attached to the project - [[Howard Shore]] said he was interested to "see how that all works out."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.classical-music.com/articles/howard-shore|articlename=Howard Shore: the film composer behind Hannibal Lecter and Bilbo Baggins|author=Michael Beek|dated=16 April 2025|website=Classical Music.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://en.softonic.com/articles/the-composer-of-the-soundtrack-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-made-a-cameo-in-the-movies-and-no-one-noticed#google_vignette|articlename=The composer of the soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings made a cameo in the movies and no one noticed|author=Agencias|dated=26 December 2025|website=Softonic}}</ref><br />
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As early as October, [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] suggested that they're "doing camera tests."<ref name=":34" /> This is said to include miniature photography, with Alex Funke said to participate, even if only in an advisory position. On the live action side, although Richard Bluck (who filmed with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], and might shoot second unit) had been mentioned, it appears the film will be lensed by Robert Richardson.<ref name=":34" /> While the film was in the story conference stage in July 2024, Richardson said he had "a number" of projects "on the constantly-shifting horizon of the film industry."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.filmlightcolourawards.com/colour-awards-2024/jury-colour-awards-2024/robert-richardson-cinematographer-asc-ack/|articlename=Robert Richardson, Cinematographer, ASC, ACK|author=Anonymous|dated=18 July 2024|website=Film Light Colour Awards}}</ref> One of these projects was a Hannibal epic, whose delay freed Richardson to lens the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2025/7/23/michael-part-1-delayed-to-april-2026|articlename=‘Michael’ Delayed to April 2026|author=Jordan Ruimy|dated=23 July 2025|website=World of Reel}}</ref><br />
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The film is a co-production of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s [[WingNut Films|WingNut films]] and [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]]' ''Imaginarium''. [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] will executive produce with his ''Imaginarium'' partner John Cavendish and Jackson's agent [[Ken Kamins]].<ref name="Gollum">{{webcite|author=Jennifer Maas|articleurl=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-movie-2026-release-warner-bros-1235997102/|articlename=Warner Bros. to Release New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ in 2026, Peter Jackson to Produce and Andy Serkis to Direct|dated=9 May 2024|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=8 June 2024}}</ref> IMDb also credits studio chiefs Michael de Luca (who helped produce [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']]), Pam Abdy and David Zaslav as executive producers<ref name=":8" /> and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] mentioned [[Warner Bros.|Warners]]' business consultant Alan Horn (who had produced ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]])'' as a collaborator, but these credits have yet to become official.<ref name=":7" /><br />
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===Cast===<br />
With [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] due to star as [[Gollum]], approaches had been made to [[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/09/ian-mckellen-return-gandalf-new-the-lord-of-the-rings-films-1236075547/|articlename=Ian McKellen Reveals He’s Been Approached To Reprise His Role As Gandalf In Andy Serkis’ New ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Films|author=Jake Kanter|dated=2 September 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and [[Viggo Mortensen]] to reprise [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]], respectively. [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] said he's in talks to reprise "a little bit" of [[Gandalf]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/sir-ian-mckellan-i-thought-36196617|articlename=EXCLUSIVE: Sir Ian McKellan: 'I thought I was a goner, but I'm coming back as Gandalf'|author=Marc Baker and Jackie Annett|dated=5 November 2025|website=The Mirror}}</ref> in [[New Zealand]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ian-mckellen-an-ark-lowry-lord-of-the-rings-f9wc9nmdq|articlename=Ian McKellen at 86: ‘I’ve had to accept that I’m not immortal’|author=Jonathan Dean|dated=14 February 2026|website=The Times}}</ref> As of December, the contracts with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]] hadn't been finalized,<ref name=":40" /> but [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] expressed a desire to return to [[New Zealand]] for filming. [[Liv Tyler]], [[Evangeline Lilly]] and, especially, [[Orlando Bloom]] have also expressed interest in reprising their parts,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nme.com/news/film/the-lord-of-the-rings-cast-say-they-would-jump-to-return-for-new-spin-off-movies-3853893|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’ cast say they would “jump” to return for new spin-off movies|author=Damian Jones|dated=11 April 2025|website=NME}}</ref> while [[Dominic Monaghan]] expressed a desire to visit the set.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/entertainment/dominic-monaghan-reveals-plans-for-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan reveals big plans for next ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie — including possible return as Merry<br />
By|author=Eric Todisco|dated=6 November 2025|website=New York Post}}</ref> [[Orcs]] are set to appear in the film, with [[Shane Rangi]] and [[Lawrence Makoare]] having reportedly been contacted.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/thelegacyofnerd/status/1979621220246344016|articlename=BREAKING: ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ Begins Filming in May 2026|author=@thelegacyofnerd|dated=8 October 2025|website=Twitter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' comments about seeing the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]] might suggest the involvement of [[Benedict Cumberbatch]].<ref name=":36">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYYSsook-4Y|articlename=Philippa Boyens ('ESDLA: LA GUERRA DE LOS ROHIRRIM'): "Queríamos que se sintiera como algo nuevo"|author=eCartelera|dated=10 December 2024}}</ref><br />
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[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had all spoke to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/the-war-of-the-rohirrim-philippa-boyens-on-the-new-anime-the-hunt-for-gollum-the-future-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-20241223/|articlename=‘The War Of The Rohirrim’: Philippa Boyens On The New Anime, ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ & The Future Of ‘The Lord of the Rings’|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=23 December 2024|website=The Playlist}}</ref> who had previously said he'd be "open to it" if it makes sense for "the age I am now"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/viggo-mortensen-interview-2024|articlename=Viggo Mortensen re-used Aragorn's sword in new movie The Dead Don't Hurt “Because it's really good”|author=Rafael Motamayor|dated=28 May 2024|website=GQ}}</ref> but after [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] pitched it to him as "Digital make-up" they agreed he'd wait to read the script: With the approach to [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] happening sometime between June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/ian-mckellen-if-this-is-my-last-job-id-better-get-it-right-hadnt-i-n3t38g6tb|articlename=Ian McKellen: ‘When a script arrives, I think this might be my last job’|author=Dominic Maxwell|dated=8 June 2024|website=The Times of London}}</ref> and September,<ref name=":2" /> the approach to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] may have taken place in mid-June, just prior to an interview in which [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] said "The script is the most important thing to me", seemingly no longer harping on the age quota.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/viggo-mortensen-lord-of-the-rings-script-feminism-1235935628/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Respecting Audiences, How Scripts Are Key “Unless I’m Broke,” New ‘LOTR’ Films|author=Georg Szalai|dated=30 June 2024|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said they need to "drag" him.<ref name=":36" /> <br />
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While in London for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' premiere, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also "had lunch with an [[Elves|Elf]] lord" who "would fall into that story."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/nerdoftherings/reel/DDgKw47uxkJ/|articlename="Philippa Boyens teases an “elf lord” returning for Hunt for Gollum! "|author=Matt Graf|dated=12 December 2024|website=Instagram}}</ref> Although this could refer to [[Orlando Bloom|Bloom]] or even [[Marton Csokas]], [[Lee Pace]] is the most likely as he was shooting ''The Running Man'' in London at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://people.com/glen-powell-films-running-man-reboot-37-years-after-arnold-schwarzenegger-movie-8745529|articlename=Glen Powell Films Running Man Remake in London 37 Years After Original Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie|author=Jen Juneau|dated=14 November 2024|website=People}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since divulged that they expect "some of the cast who were originally in" ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', as well as "some incredible new talent."<ref name=":28">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.jedinews.com/events/articles/indiana-comic-con-andy-serkis-full-panel/|articlename=Indiana Comic Con: Andy Serkis Full Panel|author=James Burns|dated=11 April 2025,|website=Jedi News}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] had since confirmed that [[Gandalf]] and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], surely to be played by himself and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]], are scheduled to reappear in the piece.<ref name=":12" /><br />
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Casting seems to have started in December,<ref name=":40">Steve Schofield ''et al'', "25 Years of Fellowship", ''Empire'' (March 2026), pp. 46-70.</ref> with young boys auditioning for the boy [[Gollum|Smeagol]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/KnightGambit/status/2011815291198849220|articlename=Small Tidbit.....|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Twitter}}</ref> and two of his fellow [[Stoors|Stoor]] riverfolk - a young girl and a young adult boy - in what looks like a setup for [[Gollum|Smeagol]]'s preoccupation with a birtday present. Actors in their early thirties auditioned for "young [[Aragorn|Strider]]."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://knightedgemedia.com/2026/01/the-hunt-for-gollum-casting-call-teases-young-strider-and-his-fellow-dunedain-rangers/#google_vignette|articlename=‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Casting Call Teases Young Strider and His Fellow Dúnedain Rangers|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Knight Edge Media}}</ref> Although [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had spoken about potentially having to "hand off"<ref name=":3" /> from [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], and rumours had pointed to the inexpediency of the deaging,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://3dvf.com/en/a-cult-actor-from-the-lord-of-the-rings-on-the-departure-the-question-arises-for-the-prequel-dedicated-to-gollum/#google_vignette|articlename=A Cult Actor from The Lord of the Rings on the Departure? The Question Arises for the Prequel Dedicated to Gollum|author=Quentin Couprie|dated=13 December 2025|accessed=3DVF}}</ref> the "young" designation may well suggest scenes alternating between this younger character, and either an old [[Aragorn|Elessar]] and/or the "mature" [[Aragorn]] of the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|''Fellowship of the Ring'']] era.''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://medium.com/p/dcf21faf019e|articlename=The Hunt for Gollum and the Aragorn problem|author=Chen Geller|website=Medium}}</ref>'' [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had earlier spoke of meeting [[Aragorn]] when he was "quite young" in ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]],'' but not so young that it didn't seem plausible to her to have [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] play him circa 2011''.<ref name=":39" />'' The audition scene, although not necessarily representative of the film, also implies the presence of the other [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]], perhaps including [[Halbarad]]. A younger Strider could also feature in a "Young Aragorn" picture. Serkis had since reaffirrmed that he would "love the old cast" back.<ref name=":41" /><br />
<br />
==Plotline==<br />
The exact events the film covers remain undisclosed. There's ambiguity concerning both the exact timeframe for the film, and whether it will focus more on [[Gollum]] or [[Aragorn]]. An official "blurb" for the movie reads: "The pic explores [[Aragorn]]’s adventures as a [[Rangers of the North|ranger]], specifically his quest to capture [[Gollum]] between [[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]] and [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]], tracking him to keep the [[The One Ring|Ring]]’s location from [[Sauron|Sauron."]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-25th-anniversary-1236689724/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings’ Trilogy 25th Anniversary Event Rings Up $11M In Worldwide Box Office|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=19 January 2026|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> A more extended synopsis had also been circulating:<blockquote>Before the Fellowship, one creature's obsession holds the key to Middle-earth's survival -- or its demise. In The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, we meet young Smeagol -- an outsider drawn to trinkets and mischief -- long before The One Ring consumed him and began his tragic descent into the tortured, deceitful creature Gollum. With the ring lost and carried away by Bilbo Baggins, Gollum finds himself compelled to leave his cave in search of it. Gandalf the Grey calls upon Aragorn, still known as the ranger Strider, to track the elusive creature whose knowledge of the whereabouts of the ring could tip the balance toward the Dark Lord Sauron.<br />
Set in the shadowed time between Bilbo's birthday disappearance and the Fellowship's formation, this perilous journey through Middle-earth's darkest corners reveals untold truths, tests the resolve of its future king, and explores the fractured soul and backstory of Gollum, one of Tolkien's most enigmatic characters.<br />
<br />
Directed by original cast member Andy Serkis, produced by Peter Jackson, and written & produced by Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens -- the creative team behind the Oscar-winning trilogy -- this live-action movie bridges the beloved films with new characters, returning heroes, and a deeply engaging origin story that resets the stage for, and changes everything you know about the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy.</blockquote>Strictly speaking, [[Aragorn]]'s hunt for [[Gollum]] begins during the events depicted in Jackson's [[The Fellowship of the Ring (2001 film)|''The Fellowship of the Ring'']], and in October, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said the story "falls after the [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|birthday party of Bilbo]] and before the Mines Of [[Moria]]".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-wont-be-two-films-second-philippa-boyens-exclusive/|articlename=The Hunt For Gollum Won’t Be Two Films, But A Second LOTR Film Is Incoming, Philippa Boyens Confirms|author=Ben Travis|dated=18 October 2024|website=Empire}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] added that the role of [[Aragorn]] is "very central" to the movie.<ref name=":36" /> Andy called the storyline "pivotal."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1md7lim/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_andy/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum - Andy Serkis says "this part of the story is pivotal"|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=30 July 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] had described the plot as "[[Aragorn]] trying to find [[Gollum]] with [[Gandalf]] directing operations from the sidelines."<ref name=":42" /> <br />
<br />
However, ''a'' hunt for [[Gollum]] is begun by the [[Silvan Elves]] after Gollum first leaves the [[Misty Mountains|mountains]] in search of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and in December Jackson said the film "tells us what happened to [[Gollum]] between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - end of [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] - and the beginning of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/red-carpet-premiere-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim/P3BS7U5NPS5EMFLPUV4SYSYFDU/|articlename=Red carpet premiere for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|author=Mitchell Hageman|dated=11 December 2024|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since confirmed this timeframe: "It sits, kind of, in the timeline between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - between losing the [[The One Ring|Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] - and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''."<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1218&v=U-dw8DQDf90&feature=youtu.be|articlename=Kazakhstan feels like the center of the world - Andy Serkis {{!}} Interview of the Day|author=Silk Way / Qazaqstan|dated=15 July 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Dol Guldur]], the [[Nazgûl|Nazgul]] and [[Orcs]] are all said to potentially play part in the film. <br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also alluded to other storylines: "we are finding a lot of threads of story that are surprising in there when you really go in there and examine it".<ref name=":29">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1734018/philippa-boyens-lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-exclusive-interview/|articlename=War Of The Rohirrim's Philippa Boyens Reveals Details About The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum [Exclusive Interview]|author=Ben Pearson|dated=13 December 2024|website=/Film}}</ref> Events as varied as [[Aragorn]]'s sojourn in [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] with [[Arwen]], the fall of [[Balin's folk]], [[Boromir]]'s quest for [[Rivendell]] and much else occur concurrent to the time of the Hunt.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1iutc9r/building_bridges_so_what_happens_between_the/|articlename=Building Bridges: So, what happens between the trilogies that The Hunt for Gollum could possibly cover?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=21 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> "You see the layers and layers of story that’s underneath there and how interconnected they all are", she adds.<ref name=":3" /> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] also made comments to this effect: "Some pretty interesting stuff happens that we reference in passing in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The'' ''Lord of the Rings'']], but there’s a lot of more deep detail to it."<ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] adds that "We get to go to some places that we've never been before" in Middle-earth." One such place - only glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]]'' - is the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]].<ref name=":36" /> Both she and Serkis alluded to new characters<ref name=":28" /><ref name=":5" /> and new dramatic situations, saying it's "surprising"<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":29" /> and could be enjoyed be people wo don't know the novels.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.amica.it/video-post/andy-serkis-dirigero-signore-anelli-tornero-batman/|articlename=Andy Serkis, da Gollum a regista: «Dirigerò “Il Signore degli Anelli” e tornerò con Batman»|author=Emanuele Bigi|dated=27 June 2025|website=Amica}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also shared that one of the practicalities they were busy figuring out in the writing is "How does he [<nowiki/>[[Aragorn]]] pick up his scent? How does he find his trail, how does it happen?"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nerdist.com/article/nerdist-philippa-boyens-interview-the-war-of-the-rohirrim-the-lord-of-the-rings-future/|articlename=Philippa Boyens Talks the Future of THE LORD OF THE RINGS Movies and Naming a Tolkien Character in THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM|author=by Rotem Rusak|dated=19 December 2024|website=Nerdist}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"<br />
|- style="background: var(--tg-color-surface-2);" <br />
!Actor!!Role<br />
|-<br />
|[[Andy Serkis]]||[[Gollum]]<ref name="Gollum"></ref><br />
|-<br />
|[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
|[[Frodo Baggins]]<ref name=":12" /><br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{title|italics}}<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
{{screen}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Films]]<br />
<br />
[[fi:The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Lord_of_the_Rings:_The_Hunt_for_Gollum&diff=435265The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum2026-02-20T03:02:29Z<p>King Elessar: I added the hunt for gollum movie poster</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Disambig-two|the 2027 film adaptation|2009 fan film|[[The Hunt for Gollum]]}}<br />
{{film infobox<br />
| image =The Hunt For Gollum.png <br />
| caption = <br />
| name = The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum<br />
| director = [[Andy Serkis]]<br />
| producer = [[Peter Jackson]]<br />[[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />[[Zane Weiner]]<br />
| writer = [[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<br />Phoebe Gittins<br />Arty Papageorgiou<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = [[Andy Serkis]]<ref name=Gollum></ref> <br /><br />
[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
| music = <br />
| cinematography =Robert Richardson ASC <br />
| editing = <br />
| studio = WingNut films<br />Imaginarium<br />[[New Line Cinema]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| distributor = [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| released = 17 December [[2027]]<ref name="TheDirect2027Release"/><br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[New Zealand]]<ref name=Gollum></ref><br />
| language = English<br />
| budget = <br />
| website = <br />
|imdb_id=32328070<br />
|basedon=[[The Lord of the Rings]]|production design=[[Dan Hennah]] (Production designer)}}<br />
'''''The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum''''' is the title (originally, working title<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/09/curtis-brown-jrr-tolkien-literary-estate-deal-1236526748/|articlename=Curtis Brown To Rep J.R.R. Tolkien’s Literary Estate|author=Jesse Whittock|dated=10 September 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>) of a forthcoming film adaptation currently in pre-production and set for a [[2027]] release, the first of a planned series of Tolkien films to be produced by [[New Line Cinema]], a division of [[Warner Bros.|Warner Brothers]].<ref name=":4">{{webcite|author=Matt Donnelly|articleurl=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-new-movies-warner-bros-1235533672/|articlename=New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Set at Warner Bros. |dated=23 February 2023|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=10 June 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
The film will cover [[Gollum]]'s travels after losing [[The One Ring|the Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] (as depicted in [[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|''An Unexpected Journey'']]), through [[Gandalf]] setting out to track the creature after [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]] (as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'') and down to [[Gollum]] intercepting [[Fellowship of the Ring|the Fellowship]] in [[Moria|Moria.]] <br />
<br />
It will be directed by and star [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]] in [[Peter Jackson]]'s previous films, as well as directing second unit. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] will produce with his co-writing team of [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens]], who will also write the screenplay with ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' scribes Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. <br />
<br />
The subject of this film is a longstanding fascination of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s who developed it quite intensly in 2008 with [[Guillermo del Toro]]. The film is in preproduction with several cast and crew members from previous films already attached, including actor [[Elijah Wood]], concept artists [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]] and others. <br />
<br />
==Early Development==<br />
Although the film was only announced in 2023, it had a long gestation period with [[Peter Jackson]], who considered filming this subject since circa 1997, and as late as July 2015. During 2008, in particular, the film was in development with a plot synopsis, a tentative budget and an initial cast and crew attached, and drew the attention of further talent like [[Viggo Mortensen]], as well as the press. Elements of this proposed "bridge film" were eventually put into ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' but mostly axed during the early months of the shoot. Jackson also negotiated in 2018 about producing a show for [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime]] about the related subject of the travels of young [[Aragorn]], but ended up producing ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' with [[New Line Cinema]] instead.<br />
<br />
===During ''The'' ''Lord of the Rings''===<br />
[[Peter Jackson]] read [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'']] circa 1979, and he claims that he "always loved the concept that when [[Gandalf]] leaves [[Bag End]] he goes and joins up with [[Aragorn]] and the two of them hunt [[Gollum]] down."<ref name=":26">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, "Director's Commentary", Peter Jackson, ''The Lord of the Rings trilogy'' (New Line Cinema: 2004).</ref> This piece of backstory was also expanded upon in the [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio serial]], which [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was very familiar with. He and [[Fran Walsh]] first pitched a trilogy based on [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' around November 1995.<ref>Brian Sibley, Peter Jackson: A Filmmaker's Journey (London: HarperCollins, 2006), pp. 312 ff.</ref><ref>J. W Braun, ''The lord of the films : the unofficial guide to Tolkien's Middle-Earth on the big screen'' (Toronto: ECW Press, 2009), pp. 20, 63, 68-69, 195.</ref><ref>Michael Pellerin, "Completing Middle-earth," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (Warner Brothers: 2015).</ref> They may well have had the [[Gollum]] episode in mind at some time between that point and early 1997. So long as they intended to start with ''The Hobbit'' (up to early 1996), they will have been mindful of the need to connect the two novels, and while their treatment (mid 1997) doesn't seem to cover the [[Gollum]] episode, it already dramatizes the remainder of the backstory that's given in "[[The Shadow of the Past]]", "[[The Council of Elrond]]" and [[appendix B]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1j06oqh/so_what_is_the_hunt_for_gollum_really_based_on/|articlename=So, what is The Hunt for Gollum REALLY based on?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=28 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> When the project expanded (September 1998) to three films, Jackson tried to finally incorporate this storyline - some eight pages' worth - but realized that he "just couldn't put [the Hunt for [[Gollum]]] into the movie".<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
[[Peter Jackson|Peter]] nevertheless publicly expressed a desire to film "[[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] hunting [[Gollum]], and his capture by [[Orcs]]"<ref name=":25">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://members.tripod.com/peter_jackson_online/lotr/articles/20_questions2.htm|articlename=20 QUESTIONS WITH PETER JACKSON- PART 2|author=Harry Knowles|dated=31 December 1998|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> At the time, the idea was to shoot this as additional material and add it into the extended edition: although by early 2001 he would have realized this could not be accomodated in the pickups to ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', in 2003 he would still half-jokingly talk about shooting more pickups to "fatten these films out without technically going beyond ‘The Lord of the Rings’ as the licensed property." Elsewhere in the commentary, he jokes about "spinoff" entries.<ref name=":26" /> Other ideas for this treatment included [[Tom Bombadil]]<ref name=":25" /> and the [[Lothlórien|attack on Lorien]], with the entire expansion estimated at two or three hours' worth.<ref name=":26" /> <br />
<br />
By the end of 2001, The success of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' emboldened [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]<ref>Kristin Thompson, T''he Frodo Franchise: The Lord of the Rings and Modern Hollywoo''d (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2007), pp. 51, 327, 338.</ref> to pursue more films (he was also in discussions to "rekindle" ''King Kong'' at the time) and he had later discussed filming a "''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'' prequel", along with ''[[The Hobbit]]'', with composer [[Howard Shore]] and executive producer [[Mark Ordesky]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2006/11/19/24053-peter-jackson-and-fran-walsh-talk-the-hobbit-2/|articlename=Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh Talk THE HOBBIT|author=Xoanon|dated=19 November 2006|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.rhino.com/article/interview-howard-shore-the-lord-of-the-rings|articlename=INTERVIEW: Howard Shore (“The Lord of the Rings”)|author=Will Harris|dated=27 April 2018|website=Rhino}}</ref> At a later premiere, [[New Line Cinema|New Line]]'s president Robert Shaye told [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s agent [[Ken Kamins]] that they "would want to have a conversation" about the two films.<ref name=":30" /> The idea at the time was to incorporate [[Arwen]] as a female character<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327113046/https://ew.com/article/2003/12/06/peter-jackson-mulls-rings-prequel/|articlename=Peter Jackson mulls ''Rings'' prequel|author=Gary Susman|dated=6 December 2003|website=EW}}</ref> and produce both films back-to-back "in some short order"<ref name=":30">Ian Nathan, ''Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth'' (London: HarperCollins, 2019), pp. 827, 835.</ref> after ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', in order to "complete the set of films.”<ref name=":10" /> Actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|articlename=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/dec/09/jrrtolkien|author=Anonymous|dated=9 Dec 2003|website=The Guardian}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] and producer Barrie Osborne<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2002/12/16/25965-ttt-benefit-with-barrie-osborne-2/|articlename=TTT Benefit with Barrie Osborne<br />
by|author=xoanon|dated=16 December 2002|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> all expressed interest at the time. <br />
<br />
While talking about ''[[The Hobbit]]'' in 16 September 2006, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] said they "have thought about it from time to time" and in fact "spent most of this morning" talking about the films. They talked of how "[[Elrond]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Arwen]] could all feature"<ref name=":11" /> and "[[Gollum]]'s sneaking into [[Mordor]] and [[Aragorn]] protecting [[The Shire]]. That's what we'd do. Love to work with [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] again".<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30085|articlename=Part 5: Quint and Peter Jackson talk THE HOBBIT and a potential return to low budget horror!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=16 September 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], hearing this remark in 2012, said it "sounds like a lot of fun".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/03/13/54232-viggo-mortensens-visit-to-boston-part-2-new-video/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen’s visit to Boston – part 2 (new video!)|author=Greendragon|dated=13 March 2012|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
<br />
===During ''The Hobbit''===<br />
Since the rights to [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] were split with [[MGM|Metro Goldwyn-Mayer]], in March 2007 [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] pitched this to CEO Harry Sloan: he had already heard of it from [[New Line Cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/14/hobbit-crown-panther-news|articlename=Hobbit, Crown, Panther News|author=Anonymous|dated=15 Nov 2006|website=IGN}}</ref> who had previously fallen-out with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], but Sloan was won over by Jackson's pitch, which was apparently very detailed.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.kristinthompson.net/blog/2008/05/19/the-hobbit-films-pj-and-fw-know-every-scene-every-moment/|articlename=The Hobbit films: PJ and FW know “every scene, every moment”|author=Kristin Thompson|dated=19 May 2008|website=Kristinthompson.net}}</ref> By contrast, Shaye later said [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] "hasn't told us too much about it."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.screendaily.com/new-line-mgm-team-for-two-hobbit-movies-with-peter-jackson/4036350.article|articlename=New Line, MGM team for two Hobbit movies with Peter Jackson|author=Jeremy Kay|dated=18 December 2007|website=Screen Daily}}</ref><br />
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By December, both films were moving forward with a budget of $150 million each: the idea was that [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] would write and produce and the films will be shot in 2009 for release in 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/del-toro-doubles-up-hobbit-103547/|articlename=Del Toro doubles up for ‘Hobbit’|author=Borys Kit|dated=28 January 2008|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Robert Shaye, Michael Lynne and [[Mark Ordesky]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/columns/shaye-kept-new-line-afloat-1117982001/|articlename=Shaye kept New Line afloat|author=Anne Thompson|dated=7 March 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> were attached as executive producers until February, when they were replaced by Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood.Actor [[Ian McKellen|Ian Mckellen]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/26/lordoftherings.jrrtolkien|articlename=Hard Hobbit to break: McKellen set for return as Gandalf|author=Anonymous|dated=26 March 2008|website=The Guardian}}</ref> assistant Matthew Dravitzky,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://if.com.au/guillermo-wants-old-buddies-to-join-him-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo wants old buddies to join him on The Hobbit|author=Anonymous|dated=23 March 2009|website=IF FX}}</ref> composer [[Howard Shore]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/28/30045-howard-shore-is-working-on-hobbit-score/|articlename=Howard Shore is Working on Hobbit Score|author=28 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/02/24/28408-howard-shore-talks-hobbit-in-switzerland/|articlename=Howard Shore Talks ‘Hobbit’ in Switzerland|author=Calisuri|dated=24 February 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref>, [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]]<ref name=":38">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/22/30352-del-toro-interview-part-3-%E2%80%9Ci-love-new-zealand%E2%80%9D/|articlename=Del Toro Interview Part 3: “I Love New Zealand!”|author=Xoanon|dated=22 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and [[Wētā FX|Weta FX]]<ref name=":37" /> were attached to the project. Although [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] hadn't ruled out directing - he later aired the notion of shooting second unit<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012042437/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/08/guillermo-del-toro-to-fly-solo-on-hobbit-directing-duties-says-no-to-peter-jackson-assist/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro To Fly Solo On ‘Hobbit’ Directing Duties, Says No To Peter Jackson Assist|author=Shawn Adler|dated=8 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref><ref name=":17" /> - he soon picked [[Guillermo del Toro]] to direct.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/01/30/28331-torn-exclusive-del-toro-%e2%80%9c99-percent-certain%e2%80%9d-says-nl-insider/|articlename=TORN exclusive: Del Toro “99 percent certain” says NL insider.|author=MrCere|dated=30 January 2008|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><br />
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Subsequently, actors [[Andy Serkis]],<ref name=":17" /> [[Ian Holm]]<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501020820/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1586421/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Addresses 'Hobbit' Fans' Concerns, Talks Possible Casting|author=Shawn Adler, Josh Horowitz|dated=28 April 2008|website=Premiere.com}}</ref>; concept artists [[Alan Lee]] and [[John Howe]]; prosthetics supervisor [[Gino Acevedo]]<ref name=":37">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/04/25/28747-guillermo-del-toro-chats-with-torn-about-the-hobbit-films/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Chats with TORN About ‘The Hobbit’ Films!|author=Xoanon|dated=25 April 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> and costume designer Kate Hawley<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.whowhatwear.com/living/who-what-wear-podcast-kate-hawley|articlename=How the Frankenstein Costume Designer Brought the Film to Life|author=Madeline Hill|dated=17 November 2025|website=Who What Wear}}</ref> were all attached. They had approached [[Grant Major]] but he declined<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://www.artstars.us/grant-major/8/|articlename=Grant Major|author=Tom Lisowski|dated=14 November 2011|website=Art Stars}}</ref> and they engaged [[Dan Hennah]] as production designer.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/51948|articlename=An Unexpected Journey: Quint on the set of The Hobbit Part 3 – Beginnings and Endings|author=Eric Vespe|dated=14 November 2011|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> Actors [[Martin Freeman]]<ref>In "The Road Back to Middle-earth", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit'' (New Line Cinema: 2015), Philippa Boyens recalls proposing Freeman as Bilbo Baggins when she saw him at the 2003 BAFTAs.</ref> and [[Hugo Weaving]];<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/504115/guillermo-del-toro-confirms-hugo-weaving-for-the-hobbit-and-much-more/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Confirms Hugo Weaving For The Hobbit... And Much More|author=Brendon Connolly|dated=11 June 2009|website=Slash Film}}</ref> as well as [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]]'s regular collaborators (including artists Wayne Barlowe and Francisco Ruiz Velasco<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201164150/http://bilbohobbit.com/del-toro-talks-hobbit-in-live-chat/|articlename="Del Toro talks 'Hobbit' in Live Chat"|author=Alex|dated=27 November 2008|website=BilboHobbit.com}}</ref>) were also being sought beginning at this time.<br />
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"We got really excited," said [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]], "because this second film is not a ‘tag on’, it’s not ‘filler,’ it’s an integral part of telling the story of those 50 years of history lost in the narrative".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/60-year-period-between-hobbi-20080425/|articlename=60-Year Period Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Fellowship’ For Hobbit Sequel Suddenly Gone? Or Not?|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=25 April 2008|website=The Playlist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gamesradar.com/guillermo-del-toro-talks-hobbit-and-more/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro talks Hobbit and more|author=Anonymous|dated=25 April 2008|website=Total Film}}</ref> Although he had a radical new vision for the designs in the first film, <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915124607/http://www.premiere.com/features/4642/exclusive-guillermo-del-toro-on-hellboy-ii-page4.html|articlename=Exclusive: Guillermo del Toro on 'Hellboy II'|author=Anonymous|website=Premiere}}</ref> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] intended to use the second film to affect a gradual change of style towards that of [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]: "We have to recreate a lot of the stuff they did on the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]," he said: helpfully, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the [[Bag End]] and [[Rivendell]] sets, and they set about rebuilding [[Hobbiton]].<ref name=":32" /><br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] also rewatched the extended editions with [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and intended to watch the making-ofs, dailies "the camera reports... everything," particularly for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914124349/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/nycomicconnews.php?id=44254|articlename=EXCL: Del Toro on Hellboy II and The Hobbit|author=Edward Douglas|dated=21 April 2008|website=Coming Soon.net}}</ref> The remastering of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' was also begun around this time. This was done because [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] felt that it "has to evolve into the lensing, the color palette, the texture palette, and the feel of the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|trilogy]]…"<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/37428|articlename=Quint and Guillermo del Toro chat about HELLBOY II, THE HOBBIT and more!!!|author=Eric Vespe|dated=12 July 2008|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> partially for this purpose, a break was to be scheduled partway through the shoot,<ref name=":31">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712175117/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2879|articlename=GUILLERMO DEL TORO ESCAPES 'LABYRINTH' AND ENDS RIGHT BACK INTO 'HELLBOY'|author=Carl Cortez|dated=9 July 2008|website=iFMagazine}}</ref> which was estimated at over 370 days.<ref name=":31" /> <br />
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[[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] insisted the second film would add to the series.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wReRe8Si2aU|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: RT's Dinner & the Movies Interview Pt 5|author=OCR|dated=11 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> He said "it’s also expanding and illuminating some of the aspects of the trilogy in a slightly different way, like same characters in a different environment. I find that very attractive."<ref name=":13" /> The idea was that the first film would be a retelling of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']], including the bulk of the [[Dol Guldur]] storyline, up to [[Smaug]]'s death: the second would wrap-up the remainder of [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']] in its first half, and concern itself with the Hunt for [[Gollum]] and other "bridging" plot threads in its second half.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831093447/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/07/hobbit-films-will-be-one-continuous-journey-promises-guillermo-del-toro/|articlename='Hobbit' Films Will Be One 'Continuous Journey,' Promises Guillermo Del Toro|author=Shawn Adler|dated=7 October 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> <br />
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Although [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] predicted the second film would require the most work,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P0dTo0yNpQ|articlename=THE HOBBIT 1 & 2 MOVIE UPDATE|author=ReelzChannel|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> both he<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVHzVKy_F8w|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro talks about Hobbit Movie|author=Brettmartintv|dated=7 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] showed a particular eagerness towards it, with [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] calling it a "treasure trove of possibilities."<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915084029/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1590278/story.jhtml|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro Answers 'Hobbit' Fans' Questions About Returning 'Rings' Cast, Religion And More|author=Shawn Adler|dated=2 July 2008|website=MTV}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] was also "really looking forward to developing Film Two. It gives us a freedom that we haven't really had on our [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] journey."<ref name=":17" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] concluded that "the promise of that land is absolutely mind-boggling!"<ref name=":16" /> <br />
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Referring specifically to [[Gollum]]'s part in the events, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said "[[Gollum]] has a rather fascinating arch to go through and his alliance to [[Shelob]] or his period of imprisonment in [[Thranduil]]'s". [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] added that "There's an awful lot of incident that happens during that 60 year gap. At this stage, we're not imagining a film that literally covers 60 years, like a bio-pic or documentary. We would figure out what happens during that 60 years, and choose one short section of time to drop in and dramatise for the screen". Both filmmakers said they agreed that "apart from extreme circumstances, we would never recast a character who appeared in the [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|LOTR trilogy]]".<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730161821/http://www.wetanz.com/holics/index.php?itemid=695&catid=2|articlename=An Unexpected Party Chat|author=Anonymous|dated=30 July 2008|website=Weta Workshop website}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later remarked that, in some cases, they'd sooner write around a character than recast the part.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/41848|articlename=Comic-Con '09: Peter Jackson talks to Capone about DISTRICT 9, THE HOBBIT, and the state of the film industry!!!|author="Capone"|dated=28 July 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> <br />
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As of the formulation of these comments in July, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] said the second film is "too early"<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YoRDF12aRc|articlename=GDT the Hobbit 1|author=Garfeimao TheOneRing|dated=14 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> in its development process to know precisely what it might entail, estimating that it would take six months to formulate the storyline for the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/09/exclusive-gdt-on-the-hobbit|articlename=Exclusive: GDT on The Hobbit|author=Eric Moro and Stax|dated=10 July 2008|website=IGN}}</ref> By September, however, [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] claimed they "found what reverberated."<ref name=":14" /> [[Guillermo del Toro|Guillermo]] had expressed reservations about the term "bridge film" from the outset, but by now he and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] disabused of the term completely, having come to see the films as five undifferentiated parts of a greater whole. <br />
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Although they apparently made an outline,<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/10/16/30296-guillermo-del-toro-i%e2%80%99m-so-voracious-about-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro: “I’m so voracious about The Hobbit!”|author=Xoanon|dated=16 October 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> it seems the film went no further than this. Up until this point, del Toro had been video-conferencing with Jackson and the other collaborators, meeting in person every three weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2008/film/features/guillermo-del-toro-booked-thru-2017-1117991560/|articlename=Guillermo Del Toro booked thru 2017|author=Michael Fleming|dated=3 September, 2008|website=Variety}}</ref> By the time he arrived to concentrate on writing the story treatment in November 2008<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=147373;guest=501771554#147373|articlename="Hola"|author=Guillermo del Toro|dated=8 November 2008|website=The One Ring Discussion Boards}}</ref><ref>Alfio Leotta, ''Peter Jackson'' (London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015), p. 196.</ref> the contents of the "bridge" film were being gradually edged-out by the contents of ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]],'' to the point that by the time the completed treatment was greenlit in April 2009<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/08/03/32999-peter-jackson-speaks/|articlename=Peter Jackson speaks|author=MrCere|dated=3 August 2009|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref> the films could only be described as a two-part adaptation of ''[[The Hobbit]].'' Although [[John Howe]] apparently sent [[Guillermo del Toro|del Toro]] some sketches,<ref name=":38" /> and [[Howard Shore]] had musical ideas,<ref>TheOneRing, Hobbit Desolation of Smaug Music Commentary Watch Along, ''YouTube'', 29 July 2020. Esp. 1:12:15. One such musical idea dates back to the composition of ''The Fellowship of the Ring:'' the flat sixth setting of the Hobbits' bassline that's heard when Gandalf glimpses Thorin's map: Howard was saving that as a "portent of an adventure" towards a potential adaptation of The Hobbit, but by the stage of discussing with del Toro he would have realized it would be applicable to the "bridge" film as well.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/30722|articlename=ScoreKeeper Talks To Howard Shore About THE TWO TOWERS Complete Recordings, THE HOBBIT, And More!!|author=Merrick|dated=16 November 2006|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> no more work was done on the bridge film. At this time, a [[The Hunt for Gollum|fan film on the same subject was released]]. <br />
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Even so, elements of the bridge film clung to the project for a long time: in 2013 [[Philippa Boyens]] said that "When we started structuring this trilogy we honestly thought about telling some of that. How [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] becomes the uncle of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and take care of him. The story of [[Gollum]]…"<ref name=":9" /> Casting calls had been issued for the roles of [[Primula Brandybuck]] and [[Drogo Baggins]]:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024010428/http://www.movies.spoilertv.com/2010/01/hobbit-casting-call.html#ixzz0btnyJvCI|articlename=Hobbit - Official Casting Call and Plot Details|author=DarkUFO|dated=4 January 2010|website=SpoilerTV}}</ref> While Caroline Grace-Cassidy was considered for [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]], [[Ryan Gage]] was cast in the role of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and remained attached to it well into shooting, only being recast as [[Alfrid]] around May.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cate-blanchett-revisiting-rings-role-57193/|articlename=Cate Blanchett Revisiting ‘Rings’ Role In ‘Hobbit’|author=Gregg Kilday|dated=7 December 2010|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s cameo, which was originally rumoured to include him "moving to live at [[Bag End]] after the untimely drowning of [[Drogo Baggins|Drogo]] and [[Primula Brandybuck|Primula]]" was probably rewritten into its present form around that time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=theonering.net/torwp/2014/03/25/87789-how-would-have-peter-jacksons-the-hobbit-looked-as-a-duology/|articlename=How would have Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit looked as a duology?|author=Demosthenes|dated=25 March 2014|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> They had scouted locations for the [[Barrow-downs|Barrow Downs]], possibly with a connection to the aforementioned "[[Aragorn]] protecting the [[The Shire|Shire]]" plot point.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://narniafans.com/2019/08/interview-with-narnia-conceptual-designer-john-howe/|articlename=Interview with Narnia Conceptual Designer John Howe|author=David Sutton|dated=18 August 2019|website=Narnia Fans.com}}</ref> More scenes were planned for the [[Dol Guldur]] story and the [[Orcs]]: they had gone as far as designing a young [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)#Gothmog in adaptations|Gothmog]] who would participate in the concluding battle, but didn't utilize him.<ref name=":0" /> <br />
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Another storyline concerned Itarille (later [[Tauriel]]) and her romance with an Elf lord of [[Rivendell]]: clearly an outgrowth of the original idea of featuring [[Arwen]] in the film. [[Aidan Turner]] seems to have read for the part of this Elf Lord. Indeed, Jackson recalled in 2015 that "We did try to figure out a way to get a cameo, even if it was a cameo, for [[Aragorn]] and actually for [[Arwen]], too: we tried to have [[Liv Tyler]] in the film".<ref name=":0" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] remarked in 2013 that they envisioned [[Aragorn]] being "quite young" in the film, but concluded that [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] "could have absolutely played" him at the time. "It was incredibly tempting."<ref name=":39">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TapH7wM8MdI&t=85s|articlename=Philippa Boyens ci parla delle scene tagliate dello Hobbit: la Desolazione di Smaug e di... Aragorn!|author=Badtaste|dated=11 December 2013|website=YouTube}}</ref> It's unclear when the idea finally died out: the scene "invoking [[Aragorn]]" was scripted in early 2013, as a "homage" to their earlier plans. <br />
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[[Viggo Mortensen]] had been interested in the project since 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/18/29885-viggo-mortensen-still-waiting-for-guillermo-del-toro%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98hobbit%E2%80%99-call/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Still Waiting For Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’ Call|author=Xoanon|dated=18 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> In 2008 he said he would "rather do it myself than see another actor finish the job for me,"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/12/17/30804-tv-watch-viggo-mortensen-on-night-talk/|articlename=TV Watch: Viggo Mortensen on ‘Night Talk’|author=Xoanon|dated=17 December 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/39305|articlename=Capone has a GOOD chat with Viggo Mortensen about politics, THE ROAD, APPALOOSA, and THE HOBBIT!!!|author=Steve Prokopy|dated=11 May 2009|website=Ain't It Cool News}}</ref> saying "it would be fun."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/41460224.html|articlename=Moviefone's Exclusive Viggo Mortensen Interview!|author=Anonymous|dated=25 November 2009|website=Moviefone}}</ref> Other actors from [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']] have also expressed interest in appearing in the film, including [[Liv Tyler]], <ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/03/21/42863-liv-tyler-not-contacted-for-hobbit/|articlename=Liv Tyler Not Contacted For Hobbit|author=DiveTwin|dated=21 March 2011|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[Cate Blanchett]],<ref name=":16" /> [[Dominic Monaghan]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/dominic-monaghan-ready-to-return-for-the-hobbit-movies/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan Ready to Return for The Hobbit Movies?|author=Brandon Lee Tenney|dated=19 January 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> [[Sean Astin]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/03/10/31356-astin-up-for-hobbit-if-hobbit-up-for-him/|articlename=Astin up for Hobbit if Hobbit up for him|author=Xoanon|dated=10 March 2009|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Noble]] and [[Sean Bean]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a434476/sean-bean-on-the-hobbit-absence-theyre-sticklers-for-detail/|articlename=Sean Bean on 'The Hobbit' absence: 'They're sticklers for detail'|author=Emma Dibdin|dated=30 October 2012|website=Digital Spy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/viggo-mortensen-optimistic-about-role-20090401/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Optimistic About Role In Del Toro’s ‘Hobbit’, Project Extends To A Trilogy?|author=Simon Dang|dated=1 April 2009|website=The Playlist}}</ref> [[Christopher Lee]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://whatculture.com/film/christopher-lee-wants-sarumann-return-in-the-hobbit|articlename=Christopher Lee wants Saruman return in THE HOBBIT|author=Matt Holmes|dated=25 June 2011|website=WhatCulture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qGFbBNnodw&t=77s|articlename=Christopher Lee about possibly returning to Middle Earth|author="Rushblogg"|dated=12 July 2008|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Brad Dourif]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/09/12/29751-brad-dourif-on-returning-to-middle-earth/|articlename=Brad Dourif on Returning to Middle-earth|author=Deej|dated=12 September 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref> [[John Rhys-Davies]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-makeup-difficulties-explained-john-rhys-davies/|articlename=John Rhys-Davies Reveals Gruesome Makeup Process for Gimli in The Lord of the Rings [Exclusive]|author=Aidan Kelley and Steven Weintraub|dated=9 August 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> and [[Elijah Wood]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/11/16/30565-elijah-hobbit-appearance-concievably-possible/|articlename=Elijah – Hobbit appearance ‘concievably possible’|author=Altaira|dated=16 November 2008|website=TheOneRing.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2008/elijah-wood-confirms-dual-hobbit-movie-details/|articlename=Elijah Wood Confirms Dual Hobbit Movie Details|author=Alex Billington|dated=11 January 2008|website=First Showing}}</ref><br />
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Around 2010, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] recieved an availability call<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/may/28/viggo-mortensen-interview|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'If I think a film's beyond me – that's a good sign'|author=Imogen Tilden|dated=28 May 2013|website=The Guardian}}</ref> from [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]: "I said sure, if [[Aragorn]] is supposed to be in the bridge story, because he’s not in [[The Hobbit|''The Hobbit'']],” he said.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/05/30/72294-viggo-turned-down-role-as-aragorn-not-so-fast/|articlename=Viggo ‘Turned Down’ Role as Aragorn? Not so fast…|author=Newsfrombree|dated=30 May 2013|website=The One Ring.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.wired.com/2012/03/viggo-mortensen-speaks-2/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen Speaks: Part 2 of 3|author=Ethan Gilsdorf|dated=11 March 2012|website=Wired.com}}</ref> Informed that they "can take certain liberties" he said he'd "love to revisit him."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/viggo-mortensen-interview-captain-fantastic-lord-of-the-rings-aragorn-hobbit-david-cronenberg-a7231826.html|articlename=Viggo Mortensen interview: 'I didn't throw Peter Jackson under the bus'|author=Jacob Stolworthy|dated=23 January 2017|website=The Independent}}</ref> However, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] later revealed that since that call, they "could think of no way of doing it".<ref name=":0" /> Having no further contact, [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] concluded in November 2011 that "[[Aragorn]] is half elf [sic] and also lives a couple hundred years or more and he could be in a bridge, but I have to assume it isn't going to happen".<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/rings-actor-mortensen-unlikely-to-repeat-role-idUSTRE7AM2U9/|articlename="Rings" actor Mortensen unlikely to repeat role|author=Kurt Orzeck|dated=24 November 2011|website=Reuters}}</ref> Although he still has misgivings - "It would make sense if Aragorn was part of the story and he's not"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/interview-viggo-mortensen-is-lord-of-all-things-1573949|articlename=Interview: Viggo Mortensen is lord of all things|author=Chitra Ramaswamy|dated=25 May 2013|website=The Scotsman}}</ref> - he said he would still be open to playing [[Aragorn]] "if it seemed sensible to do so".<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
===After ''The Hobbit''===<br />
<br />
Conversations about making the "bridge film" as a third instalment<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/guillermo-del-toro-updates-on-the-hobbit/|articlename=Guillermo del Toro Briefly Talks More About The Hobbit Split|author=Alex Billington|dated=5 June 2009|website=First Showing}}</ref> continued well into 2010:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://geeksofdoom.com/2009/08/19/bridge-between-the-hobbit-lord-of-the-rings-still-to-be-built-peter-jackson-to-direct-third-movie|articlename=[Updated] Bridge Between ‘The Hobbit’ & ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Still To Be Built? Peter Jackson To Direct Third Movie?|author="The Movie God"|dated=19 August 2009|website=Geeks of Doom}}</ref> In 2012, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had revealed that "a third movie has always been in discussion."<ref>Michael Pellerin, "The Clouds Burst", Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> These conversations resumed - now with the film situated as a fourth movie - as [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] was winding down in 2013. Says [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]: "There’s enough story there to make a bridge movie, you know, there’s 60 years between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' and a lot of things happened."<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.heyuguys.com/interview-peter-jackson-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/|articlename=The HeyUGuys Interview: The Hobbit director Peter Jackson all but rules out a return to Middle Earth|author=Stefan Pape|dated=13 December 2013|website=HeyUGuys}}</ref> In the director's commentary to ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]]'' in 2015, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] remained open to the idea of making more films, and mused about what Jackson jokingly calls "A fictitious film 3.5" which [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] goes on to call "The Hunt for Gollum".<ref name=":0">Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, "Director's Commentary," Peter Jackson, ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' (New Line Cinema: 2015).</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said it could include "a few other things that go on which are really interesting" like [[Saruman]]'s search for the [[The One Ring|Ring]]. She elaborates:<blockquote>''[[Aragorn]] really is one who tracks Gollum and ends up...and finds him eventually in the [[Dead Marshes]], and he's taken [[Woodland Realm|to the Elves]]. And he's taken to the Elves, and because of the kindness of the Elves - and [[Legolas]] is one of his keepers... in [[Mirkwood]], and through their kindness he actually manages to escape. Or has he escaped? Or was he let loose?''<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>[[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had kept the possibility of returning to [[Middle-earth]] open<ref name=":0" /> but [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] revealed that they "had zero expectations of going back to this."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-peter-jackson-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-explain-23-years-after-cannes-saved-original-trilogy-1235917510/|articlename=Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis & Philippa Boyens Explain Why They’re Returning To Middle-Earth For ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ 23 Years After Cannes Saved The Billion-Dollar Franchise|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=15 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/don-t-expect--the-hobbit-3--to-lead-directly-into--the-lord-of-the-rings-140402150.html|articlename=The Hobbit 3 won't lead into The Lord of the Rings|author=Tom Butler|dated=11 December 2013|website=Yahoo Entertainment UK}}</ref> Their ultimate decision to return to this premise may have been stirred, in part, by other projects: first, Jackson had seen the in-development video game ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|Shadow of Mordor]],'' on which [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] and others from Jackson's crew had worked, and which had nestled itself into the gap between ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]].''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/why-lord-of-the-rings-fans-should-be-excited-for-shadow-of-mordor|articlename=Why Lord of the Rings Fans Should Be Excited for Shadow of Mordor|author=Luke Karmali|dated=20 February 2014|website=IGN}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Shortly afterwards, when the [[Tolkien Estate]] (still nominally under [[Christopher Tolkien]]) shopped the television rights, the idea of doing a show about young [[Aragorn]] was pitched, first by Netflix, and then - at the suggestion of the Russo brothers<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/the-rings-of-power-showrunners-interview-season-2-1235233124/|articlename=‘The Rings of Power’ Showrunners Break Silence on Backlash, Sauron and Season 2|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 October 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> - by [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=946980;sb=post_time;so=DESC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=206510448#947231|articlename=If you will indulge me in a story|author="Uncle Iorlas"|dated=21 July 2018|website=The One Ring.net Message Boards}}</ref> Upon hearing this, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' mind immediately went to the period of the hunt: "If you're telling the [story of] him hunting [[Gollum]], you're getting closer to [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]]."<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.fandom.com/articles/peter-jackson-lord-of-the-rings-series|articlename=Peter Jackson’s Tips For Casting Aragorn in Lord of the Rings TV Show|author=Kim Taylor-Foster|dated=4 December 2018|website=Fandom.com}}</ref> She and Jackson had also expressed interest in the potential of [[Aragorn]]'s younger days and life in [[Rivendell]]: "He's probably going to have to start young,"<ref name=":21" /> remarked Boyens, concluding that "A lot of the early [[Aragorn]] story hasn't been told."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/108970711/philippa-boyens-on-mortal-engines-hobbits-and-going-solo|articlename=Philippa Boyens on Mortal Engines, Hobbits and going solo|author=Philip Matthews|dated=16 December 2018|website=Stuff.nz}}</ref> [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortesen]] also got wind of the rumours and said he's open to reprising his role.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/viggo-mortensen-interview-falling-lord-of-the-rings/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Falling, Directing, and LOTR TV Show Interest|author=Christina Radish|dated=14 February 2021|website=Collider}}</ref><br />
<br />
Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood from [[New Line Cinema]] were brought into the fold in the hopes of cooperating on the show. In early 2018 lawyer Peter Nelson set-up "dialogue between [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]" to participate as executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/how-lord-rings-tv-series-landed-at-amazon-not-netflix-1099213/|articlename=Inside Amazon’s $250M ‘Lord of the Rings’ Deal: “It’s Very Much a Creature of the Times”|author=Tatiana Siegel|dated=5 April 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308114202/https://www.herr-der-ringe-film.de/v3/de/news/tolkienfilme/news_121920.php|articlename=Exklusiv: Zu den Kulissen der HERR DER RINGE Serie, Her Der Ringe Film (archived).|author=Cirdan|dated=20 June 2018|website=Herr der Ringe.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/108520139/sir-peter-jackson-hasnt-given-up-hope-of-making-the-dam-busters|articlename=Sir Peter Jackson hasn't given up hope of making The Dam Busters|author=James Croot|dated=12 November 2018|website=NZStuff}}</ref> Preoccupied with ''Mortal Engines'' and ''They Shall Not Grow Old'', [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] proposed in June 2018 to review the scripts and put "the creative team together."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://de.ign.com/tv/129313/interview/peter-jackson-ist-fur-das-kreative-team-hinter-der-herr-der-ringe-serie-verantwortlich|articlename=Peter Jackson ist für das kreative Team hinter der Herr der Ringe-Serie verantwortlich|author=Valentin Aschenbrenner|dated=5 June 2018|website=IGN.de}}</ref> In July, Amazon landed on [[John D. Payne]] and [[Patrick McKay]] as showrunners, and before any work could be done, a regime change in [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Prime Video]]<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/peter-jackson-amazon-lord-of-the-rings-tv-series-1235193692/|articlename=Peter Jackson Says Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Ghosted Him|author=James Hibberd|dated=5 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> in early 2019 resulted in [[New Line Cinema]] being demoted to a "minority licensee stakeholder."<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lord-of-the-rings-amazon-vs-warner-bros-1235337625/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings’: Amazon, Warner Bros. Ready for Tolkien Battle|author=James Hibberd|dated=28 February 2023|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Although the showrunners had asked to meet [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]],<ref name=":19" /> COVID prevented this from taking place.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/10-burning-questions-about-amazons-the-rings-of-power?srsltid=AfmBOopmlhLKVkCtSqkuvTTAcUtyQUICWXopTWLQq_1tu4aEf1ICrDLp|articlename=10 Burning Questions About Amazon’s The Rings of Power|author=Joanna Robinson|dated=14 February 2022|website=Vanity Fair}}</ref> While the show used a substantial number of his crew, [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] were reportedly "very frustrated that so many believed they were involved with [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]]’s show."<ref name=":20" /> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had avoided watching the show to prevent "cross-contamination."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1693866/why-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-screenwriter-wont-watch-the-rings-of-power/|articlename=Why One Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Screenwriter Won't Watch The Rings Of Power|author=Jaron Pak|dated=21 October 2024|website=Slash Film}}</ref> Since then, the show had left [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s home country of [[New Zealand]].<br />
<br />
Already in 2019, the show's development had galvanized Emmerich and Blackwood to pursue an animated film with [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] (who were not involved in the show) and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]. The bridge film might have been the "CG-animated" story that [[New Line Cinema|New Line]] "had been exploring with Sir [[Peter Jackson]]" but it failed to materialize and they decided to pursue ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim]]''<ref>Daniel Falconer, ''The Art of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim'' (Wiliam Murrow: London, 2025), pp. 9-10.</ref>. Later on, Emmerich and Blackwood were replaced by Michael de Luca and Pam Abdy, who were "striving to keep [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon]] from blurring the lines too much between" the show and the films.<ref name=":20" /> Other projects like [[Tales of the Shire: A "The Lord of the Rings" Game|''Tales of the Shire'']], the remastering of the six films to Ultra High Definition and renovations of [[Hobbiton]] were begun shortly afterwards, as well.<br />
<br />
After this long gestation period, ''The Hunt for Gollum'' entered development once again in 2022. [[Andy Serkis]] was attached as director in October 2023 and story meetings occurred as early as May 2024, along with early availability calls to actors like [[Ian McKellen]] and [[Viggo Mortensen]] between that time and early September. By that point, the writing of the treatment was underway, followed by the first draft in January-May. After some crew hiring in August, pre-production started in early September 2025 ahead of shooting in May 2026.<br />
<br />
==Development==<br />
In 2022 the new administration of [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] expressed a desire to make more films, including ones "based on iconic characters, such as [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gollum]], [[Galadriel]], [[Éowyn|Eowyn]] and other characters."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lord-of-the-rings-rights-embracer-1235201442/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘The Hobbit’ Movie, Games and Other Rights Holder Sold to Swedish Gaming Company Embracer|author=Georg Szalai|dated=18 August 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh|Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] kept updated throughout the negotiations to extend [[New Line Cinema]]'s lease on the rights.<ref name=":4" /> <br />
<br />
Having "really enjoyed working with [[Kenji Kamiyama]], who directed ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]''," [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] signed on to produce two new films: [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] denied<ref name=":22" /> rumours that this involved splitting the [[Gollum]] story,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/05/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-cast-plot-everything-we-know-1235919922/|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’: Everything We Know So Far|author=Dessi Gomez|dated=16 May 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://filmstories.co.uk/news/the-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-its-two-films-says-ian-mckellen/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings: Hunt For Gollum {{!}} “It’s two films” says Ian McKellen|author=Ryan Lambie|dated=11 September 2024|website=Film Stories}}</ref> and at various times her and [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] expressed interest in subjects varying from the [[Battle of Dale|War in the North]], Young [[Aragorn]], or certain vignettes from [[Rohan]] or [[Gondor]]'s history, which are all possible for the second film.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1i97ctm/the_next_film_after_the_hunt_for_gollum/|articlename=The next film after The Hunt for Gollum: Everything we know so far|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=25 January 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> These are probably ''not'' the other two scripts [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] had been working on, however.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/peter-jackson-not-retired-working-on-three-scripts-1235138316/|articlename=Peter Jackson Is Working on Three Screenplays: ‘I’m Certainly Not Retired’|author=By Rance Collins|dated=13 July 2025|website=IndieWire}}</ref><br />
<br />
Signing on the films was done with the intention to jump-start a new slate of ''Lord of the Rings'' prequels for [[New Line Cinema]],<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":24" /> with [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also expressing interest in making an "epic trilogy", probably about the [[Angmar conflict|Angmar War]].<ref name=":23" /> However, having developed the [[Gollum]] premise for so long, they decided to start with it. Asked about unrealized projects in 2024, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] observed that "there's a lot of that in ''The Hunt for Gollum.''"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LdzKS584wA&t=614s|articlename=Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim Interviews! Peter Jackson Role Explained|author=Brandon Davis|dated=29 October 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis]], who played [[Gollum]], had directed second unit on ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]<ref name=":7" />'' and had since become a director in his own right, as well as narrating audiobooks of Tolkien's novels. [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] approached [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] around October 2023.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssUmmuU-Bmk&t=76s|articlename=Andy Serkis Talks Motion Capture, Gollum, and Directing {{!}} Superhero Comic Con San Antonio 2024 Q&A|author=Freeman Coliseum|dated=24 June 2024|website=YouTube}}</ref> While developing the story, they already made availability checks to key cast and crew members.<br />
<br />
===Writing===<br />
Story meetings have happened at least as early as May 2024<ref name=":7" /> and by July they were about to start writing,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/comconnireland/status/1835962321211904490|articlename=Andy Serkis took to the stage at Comic Con Northern Ireland to talk all things Lord of the Rings and more!|author=@comconnireland|dated=16 September 2024|website=Twitter}}</ref> with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] spotted at the [[Hobbiton]] set in November with writers [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] and Arty Papageorgiou, producers [[Zane Weiner]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/05/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-1236390022/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’ Sets Pre-Christmas 2027 Release|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=8 May 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and Carlos Ramirez Laloli.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.elfenomeno.com/info/ver/23481/comienza-el-rodaje-de-el-senor-de-los-anillos-la-caza-de-gollum-en-hobbiton|articlename=¿Comienza el rodaje de El Señor de los Anillos: La Caza de Gollum en Hobbiton?|author=Elfenomeno|dated=6 November 2024|website=Elfenomeno.com}}</ref> By December they had been in the process of writing the story treatment.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-arty-papageorgiou-phoebe-gittins/|articlename="Who Better for a Gollum Film Than Gollum Himself?": 'War of the Rohirrim' Writers on Working with Andy Serkis in 'The Hunt for Gollum'|author=Therese Lacson|dated=16 December 2024|website=Collider}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] later estimated they would finish writing by the middle of the year - executive Pamela Abdy since put the completion of the script at May<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/04/warner-bros-mike-de-luca-pam-abdy-courage-in-face-of-brutal-press-coverage-1236366618/|articlename=Warner Bros’ Mike De Luca & Pam Abdy: Playing Long Game, Mixing IP Like ‘Bodyguard’ Revamp & Bold Originals & Animation Despite Brutal Press|author=Mike Fleming Junior|dated=11 April 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> - and begin "scouting locations and building [sets]" with shooting due to begin towards the beginning of 2026.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/15/exclusive-andy-serkis-philippa-boyens-on-the-hunt-for-gollum/|articlename=Exclusive: Andy Serkis, Philippa Boyens on new Lord of the Rings film|author=Abbey Wakefield|dated=15 December 2024|website=1News}}</ref> As a result, the release date for the film was ultimately delayed from 2026 to 17 December 2027.<ref name="TheDirect2027Release">{{webcite|author=Klein Felt|articleurl=https://thedirect.com/article/hunt-for-gollum-movie-lord-of-the-rings-release-official|articlename=Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum Movie Gets Release Window from Andy Serkis|dated=27 Feb 2025|website=[https://thedirect.com The Direct]|accessed=27 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-release-date-december-2027-1236390820/|articlename=‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ Sets December 2027 Release Date; Warner Bros. Also Dates New ‘Evil Dead’ and M. Night Shyamalan Movies for 2026|author=Zack Sharf|dated=8 May 2025|website=Variety}}</ref><br />
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A draft of the screenplay had been sent to de Luca and Abdy in May, probably prior to the investor meeting on the 8th, when [[Warner Bros.|Warner]]'s CEO David Zaslav announced the official release date.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://voicefilm.com/david-zaslav-announces-that-the-release-date-for-the-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie-will-be-revealed-today/|articlename=David Zaslav Announces That the Release Date for the Next ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie Will Be Revealed Today|author=Mark|dated=8 May 2025|website=Voice Film}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comicbasics.com/warner-ceo-david-zaslav-says-they-will-focus-more-on-their-main-ips-like-harry-potter-and-dc-in-the-future-those-belong-to-us-and-theyll-only-belong-to-us-forever/|articlename=Warner CEO David Zaslav Says They Will Focus More on Their Main IPs Like ‘Harry Potter’ and DC in the Future: “Those belong to us, and they’ll only belong to us forever.”|author=Arthur S. Poe|dated=8 May 2025|website=Comic Basics}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since revealed that the film is due to start pre production in August<ref name=":33">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1krwz8d/andy_serkis_the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for/|articlename=Andy Serkis Panel at Fan Expo Philadelphia 2025|author=FandomWire News|dated=19 May 2025}}</ref> - when the film started hiring crew - then ammended to "late August to early September"<ref name=":18" />, with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] ultimately arriving in [[Wellington]] circa 8 September to begin work on the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://metro.co.uk/2025/09/03/andy-serkis-admits-cant-escape-gollum-ahead-lord-rings-return-24066270/amp/|articlename=Andy Serkis admits he ‘can’t escape Gollum’ ahead of Lord of the Rings return|author=Sabrina Barr|dated=3 September 2025|website=Metro UK}}</ref> Serkis had left New Zealand during the holiday season, attending the premiere of "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" before flying back to New Zealand: en rote he landed in Los Angeles.<ref name=":41">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/andy-serkis-wants-original-lord-of-the-rings-cast-in-new-film/|articlename=LOTR' Star Andy Serkis: OG Cast Is Precious, Love 'Em For New Flick|author=Anonymous|dated=20 January 20 2026|website=TMZ}}</ref><br />
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==Pre production==<br />
[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had further said preproduction will last for six months,<ref name=":27">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.comingsoon.it/cinema/news/in-un-mondo-alla-deriva-gollum-ci-salvera-la-nostra-intervista-ad-andy/n203564/|articlename=In un mondo alla deriva Gollum ci salverà: la nostra intervista ad Andy Serkis|author=Carola Proto|dated=25 June 2025|website=Coming Soon.it}}</ref> with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] later confirming it will start filming in May<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1msw9fp/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_starts/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum starts shooting in May, says Sir Ian McKellen. "I'll tell you two secrets about the casting..."|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=17 August 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> for an extended shooting period:<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-filming-update-andy-serkis/|articlename=Director Andy Serkis Offers Huge Filming Update For 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' [Exclusive]|author=Chris McPherson and Steven Weintraub|dated=10 June 2025|website=Collider}}</ref> This puts the beginning of filming in [[New Zealand]] winter and, deducting the holidays, six months after [[Andy Serkis|Andy]]'s arrival. Location scouting may have taken place at Hawke's Bay as early as June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1lis26w/a_location_scout_for_the_lord_of_the_rings_the/|articlename=A location scout for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum seems to be snooping around Hawke's Bay, New Zealand|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=23 June 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> and later at the Waikato.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360837801/aliens-warriors-heroes-princesses-and-gollum-big-productions-filmed-and-possibly-coming-waikato|articlename=Aliens, warriors, heroes, princesses ... and Gollum: The big productions filmed in (and possibly coming to) the Waikato|author=Mike Mather|dated=1 October 2025|website=Waikato Times}}</ref> They had also watched the films sometime prior to November.<ref>Latino USA TV, "How Movie Monsters Are Really Made!", YouTube, 26 November 2025.</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] also spoke appreciatively of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s penchant for behind the scenes extras, suggesting a similar approach to the film.<ref name=":33" /><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/gu1jj7/one_zoom_to_rule_them_all_reunited_apart_lord_of/|articlename=One Zoom to Rule Them All {{!}} Reunited Apart LORD OF THE RINGS Edition|author=Josh Gad|dated=31 May 2021|website=}}</ref> In October, [[Andy Serkis|Andy]] revealed that they're developing prosthetics.<ref name=":34">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1og2b4p/andy_serkis_says_all_the_art_department_from_lord/|articlename=Andy Serkis says "all the art department" from Lord of the Rings are "excited to come back." They started location scouting and camera tests.|author=u/Lord_Varys92|dated=25 October 2024|website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
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Since [[Elijah Wood]], slated to appear in the film, is on tour through to early September,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://parade.com/news/lord-of-the-rings-hobbits-25-years-later-reunion-tour|articlename=The Hobbits Are Back Together — and Their Big News Has Fans Cheering|author=Whitney Danhauer|dated=25 October 2025|website=Parade}}</ref> his scenes might be scheduled for [[New Zealand]] summer, which could suggest shooting ''in situ'' in [[Hobbiton]], presumably depicting [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] dallying outside [[Bag End]] while [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and [[Gandalf]] argue within, as depicted in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. [[Ian McKellen]] is also hoping to join the production in [[New Zealand as Middle-earth|New Zealand]] during July.<ref>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, "There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW," ''YouTub''e, 5 February 2026.</ref><br />
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===Crew===<br />
The film, said to be "one of the most expensive feature films to be shot in [[New Zealand]]"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/new-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum-film-will-be-shot-in-nz-set-for-2027-release/3BDNB3QFKJDAVGB4ODOTQ63YLY/|articlename=New Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum film will be shot in NZ, set for 2027 release|author=Tom Rose|dated=18 June 2025|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> is expected to draft alums of the ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|War of the Rohirrim]]'' (many of whom will have also worked on ''[[The Rings of Power]]'' Season One and other projects) working in the [[Wellington]] and greater New Zealand screen sector.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350274670/film-heavyweights-alight-over-lotr-comeback|articlename=Film heavyweights ‘alight’ over LOTR comeback|author=Rachel Thomas|dated=10 May 2024|website=The New Zealand Post}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Crewing began in early August, with Wood since confirming the involvement of production designer [[Dan Hennah]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX5NhkyQ710|articlename=Elijah Wood en Monterrey/ conferencia de la DesertCon|author=Asi SoyTv|dated=6 October 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> and set decorator Ra Vincent might also be involved.<ref name=":34" /> Although [[Janet Brennan Croft|Janet Brennan-Croft]] acted as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] consultant on previous films, Beppe Pezzini will fill this role for this film.<ref>Educational Media Services | University of Oxford, "Beppe Pezzini on Classics and Fantasy | Fantasy Summer School @facultyofenglishoxford," ''YouTube'', 23 September 2025.</ref><br />
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IMDb credits Bob Buck as ''a'' costume designer for the film: it remains to be seen if Ngila Dickson, having just wrapped ''Predator: Badlands'' with [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]], might return. Kate Hawley, who was attached to del Toro's version of the film, is unlikely to take part due to work on "Bad Bridgets."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2025/10/daisy-edgar-jones-emilia-jones-bad-bridgets-luckychap-1236604481/|articlename=Daisy Edgar-Jones And Emilia Jones To Star In ‘Bad Bridgets’ From LuckyChap|author=Justin Kroll|dated=31 October 2025|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> Liz Mullane and Rachel Bullock head the New Zealand casting sweep. Both [[Wētā FX|WetaFX]] and [[Wētā Workshop|Weta Workshop]] are confirmed for the project,<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32328070/companycredits/?ref_=tt_dt_cmpy|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)|author=Anonymous|website=IMDb}}</ref> as are [[Gino Acevedo]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/p/DRy30vUkme7/|articlename="Oh no!"|author=Ginoacevedofx|dated=3 December 2025|website=Instagram}}</ref> [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]].<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://ggba.swiss/en/the-lord-of-the-rings-nature-and-switzerlands-hidden-history-a-conversation-with-john-howe/|articlename=The Lord Of The Rings, Nature and Switzerland’s Hidden History (A Conversation with John Howe)|author=Woody Wade|dated=10 December 2025|website=Greater Geneva Bern Area}}</ref> In April - by which point a composer was already said to be attached to the project - [[Howard Shore]] said he was interested to "see how that all works out."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.classical-music.com/articles/howard-shore|articlename=Howard Shore: the film composer behind Hannibal Lecter and Bilbo Baggins|author=Michael Beek|dated=16 April 2025|website=Classical Music.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://en.softonic.com/articles/the-composer-of-the-soundtrack-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-made-a-cameo-in-the-movies-and-no-one-noticed#google_vignette|articlename=The composer of the soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings made a cameo in the movies and no one noticed|author=Agencias|dated=26 December 2025|website=Softonic}}</ref><br />
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As early as October, [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] suggested that they're "doing camera tests."<ref name=":34" /> This is said to include miniature photography, with Alex Funke said to participate, even if only in an advisory position. On the live action side, although Richard Bluck (who filmed with [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], and might shoot second unit) had been mentioned, it appears the film will be lensed by Robert Richardson.<ref name=":34" /> While the film was in the story conference stage in July 2024, Richardson said he had "a number" of projects "on the constantly-shifting horizon of the film industry."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.filmlightcolourawards.com/colour-awards-2024/jury-colour-awards-2024/robert-richardson-cinematographer-asc-ack/|articlename=Robert Richardson, Cinematographer, ASC, ACK|author=Anonymous|dated=18 July 2024|website=Film Light Colour Awards}}</ref> One of these projects was a Hannibal epic, whose delay freed Richardson to lens the film.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2025/7/23/michael-part-1-delayed-to-april-2026|articlename=‘Michael’ Delayed to April 2026|author=Jordan Ruimy|dated=23 July 2025|website=World of Reel}}</ref><br />
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The film is a co-production of [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]]'s [[WingNut Films|WingNut films]] and [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]]' ''Imaginarium''. [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] will executive produce with his ''Imaginarium'' partner John Cavendish and Jackson's agent [[Ken Kamins]].<ref name="Gollum">{{webcite|author=Jennifer Maas|articleurl=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/lord-of-the-rings-movie-2026-release-warner-bros-1235997102/|articlename=Warner Bros. to Release New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ in 2026, Peter Jackson to Produce and Andy Serkis to Direct|dated=9 May 2024|website=[https://variety.com/ Variety]|accessed=8 June 2024}}</ref> IMDb also credits studio chiefs Michael de Luca (who helped produce [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']]), Pam Abdy and David Zaslav as executive producers<ref name=":8" /> and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] mentioned [[Warner Bros.|Warners]]' business consultant Alan Horn (who had produced ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]])'' as a collaborator, but these credits have yet to become official.<ref name=":7" /><br />
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===Cast===<br />
With [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] due to star as [[Gollum]], approaches had been made to [[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2024/09/ian-mckellen-return-gandalf-new-the-lord-of-the-rings-films-1236075547/|articlename=Ian McKellen Reveals He’s Been Approached To Reprise His Role As Gandalf In Andy Serkis’ New ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Films|author=Jake Kanter|dated=2 September 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and [[Viggo Mortensen]] to reprise [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]], respectively. [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] said he's in talks to reprise "a little bit" of [[Gandalf]],<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/sir-ian-mckellan-i-thought-36196617|articlename=EXCLUSIVE: Sir Ian McKellan: 'I thought I was a goner, but I'm coming back as Gandalf'|author=Marc Baker and Jackie Annett|dated=5 November 2025|website=The Mirror}}</ref> in [[New Zealand]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ian-mckellen-an-ark-lowry-lord-of-the-rings-f9wc9nmdq|articlename=Ian McKellen at 86: ‘I’ve had to accept that I’m not immortal’|author=Jonathan Dean|dated=14 February 2026|website=The Times}}</ref> As of December, the contracts with [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]] hadn't been finalized,<ref name=":40" /> but [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] expressed a desire to return to [[New Zealand]] for filming. [[Liv Tyler]], [[Evangeline Lilly]] and, especially, [[Orlando Bloom]] have also expressed interest in reprising their parts,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nme.com/news/film/the-lord-of-the-rings-cast-say-they-would-jump-to-return-for-new-spin-off-movies-3853893|articlename=‘The Lord Of The Rings’ cast say they would “jump” to return for new spin-off movies|author=Damian Jones|dated=11 April 2025|website=NME}}</ref> while [[Dominic Monaghan]] expressed a desire to visit the set.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/entertainment/dominic-monaghan-reveals-plans-for-next-lord-of-the-rings-movie/|articlename=Dominic Monaghan reveals big plans for next ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie — including possible return as Merry<br />
By|author=Eric Todisco|dated=6 November 2025|website=New York Post}}</ref> [[Orcs]] are set to appear in the film, with [[Shane Rangi]] and [[Lawrence Makoare]] having reportedly been contacted.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/thelegacyofnerd/status/1979621220246344016|articlename=BREAKING: ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ Begins Filming in May 2026|author=@thelegacyofnerd|dated=8 October 2025|website=Twitter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]]' comments about seeing the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]] might suggest the involvement of [[Benedict Cumberbatch]].<ref name=":36">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYYSsook-4Y|articlename=Philippa Boyens ('ESDLA: LA GUERRA DE LOS ROHIRRIM'): "Queríamos que se sintiera como algo nuevo"|author=eCartelera|dated=10 December 2024}}</ref><br />
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[[Andy Serkis|Serkis]], [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] and [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had all spoke to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://theplaylist.net/the-war-of-the-rohirrim-philippa-boyens-on-the-new-anime-the-hunt-for-gollum-the-future-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-20241223/|articlename=‘The War Of The Rohirrim’: Philippa Boyens On The New Anime, ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ & The Future Of ‘The Lord of the Rings’|author=Rodrigo Perez|dated=23 December 2024|website=The Playlist}}</ref> who had previously said he'd be "open to it" if it makes sense for "the age I am now"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/viggo-mortensen-interview-2024|articlename=Viggo Mortensen re-used Aragorn's sword in new movie The Dead Don't Hurt “Because it's really good”|author=Rafael Motamayor|dated=28 May 2024|website=GQ}}</ref> but after [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] pitched it to him as "Digital make-up" they agreed he'd wait to read the script: With the approach to [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] happening sometime between June<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/ian-mckellen-if-this-is-my-last-job-id-better-get-it-right-hadnt-i-n3t38g6tb|articlename=Ian McKellen: ‘When a script arrives, I think this might be my last job’|author=Dominic Maxwell|dated=8 June 2024|website=The Times of London}}</ref> and September,<ref name=":2" /> the approach to [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] may have taken place in mid-June, just prior to an interview in which [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]] said "The script is the most important thing to me", seemingly no longer harping on the age quota.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/viggo-mortensen-lord-of-the-rings-script-feminism-1235935628/|articlename=Viggo Mortensen on Respecting Audiences, How Scripts Are Key “Unless I’m Broke,” New ‘LOTR’ Films|author=Georg Szalai|dated=30 June 2024|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said they need to "drag" him.<ref name=":36" /> <br />
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While in London for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|The War of the Rohirrim]]'' premiere, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also "had lunch with an [[Elves|Elf]] lord" who "would fall into that story."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/nerdoftherings/reel/DDgKw47uxkJ/|articlename="Philippa Boyens teases an “elf lord” returning for Hunt for Gollum! "|author=Matt Graf|dated=12 December 2024|website=Instagram}}</ref> Although this could refer to [[Orlando Bloom|Bloom]] or even [[Marton Csokas]], [[Lee Pace]] is the most likely as he was shooting ''The Running Man'' in London at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://people.com/glen-powell-films-running-man-reboot-37-years-after-arnold-schwarzenegger-movie-8745529|articlename=Glen Powell Films Running Man Remake in London 37 Years After Original Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie|author=Jen Juneau|dated=14 November 2024|website=People}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since divulged that they expect "some of the cast who were originally in" ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', as well as "some incredible new talent."<ref name=":28">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.jedinews.com/events/articles/indiana-comic-con-andy-serkis-full-panel/|articlename=Indiana Comic Con: Andy Serkis Full Panel|author=James Burns|dated=11 April 2025,|website=Jedi News}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen|McKellen]] had since confirmed that [[Gandalf]] and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], surely to be played by himself and [[Elijah Wood|Wood]], are scheduled to reappear in the piece.<ref name=":12" /><br />
<br />
Casting seems to have started in December,<ref name=":40">Steve Schofield ''et al'', "25 Years of Fellowship", ''Empire'' (March 2026), pp. 46-70.</ref> with young boys auditioning for the boy [[Gollum|Smeagol]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://x.com/KnightGambit/status/2011815291198849220|articlename=Small Tidbit.....|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Twitter}}</ref> and two of his fellow [[Stoors|Stoor]] riverfolk - a young girl and a young adult boy - in what looks like a setup for [[Gollum|Smeagol]]'s preoccupation with a birtday present. Actors in their early thirties auditioned for "young [[Aragorn|Strider]]."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://knightedgemedia.com/2026/01/the-hunt-for-gollum-casting-call-teases-young-strider-and-his-fellow-dunedain-rangers/#google_vignette|articlename=‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Casting Call Teases Young Strider and His Fellow Dúnedain Rangers|author=Caleb Williams|dated=16 January 2026|website=Knight Edge Media}}</ref> Although [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had spoken about potentially having to "hand off"<ref name=":3" /> from [[Viggo Mortensen|Mortensen]], and rumours had pointed to the inexpediency of the deaging,<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://3dvf.com/en/a-cult-actor-from-the-lord-of-the-rings-on-the-departure-the-question-arises-for-the-prequel-dedicated-to-gollum/#google_vignette|articlename=A Cult Actor from The Lord of the Rings on the Departure? The Question Arises for the Prequel Dedicated to Gollum|author=Quentin Couprie|dated=13 December 2025|accessed=3DVF}}</ref> the "young" designation may well suggest scenes alternating between this younger character, and either an old [[Aragorn|Elessar]] and/or the "mature" [[Aragorn]] of the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|''Fellowship of the Ring'']] era.''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://medium.com/p/dcf21faf019e|articlename=The Hunt for Gollum and the Aragorn problem|author=Chen Geller|website=Medium}}</ref>'' [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] had earlier spoke of meeting [[Aragorn]] when he was "quite young" in ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]],'' but not so young that it didn't seem plausible to her to have [[Viggo Mortensen|Viggo]] play him circa 2011''.<ref name=":39" />'' The audition scene, although not necessarily representative of the film, also implies the presence of the other [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]], perhaps including [[Halbarad]]. A younger Strider could also feature in a "Young Aragorn" picture. Serkis had since reaffirrmed that he would "love the old cast" back.<ref name=":41" /><br />
<br />
==Plotline==<br />
The exact events the film covers remain undisclosed. There's ambiguity concerning both the exact timeframe for the film, and whether it will focus more on [[Gollum]] or [[Aragorn]]. An official "blurb" for the movie reads: "The pic explores [[Aragorn]]’s adventures as a [[Rangers of the North|ranger]], specifically his quest to capture [[Gollum]] between [[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]] and [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]], tracking him to keep the [[The One Ring|Ring]]’s location from [[Sauron|Sauron."]]<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy-25th-anniversary-1236689724/|articlename=‘Lord Of The Rings’ Trilogy 25th Anniversary Event Rings Up $11M In Worldwide Box Office|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|dated=19 January 2026|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> A more extended synopsis had also been circulating:<blockquote>Before the Fellowship, one creature's obsession holds the key to Middle-earth's survival -- or its demise. In The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, we meet young Smeagol -- an outsider drawn to trinkets and mischief -- long before The One Ring consumed him and began his tragic descent into the tortured, deceitful creature Gollum. With the ring lost and carried away by Bilbo Baggins, Gollum finds himself compelled to leave his cave in search of it. Gandalf the Grey calls upon Aragorn, still known as the ranger Strider, to track the elusive creature whose knowledge of the whereabouts of the ring could tip the balance toward the Dark Lord Sauron.<br />
Set in the shadowed time between Bilbo's birthday disappearance and the Fellowship's formation, this perilous journey through Middle-earth's darkest corners reveals untold truths, tests the resolve of its future king, and explores the fractured soul and backstory of Gollum, one of Tolkien's most enigmatic characters.<br />
<br />
Directed by original cast member Andy Serkis, produced by Peter Jackson, and written & produced by Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens -- the creative team behind the Oscar-winning trilogy -- this live-action movie bridges the beloved films with new characters, returning heroes, and a deeply engaging origin story that resets the stage for, and changes everything you know about the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy.</blockquote>Strictly speaking, [[Aragorn]]'s hunt for [[Gollum]] begins during the events depicted in Jackson's [[The Fellowship of the Ring (2001 film)|''The Fellowship of the Ring'']], and in October, [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] said the story "falls after the [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|birthday party of Bilbo]] and before the Mines Of [[Moria]]".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-wont-be-two-films-second-philippa-boyens-exclusive/|articlename=The Hunt For Gollum Won’t Be Two Films, But A Second LOTR Film Is Incoming, Philippa Boyens Confirms|author=Ben Travis|dated=18 October 2024|website=Empire}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] added that the role of [[Aragorn]] is "very central" to the movie.<ref name=":36" /> Andy called the storyline "pivotal."<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1md7lim/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_hunt_for_gollum_andy/|articlename=The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum - Andy Serkis says "this part of the story is pivotal"|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=30 July 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> [[Ian McKellen]] had described the plot as "[[Aragorn]] trying to find [[Gollum]] with [[Gandalf]] directing operations from the sidelines."<ref name=":42" /> <br />
<br />
However, ''a'' hunt for [[Gollum]] is begun by the [[Silvan Elves]] after Gollum first leaves the [[Misty Mountains|mountains]] in search of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and in December Jackson said the film "tells us what happened to [[Gollum]] between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - end of [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'']] - and the beginning of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/red-carpet-premiere-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim/P3BS7U5NPS5EMFLPUV4SYSYFDU/|articlename=Red carpet premiere for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim|author=Mitchell Hageman|dated=11 December 2024|website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> [[Andy Serkis|Serkis]] had since confirmed this timeframe: "It sits, kind of, in the timeline between ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]'' - between losing the [[The One Ring|Ring]] to [[Bilbo Baggins]] - and ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''."<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1218&v=U-dw8DQDf90&feature=youtu.be|articlename=Kazakhstan feels like the center of the world - Andy Serkis {{!}} Interview of the Day|author=Silk Way / Qazaqstan|dated=15 July 2025|website=YouTube}}</ref> [[Dol Guldur]], the [[Nazgûl|Nazgul]] and [[Orcs]] are all said to potentially play part in the film. <br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also alluded to other storylines: "we are finding a lot of threads of story that are surprising in there when you really go in there and examine it".<ref name=":29">{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.slashfilm.com/1734018/philippa-boyens-lord-of-the-rings-war-of-the-rohirrim-exclusive-interview/|articlename=War Of The Rohirrim's Philippa Boyens Reveals Details About The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum [Exclusive Interview]|author=Ben Pearson|dated=13 December 2024|website=/Film}}</ref> Events as varied as [[Aragorn]]'s sojourn in [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] with [[Arwen]], the fall of [[Balin's folk]], [[Boromir]]'s quest for [[Rivendell]] and much else occur concurrent to the time of the Hunt.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/1iutc9r/building_bridges_so_what_happens_between_the/|articlename=Building Bridges: So, what happens between the trilogies that The Hunt for Gollum could possibly cover?|author=u/Chen_Geller|dated=21 February 2025|website=Reddit}}</ref> "You see the layers and layers of story that’s underneath there and how interconnected they all are", she adds.<ref name=":3" /> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] also made comments to this effect: "Some pretty interesting stuff happens that we reference in passing in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The'' ''Lord of the Rings'']], but there’s a lot of more deep detail to it."<ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
[[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] adds that "We get to go to some places that we've never been before" in Middle-earth." One such place - only glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]]'' - is the interiors of [[Barad-dûr|Barad Dur]].<ref name=":36" /> Both she and Serkis alluded to new characters<ref name=":28" /><ref name=":5" /> and new dramatic situations, saying it's "surprising"<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":29" /> and could be enjoyed be people wo don't know the novels.<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://www.amica.it/video-post/andy-serkis-dirigero-signore-anelli-tornero-batman/|articlename=Andy Serkis, da Gollum a regista: «Dirigerò “Il Signore degli Anelli” e tornerò con Batman»|author=Emanuele Bigi|dated=27 June 2025|website=Amica}}</ref> [[Philippa Boyens|Boyens]] also shared that one of the practicalities they were busy figuring out in the writing is "How does he [<nowiki/>[[Aragorn]]] pick up his scent? How does he find his trail, how does it happen?"<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://nerdist.com/article/nerdist-philippa-boyens-interview-the-war-of-the-rohirrim-the-lord-of-the-rings-future/|articlename=Philippa Boyens Talks the Future of THE LORD OF THE RINGS Movies and Naming a Tolkien Character in THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM|author=by Rotem Rusak|dated=19 December 2024|website=Nerdist}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"<br />
|- style="background: var(--tg-color-surface-2);" <br />
!Actor!!Role<br />
|-<br />
|[[Andy Serkis]]||[[Gollum]]<ref name="Gollum"></ref><br />
|-<br />
|[[Elijah Wood]]<br />
|[[Frodo Baggins]]<ref name=":12" /><br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{title|italics}}<br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
{{screen}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Films]]<br />
<br />
[[fi:The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Hunt_for_Gollum&diff=435264The Hunt for Gollum2026-02-20T02:56:56Z<p>King Elessar: I changed the hunt for gollum movie poster</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Disambig-two|the 2009 fan film|2026 film adaptation|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum]]}}<br />
{{film infobox<br />
| image = The Hunt for Gollum Poster.jpg<br />
| caption = <br />
| name=The Hunt for Gollum<br />
| director=Chris Bouchard<br />
| producer=Chris Bouchard, Spencer Duru, Noel Gale, Julianne Honey-Mennal, Brian Lavery, Kate Madison, Ashram Maharaj, Gladys San Juan, Sabina Sattar <br />
| writer='''Novel:'''<br>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<br>'''Screenplay:'''<br>Chris Bouchard<br>'''Additional Writing:'''<br>Sabina Sattar<br>Julianne Honey-Mennal<br>Stuart Price<br>Lewis Albrow<br />
| narrator=<br />
| starring=Adrian Webster<br />
| music=Adam Langston, Andrew Skrabutenas <br />
| cinematography=Gareth Brough, Chris Child, John-Paul Frazer, Neill Phillips, <br />
Mike Ritchie, Stein Stie<br />
| editing=Lewis Albrow <br />
| distributor=Internet<br />
| released=May 3, 2009<br />
| runtime=38 min <br />
| country=UK<br />
| language=English<br />
| budget=£3000<br />
| website=[http://www.thehuntforgollum.com Official website]<br />
| imdb_id=1323925<br />
}}<br />
'''The Hunt for Gollum''' is a [[:Category:Fan films|fan film]] based on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. The film focuses on the events prior to ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' but after ''[[The Hobbit]]'' as [[Aragorn]] tracks down [[Gollum]]. Featured characters include [[Aragorn]], [[Gandalf]], [[Arwen]] and [[Gollum]], with new characters ''Arithir'', and ''Goblok''. The film was made available to download for free on [[3 May|May 3]], [[2009]].<ref>http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/02/02/31077-fanfilm-the-hunt-for-gollum-online-may-3rd</ref><br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
As Gandalf learns the truth about the ring in Frodo's possession, he dispatches Aragorn to find and capture the creature Gollum, the ring's former carrier.<br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"<br />
!Role!!Actor<br />
|-<br />
|[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2423411/ Adrian Webster]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Arwen]]||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2645682/ Rita Ramnani]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gandalf]]||Patrick O'Connell<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gollum]] (Voice)||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2421667/ Gareth Brough]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gollum]] (Performer)||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2423282/ Matthew Cunningham]<br />
|-<br />
|Elf of Mirkwood||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3329553/ Max Bracey]<br />
|-<br />
|Arithir||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0020164/ Arin Alldridge]<br />
|-<br />
|Goblok||Gareth Brough<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Crew==<br />
*Director: Chris Bouchard<br />
*Co-Producers:<br />
**Brian Lavery<br />
**Gladys San Juan<br />
**Julianne Honey-Mennal<br />
**Spencer Duru<br />
*1st Assistant Director: Irene Maffei<br />
*Assistant Producer: Agatha O'Neil<br />
<br />
Music by Adam Langston and Andrew Skrabutenas, based on music by [[Howard Shore]] and [[Requiem for a Tower|Clint Mansell]]. <br />
<br />
[[The Hunt for Gollum (soundtrack)|Read more...]]<br />
<br />
==Trailer==<br />
<youtube>HSTYubpLxg8</youtube><br />
<youtube>LkSa-pmknfY</youtube><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*'''[http://www.thehuntforgollum.com/ Official Website]'''<br />
*[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323925/ The Hunt for Gollum] at [http://www.imdb.com/ IMDb]<br />
*[http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film258572.html The Hunt for Gollum] at [http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/main.html FilmAffinity]<br />
<br />
{{Fan films}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Fan films|Hunt for Gollum]]<br />
[[de:The Hunt for Gollum]]<br />
[[fr:divertissements/adaptations/fans/thfg]]<br />
[[fi:The Hunt for Gollum (2009)]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Portal:Adaptations&diff=435263Portal:Adaptations2026-02-20T02:53:41Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%; margin-top:1rem; background:var(--tg-color-surface-2); border:var(--tg-border-base); border-radius:var(--tg-border-radius-medium);"<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style=" padding: 0.5rem; text-align: center;"|<rss max=1>https://news.google.com/rss/search?q=rings+of+power+or+lord+of+the+rings+film+or+the+hunt+for+gollum&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en</rss><br />
|}<br />
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{{Navcards<br />
|header = Coming Soon<br />
|aspectratio = 2/3<br />
||image1 = The_Hunt_For_Gollum.png<br />
|page1 = The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum<br />
|title1 = The Hunt for Gollum<br />
|caption1 = Movie / 2027 <br />
}}<br />
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|image1 = The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power - Poster - Title only.jpg<br />
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|title1 = The Rings of Power<br />
|caption1 = TV / 2022 – Ongoing<br />
|image2 = The Lord of the Rings- The War of the Rohirrim - Theatrical Poster - Title only.png<br />
|page2 = The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim<br />
|title2 = The War of the Rohirrim<br />
|caption2 = Anime / 2024<br />
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{{Navcards<br />
|header = The Lord of the Rings<br />
|aspectratio = 2/3<br />
|image1 = The Lord of the Rings- The Fellowship of the Ring - Poster - Title only.png<br />
|page1 = The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring<br />
|title1 = The Fellowship of the Ring<br />
|caption1 = Movie / 2001<br />
|image2 = The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers - Poster - Title only.png <br />
|page2 = The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers<br />
|title2 = The Two Towers<br />
|caption2 = Movie / 2002<br />
|image3 = The Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King - Poster - Title only.png<br />
|page3 = The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King<br />
|title3 = The Return of the King<br />
|caption3 = Movie / 2003<br />
}}<br />
{{Navcards<br />
|header = The Hobbit<br />
|aspectratio = 2/3<br />
|image1 = The Hobbit- An Unexpected Journey - Poster - Title only.png <br />
|page1 = The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey<br />
|title1 = An Unexpected Journey<br />
|caption1 = Movie / 2012<br />
|image2 = The Hobbit- The Desolation of Smaug - Poster - Title only.png <br />
|page2 = The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug<br />
|title2 = The Desolation of Smaug<br />
|caption2 = Movie / 2013<br />
|image3 = The Hobbit- The Battle of the Five Armies - Poster - Title only.png<br />
|page3 = The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies<br />
|title3 = The Battle of the Five Armies<br />
|caption3 = Movie / 2014<br />
}}<br />
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|header = Animated<br />
|aspectratio = 2/3<br />
|image1 = The Hobbit (1977 film) - Cover.jpg<br />
|page1 = The Hobbit (1977 film)<br />
|title1 = The Hobbit<br />
|caption1 = Movie / 1977<br />
|image2 = The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Poster - Title Only.png<br />
|page2 = The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)<br />
|title2 = The Lord of the Rings<br />
|caption2 = Movie / 1978<br />
|image3 = The Return of the King (1980 film) - cover.png<br />
|page3 = The Return of the King (1980 film)<br />
|title3 = The Return of the King<br />
|caption3 = Movie / 1980<br />
}}<br />
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{{Section divider|Other adaptations}}<br />
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|header=Games<br />
|content = [[Portal:Games|See the games portal...]]<br />
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|content = [[Portal:Music|See the music portal...]]<br />
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__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__<br />
[[Category:Adaptations]]<br />
[[Category:Portals]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Hunt_for_Gollum&diff=435262The Hunt for Gollum2026-02-20T02:51:46Z<p>King Elessar: I changed the hunt for gollum movie poster</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Disambig-two|the 2009 fan film|2026 film adaptation|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum]]}}<br />
{{film infobox<br />
| image = The Hunt For Gollum.png<br />
| caption = <br />
| name=The Hunt for Gollum<br />
| director=Chris Bouchard<br />
| producer=Chris Bouchard, Spencer Duru, Noel Gale, Julianne Honey-Mennal, Brian Lavery, Kate Madison, Ashram Maharaj, Gladys San Juan, Sabina Sattar <br />
| writer='''Novel:'''<br>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<br>'''Screenplay:'''<br>Chris Bouchard<br>'''Additional Writing:'''<br>Sabina Sattar<br>Julianne Honey-Mennal<br>Stuart Price<br>Lewis Albrow<br />
| narrator=<br />
| starring=Adrian Webster<br />
| music=Adam Langston, Andrew Skrabutenas <br />
| cinematography=Gareth Brough, Chris Child, John-Paul Frazer, Neill Phillips, <br />
Mike Ritchie, Stein Stie<br />
| editing=Lewis Albrow <br />
| distributor=Internet<br />
| released=May 3, 2009<br />
| runtime=38 min <br />
| country=UK<br />
| language=English<br />
| budget=£3000<br />
| website=[http://www.thehuntforgollum.com Official website]<br />
| imdb_id=1323925<br />
}}<br />
'''The Hunt for Gollum''' is a [[:Category:Fan films|fan film]] based on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. The film focuses on the events prior to ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' but after ''[[The Hobbit]]'' as [[Aragorn]] tracks down [[Gollum]]. Featured characters include [[Aragorn]], [[Gandalf]], [[Arwen]] and [[Gollum]], with new characters ''Arithir'', and ''Goblok''. The film was made available to download for free on [[3 May|May 3]], [[2009]].<ref>http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/02/02/31077-fanfilm-the-hunt-for-gollum-online-may-3rd</ref><br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
As Gandalf learns the truth about the ring in Frodo's possession, he dispatches Aragorn to find and capture the creature Gollum, the ring's former carrier.<br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"<br />
!Role!!Actor<br />
|-<br />
|[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2423411/ Adrian Webster]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Arwen]]||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2645682/ Rita Ramnani]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gandalf]]||Patrick O'Connell<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gollum]] (Voice)||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2421667/ Gareth Brough]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gollum]] (Performer)||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2423282/ Matthew Cunningham]<br />
|-<br />
|Elf of Mirkwood||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3329553/ Max Bracey]<br />
|-<br />
|Arithir||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0020164/ Arin Alldridge]<br />
|-<br />
|Goblok||Gareth Brough<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Crew==<br />
*Director: Chris Bouchard<br />
*Co-Producers:<br />
**Brian Lavery<br />
**Gladys San Juan<br />
**Julianne Honey-Mennal<br />
**Spencer Duru<br />
*1st Assistant Director: Irene Maffei<br />
*Assistant Producer: Agatha O'Neil<br />
<br />
Music by Adam Langston and Andrew Skrabutenas, based on music by [[Howard Shore]] and [[Requiem for a Tower|Clint Mansell]]. <br />
<br />
[[The Hunt for Gollum (soundtrack)|Read more...]]<br />
<br />
==Trailer==<br />
<youtube>HSTYubpLxg8</youtube><br />
<youtube>LkSa-pmknfY</youtube><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*'''[http://www.thehuntforgollum.com/ Official Website]'''<br />
*[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323925/ The Hunt for Gollum] at [http://www.imdb.com/ IMDb]<br />
*[http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film258572.html The Hunt for Gollum] at [http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/main.html FilmAffinity]<br />
<br />
{{Fan films}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Fan films|Hunt for Gollum]]<br />
[[de:The Hunt for Gollum]]<br />
[[fr:divertissements/adaptations/fans/thfg]]<br />
[[fi:The Hunt for Gollum (2009)]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Legolas&diff=435261Legolas2026-02-20T02:50:37Z<p>King Elessar: I changed the picture of Legolas</p>
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<div>{{short description|Member of the Fellowship}}<br />
{{disambig-two|the Elf of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|Elf in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]''|[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)]]}}<br />
{{infobox character<br />
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]<br />
| name=Legolas<br />
| image=Legolas Greenleaf.jpeg<br />
| caption="Legolas" from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring <br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|['lɛgolas]}}<br />
| othernames=''Laicolassë'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>Greenleaf<br />
| titles=Prince of [[Woodland Realm]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Woodland Realm]]<br/>[[Ithilien]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]]<br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| sailedwest={{FoA|120}}<br />
| sailedfrom=[[Ithilien]]<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=<br />
| parentage=[[Thranduil]]<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Over 6 feet (1.83 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, "Heights", p. 195</ref><br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=Green and brown garb<br />
| weapons=[[Bow of the Galadhrim]] and "long white knife"<br />
| steed=[[Arod]]<br />
}}<br />
{{Quote|There was also a strange Elf clad in green and brown, Legolas, a messenger from his father...|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Legolas''' was a [[Silvan Elves|Silvan Elf]] of [[Sindar|Sindar]]in origin, the prince of the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. His grandfather [[Oropher]] was of the [[Sindar]] of [[Doriath]], and his father [[Thranduil]] was king of Mirkwood ([[Greenwood the Great]]). His birthdate is unknown, as are his earliest exploits. His most notable role is the part he played in the [[War of the Ring]], during which he represented the [[Elves|Elven]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His Elven abilities, such as superior sight and hearing, lightness of foot, and skilled archery, were invaluable to his eight companions.<br />
<br />
Legolas' unlikely friendship with the [[Dwarves|Dwarf]], [[Gimli]] son of [[Glóin]] was considered odd. As such a friendship was rare between the two races, due to the long-standing grievances between [[Dwarves]] and [[Elves]] dating back to the [[Elder Days]]. And, unlikely because of the grudge between their two particular houses for the rough treatment Glóin and the rest of [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s company was given by Thranduil on an earlier occasion.<ref>{{H|8}}; {{H|9}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There are nothing to say about Legolas’s birthdate and early upbringing, except for the very few things he himself has said on the matter.<br />
<br />
During the [[War of the Ring]], the creature [[Gollum]] was captured by [[Aragorn]], and put under lock and key by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. Through their over-kindliness to him, however, Gollum managed an escape with the help of [[Sauron]]'s [[Orcs]]. Legolas was dispatched to [[Rivendell]] to deliver this ill news to [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas was present at the [[Council of Elrond]] and related the news of Gollum's escape, quickly adding that it was not through lack of vigilance that he slipped their grasp, and provided a detailed account of the whole affair to the Council.<ref name="Council" /> He spoke little if at all after his report, but was later chosen to represent the Elves in the Nine Walkers of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. His skills would prove invaluable to the Fellowship. <br />
<br />
===Fellowship of the Ring===<br />
For the early part of the quest, the nine companions walked single file, Gandalf leading, Legolas, with his keen eyes, providing the rearguard. When the Company came to [[Hollin]], Legolas was very deeply moved: the wholesome air yet spoke of the Elves that dwelt there long ago, and his sharp ears heard the very stones crying out for grief at their departure and memory of their ways.<ref name="South" /> <br />
<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - 'I go to find the Sun!'.jpg|thumb|''I go to find the Sun!'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas in his light shoes could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge and wade their way forward. But snow or no snow, nothing could dampen his buoyant Elven spirit, and he joked lightly with Gandalf even at the darkest moments. He scouted ahead and behind the company, dancing over the snow with great ease, and brought news that the storm was, as they had been fearing, put out to stop them by some Power greater than they. When this report arrived, Gandalf reluctantly decided to abandon the idea of crossing by the [[Redhorn Gate]]. Legolas stayed near the [[Hobbits]] on the dangerous descent.<ref name="South">{{FR|South}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the bottom of the mountain, the company took a vote on attempting passage through [[Moria]]. Legolas was silent until asked for his opinion, and then said simply and seemingly reluctantly, "I do not wish to go to Moria." His loyalty and respectful deference to the decisions of the two leaders, Aragorn and Gandalf, extended even to following them through darkness and unknown horror; of all the Company, he was arguably the most loyal to leadership. When the voices of the [[Wargs]] were heard and the attack began, Legolas did perhaps more than anyone save Gandalf, shooting numerous Wargs and even collecting his spent arrows to fire again, retrieving them, like a responsible bowman, after the fight ended.<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Fellowship reached the West Gate of Moria, and were halted by the doors fast shut. At last gaining entrance, the Company, following Gandalf's staff, began their march through Moria, a pit so profoundly dark that even Legolas' eyes could see nothing. He served his turn, like the others, in lookout duty through the night on the march. When they came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] and were attacked by the Orcs, Legolas dispatched at least two before following the others out the east door, having to drag Gimli away from [[Balin]]'s tomb. When [[Durin's Bane]] made its frightful appearance, Legolas was the first to spot it when he turned to shoot an arrow towards the Orcs. He recognized it immediately as a [[Balrog]], and it is the only recorded time he was ever truly afraid: a Balrog held far more terror for an Elf than for any other, for only they remembered where the Demons of Fire had come from and whom they had first served.<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Crossing Nimrodel.jpg|thumb|''Crossing Nimrodel'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]<br />
After the fall of Gandalf, Aragorn led the Fellowship eastwards to the borders of the forest of Lórien. Legolas was seized with a deep excitement, for none of his kindred had been into the wood for many years, and he himself had only heard of it from tales. He was grieved, though, that it was winter, and the full glory of the ''[[Mellyrn]]'' was departed. The Fellowship splashed across the [[Nimrodel]] river, feeling their weariness drained away by its cool waters. As they rested on the shore, Legolas told the tales of [[Lothlórien]] still remembered by the Mirkwood Elves and sang to them part of the [[Lay of Nimrodel]]. At last, the Company turned aside from the path in order to shelter in the trees for the night, not caring to be caught on the ground by the Orcs pursuing them from Moria. Upon being surprised and questioned by the Elves of Lórien who were watching from a tree, Legolas responded cautiously in their own tongue. When [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded, "They say that you breathe so loud they could shoot you in the dark." He hastened to add that they need not fear the Elves.<br />
<br />
Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], bringing Frodo, though Sam followed, as always. The Galadhrim had heard Legolas' singing and knew him for one of their northern kindred. They had had tidings from the sons of Elrond as to the Quest upon which the Company was embarked, and readily accepted all of the fellowship save Gimli, who was only grudgingly allowed, for the suspicion of the Elves of Lórien towards the Dwarves was especially acute. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". The next morning, when the Elves took the company across the river [[Celebrant]] on their way to [[Caras Galadhon]], they told Gimli he would have to be blindfolded, but he was outraged and refused. When Aragorn offered for all of the Company to wear blindfolds, Gimli said if only Legolas would wear one, he would. Legolas was outraged in turn, but Aragorn settled the dispute by asking to blindfold the whole of the Company. In the end, Legolas had no choice but to agree.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]]]]<br />
In Lothlórien, many Elves sang of Gandalf, and their language was such that only Legolas could understand. Legolas would not translate the lamentations for the rest of the Company, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however, with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] permeating the air, he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship that would never be broken.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> He was one of the Company that could handle boats, and when the Fellowship prepared to leave Lórien, he was assigned to paddle one with Gimli. From the lady Galadriel, he received an Elven cloak and brooch, like the others, and a long, stout bow and quiver of arrows, such as the Galadhrim used.<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref><br />
<br />
When the Company was ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and up the riverbank with his bow, searching in the darkness for any sign of the Orcs. From Frodo's low position in the boats, he appeared to be crowned with white stars as he stood tall upon the bank. Suddenly, the south wind chased the clouds away, and a chilling dread fell on the Company. Legolas looked up, and sighed, "[[Elbereth Gilthoniel]]!" as if to draw strength to face the terror riding high in the wind. As the Shadow approached, he bent the great bow of Lórien and shot the descending [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]] from the sky, one of his most masterful deeds. He was praised by the rest of the Company for this, especially Gimli.<ref>{{FR|River}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Three Hunters===<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Awaiting the Riders of Rohan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Awaiting the Riders of Rohan'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
When the company was ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many Orcs until his arrows ran out, and then used his knife.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], when he learned that Boromir had fallen, he sang a lament with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind, which came from the Sea.<ref>{{TT|Departure}}</ref> Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.<ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref><br />
<br />
When accosted by the [[Riders of Rohan]] led by [[Éomer]], Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty Marchwarden, threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. When Éomer lent them horses to speed them on their way, Legolas was given [[Arod]], a very high-spirited horse. But Legolas had the Elvish way with beasts, and after he had leaped lightly upon Arod, the horse was docile beneath him. Legolas let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn Forest]] in their search for [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. When they arrived by the smoking pile of Orc ashes, they combed the battlefield for any sign of the Hobbits for several hours, but gave up as night approached. Camping under the eaves of the forest, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire they lit, stretching out its limbs and leaves to the heat. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own guess.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon entering Fangorn, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying, “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the [[Three Hunters]] met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s encouragement Legolas did not shoot him. The old man declared, "''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''" Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognised that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added, "''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''"<ref name="White" /><br />
<br />
===With the Rohirrim===<br />
Legolas was the first to ask Gandalf about Merry and Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered [[Galadriel's messages]] to each of them, Legolas' being:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|Legolas Greenleaf long under tree<br /><br />
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!<br /><br />
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,<br /><br />
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.<ref name=White/>}}<br />
<br />
Later, Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both of [[Isengard]] and [[Edoras]] from afar. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden|Théoden King]], and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer's horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared, "''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''"<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' [[John Howe]]]]<br />
As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that he did not like the place. Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the [[Rohirrim]]. At the opening of the battle, Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.<ref name="Road">{{TT|Road}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Glittering Caves|Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a return to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of Gimli, Aragorn, and the [[Hobbits]], Merry and Pippin.<ref>{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Return of the King===<br />
When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.<br />
<br />
Amidst the Paths of the Dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone, save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond|Elrond's]] sons, felt no fear of the [[Oathbreakers]],<ref>{{RK|Company}}</ref> and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he stopped there, while Gimli promptly said, "''For my part I heeded them not''". Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the [[One Ring]].<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of [[Men]] to the dubious Gimli.<ref name="Debate" /><br />
<br />
===Battle of the Morannon and aftermath===<br />
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in honour of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the urging of Aragorn, Legolas remained in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time, after attending the coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]]. During the parting of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], Legolas went with Gimli to [[Aglarond]]. After that, he rode off with Gimli to return to [[Fangorn Forest]].<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===After the War of the Ring===<br />
[[File:Turner Mohan - Legolas and Gimli depart.jpg|thumb|''Legolas and Gimli depart'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]] <br />
In the early Fourth Age Legolas brought south [[Elves of Mirkwood|Elves out of Greenwood]], and they dwelt in Ithilien, which became once again the fairest country in all the westlands.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>{{rp|1080}} During his stay in Ithilien, Legolas devised the renowned gardens of Prince Faramir's new home in the Hills of [[Emyn Arnen]].<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, Commentary on ''The Stewards of Gondor'' ("Faramir"), p. 220</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas and the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-Elves]] later worked together with Gimli and the Dwarves to rebuild and improve [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1080}} After King Elessar died in {{FoA|120}}, Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien and sailed down the Anduin and onwards into the [[Aman|West]],<ref name="AppB">{{App|Later}}, entry '''1541''', p. 1098</ref> reportedly taking Gimli with him.<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1081}}<ref name="AppB" /><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance and equipment===<br />
[[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas: <br />
{{blockquote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', p. 327}}<br />
<br />
At Rivendell, Legolas was dressed in green and brown garb,<ref name="Council" /> and he was probably dressed similarly for the duration of the quest.<br />
He bore a bow from Mirkwood, and later a [[Bow of the Galadhrim]]. He also had a long white knife.<ref name="South" /> He was a master archer, unmatched by any other during his time, capable of shooting adversaries from afar, and on occasion kill more than one with a single arrow, as shown when he nailed two orcs through the throat in Moria.<ref name="Bridge" /> His skill with a bow was even more formidable due to his keen eyesight. At the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he also proved skilled at knife-fighting in close quarters.<ref>{{TT|Deep}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through Caradhras and even the Paths of the Dead without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he spoke of the "strong men" on Caradhras, who Boromir (meaning himself and Aragorn) had said could forge a way out through the snow.<ref name="South" /> He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli's words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]].<ref name="Road" /><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The name ''Legolas'' is a [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means "Greenleaf". At one point he is called "Legolas '''Greenleaf'''" by Gandalf, coupling his name and its translation like an epithet.<ref group="note">''Greenleaf'' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]'').</ref> <br />
<br />
''Legolas'' consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', a very rare, archaic word for "green" (cf. ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'', the [[Green Elves]]), which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''[[Calenhad]], [[Parth Galen]]'' and ''[[Pinnath Gelin]]''); and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''[[lass|las(s)]]'', "leaf").<ref>{{L|211}}</ref><ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|84}}<br />
<br />
In one note, [[Tolkien]] considered ''Legolas'' to be a non-Sindarin name, instead being [[Ossiriand]]ish in which ''laiquā'' > ''lēgo'' (shortened in trisyllabic names to ''lěgo'').<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|153}}<br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] cognate of ''Laegolas'' was '''''Laicolasse'''''.<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|56}}<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree| ORO |ORO=[[Oropher]]<br/><small>''d. {{SA|3434}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| THR |THR=[[Thranduil]]<br/><small>''Unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| LEG |LEG='''LEGOLAS'''<br/><small>''Sailed West {{FoA|120}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
The name "''[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)|Legolas Greenleaf]]''" appeared first in "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]" in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', applied to a character who guided some survivors of the sack of the city to safety.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, ''Entries in the Name-list to The Fall of Gondolin'', p. 217</ref> However, this character had no further development in the [[Legendarium]] and is unrelated to the Legolas of the Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
<br />
While writing ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien first considered [[Glorfindel]] to be the Elven character of the Fellowship, however he dropped the idea, and Legolas was created to replace him. Perhaps this is the reason why Legolas is considered the most underdeveloped character of the Fellowship, playing only a minor role in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/53965333513/why-is-legolass-character-so-underdeveloped|articlename=Why is Legolas so underdeveloped?|website=[http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com Ask About Middle-Earth]}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="300" heights="200"><br />
File:Sagan om Ringen - Legolas.png|''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Legolas 2.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Legolas.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Legolas.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''<br />
File:Lego Legolas poster.png|Legolas as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Legolas.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Frank Duncan]] was the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is chosen as the elf representative of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. Legolas walks behind the other members of the Fellowship, as his eyesight is superior.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]]. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel]]'s place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[John Vickery]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in this film, as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[David Collings]] provided the voice of Legolas. In an interesting deviation, he is the one to defend Gimli to [[Haldir]].<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Michael Reisz]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].<br />
<br />
:In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendix B|Appendices]].<br />
<br />
:He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.<br />
<br />
:Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. It is not clear whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.<br />
<br />
:Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas's "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming an unprecedented fan favourite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Legolas is provided by Richard Stanke.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a non-playable character, accompanying the Ring-bearer since Rivendell.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a playable character, skilled in both ranged and melee. He and Gimli accompany Aragorn through Paths of the Dead, later he fights on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]'''<br />
:Legolas makes a cameo as one of the Wood-elves that Bilbo must avoid in the "Barrels Out of Bond" level. He is recognizable due to his resemblance to Thranduil. While he is unnamed in-game, his identity is confirmed in the game files. No voice actor is specified for the character.<ref>''The Hobbit (2003 video game)'', "Barrels Out of Bond"</ref><br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:[[Grant George]] provides the voice of Legolas.<ref>http://www.dynamicduovo.com/aboutgrant.html</ref> The game depicts Legolas's hunt for [[Gollum]] in northern Mirkwood, which is interrupted by the orcs.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, and accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode. He specializes in powerful ranged attacks.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is now the Hero for the Elven faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is first met in [[Rivendell]], where before the Fellowship's departure he helps the player in the search for the missing Nazgul. Later, the player catches up with Legolas at several points during the Fellowship's journey such as [[Cerin Amroth]], [[Meduseld]], [[Hornburg]] and the [[Pelennor Fields]]. After [[Sauron]]'s defeat, Legolas and [[Gimli]] accompany soldiers of [[Gondor]] who on the orders of King Elessar begin exploring and securing the Land of Shadow; Legolas assists the player in their exploration of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. Afterwards, Legolas for a brief time returns home to his father's halls in [[Eryn Lasgalen]], where he introduces the player to [[Grimbeorn]]. He soon returns back to [[Minas Tirith]] for the wedding of Aragorn and [[Arwen]], after which he continues the exploration of the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]], eventually discovering the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:[[Crispin Freeman]] plays Legolas, who is available as a Hero in several missions.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crispin_freeman_fansite/message/9438</ref><br />
:In the game's Evil Campaign, Legolas makes a final stand at Rivendell when it is invaded by the armies of Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas can be found and talked to in Rivendell, he retains the appearance from the movies. While he provides insight into many events, interactions with him do not affect the main plot.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|LEGO The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Legolas based on his appearance in ''The Lord of the Rings'' films is included in the [[Lego#Sets|set]] The Mines of Moria<br />
<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref>, as well as in the set Pirate Ship Ambush and a fun pack for ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''. In the ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'' in 2012, Legolas plays largely the same role as in the films, though with additional comedic elements. He also joins the members of the Fellowship at the Grey Havens to witness the departure of Frodo and Gandalf.<br />
:A second Legolas figure based on his appearance in ''The Hobbit'' films appears in the sets Legolas Greenleaf, Escape from Mirkwood Spiders, and The Battle of Five Armies. Legolas also appears in ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]''.<br />
<br />
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''<br />
:Orlando Bloom reprised his role as Legolas in [[Peter Jackson]]'s adaptation of the Hobbit.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ/posts/10150265634081558|articlename=Ten years ago,...|dated=27-May-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Bloom was [[Wikipedia:de-aging in film|digitally de-aged]] to match his appearance as Legolas in ''Lord of the Rings'' 13 years ago.<ref>{{webcite|author=Mat Bradley-Tschirgi|articleurl=http://www.gamesradar.com/7-movie-actors-made-impossibly-young-by-cgi/|articlename=7 movie actors made impossibly young by CGI|website=[http://www.gamesradar.com/ GamesRadar]|accessed=30-May-2017}}</ref> He is one of the Elves who capture [[Thorin and Company]] who traverse Mirkwood. His company, including [[Tauriel]], were ordered by Thranduil to clean up the [[spider]] nests. As he examines [[Glóin]], he finds a locket with a picture of Gimli, his future friend, and comments on his ugliness. His father notices Legolas's affection for [[Tauriel]], which he doesn't approve because she is a pure Silvan-elf. However he joins her in pursuit of the pack of Orcs (led by [[Bolg]]) who are after [[Thorin]]. Thranduil and Legolas later interrogate [[Narzug]], a captured Orc. Alarmed by the news, Thranduil orders his Realm to be sealed from the outside world, but when Legolas hears that Tauriel has run after Kili, he leaves to find her.<br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas appears after the destruction of [[Lake-town]]. With Tauriel he goes to investigate the Orcs' armies in [[Gundabad]] where his mother was killed during an old battle, something about which his father never talks. He returns to the ruins of [[Dale]] where the [[Lake-men]] are regrouping. He participates in the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and goes with Tauriel to the [[Ravenhill]] to support [[Thorin]]. In order to save Tauriel from Bolg, he uses a mutilated [[Trolls|Troll]] to demolish an ancient tower and duels with Bolg. Bitter with his father's treatment towards Tauriel, he says that he won't return to Mirkwood; Thranduil advises him to go to [[Eriador|the North]] and find the [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain]] and a young ranger called "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]." Before parting, Thranduil assures him that his mother loved him more than anything else.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Legolas/Disputes]]<br />
<br />
{{references|n}}<br />
{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}<br />
{{hobbitfilms}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Moriquendi]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]<br />
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]<br />
[[Category:Sindar]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/standard/legolas]]<br />
[[fi:Legolas]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=The_Hunt_for_Gollum&diff=435246The Hunt for Gollum2026-02-19T23:49:31Z<p>King Elessar: I changed the hunt for gollum movie poster</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Disambig-two|the 2009 fan film|2026 film adaptation|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum]]}}<br />
{{film infobox<br />
| image = The_Hunt_For_Gollum.png<br />
| caption = <br />
| name=The Hunt for Gollum<br />
| director=Chris Bouchard<br />
| producer=Chris Bouchard, Spencer Duru, Noel Gale, Julianne Honey-Mennal, Brian Lavery, Kate Madison, Ashram Maharaj, Gladys San Juan, Sabina Sattar <br />
| writer='''Novel:'''<br>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<br>'''Screenplay:'''<br>Chris Bouchard<br>'''Additional Writing:'''<br>Sabina Sattar<br>Julianne Honey-Mennal<br>Stuart Price<br>Lewis Albrow<br />
| narrator=<br />
| starring=Adrian Webster<br />
| music=Adam Langston, Andrew Skrabutenas <br />
| cinematography=Gareth Brough, Chris Child, John-Paul Frazer, Neill Phillips, <br />
Mike Ritchie, Stein Stie<br />
| editing=Lewis Albrow <br />
| distributor=Internet<br />
| released=May 3, 2009<br />
| runtime=38 min <br />
| country=UK<br />
| language=English<br />
| budget=£3000<br />
| website=[http://www.thehuntforgollum.com Official website]<br />
| imdb_id=1323925<br />
}}<br />
'''The Hunt for Gollum''' is a [[:Category:Fan films|fan film]] based on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. The film focuses on the events prior to ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' but after ''[[The Hobbit]]'' as [[Aragorn]] tracks down [[Gollum]]. Featured characters include [[Aragorn]], [[Gandalf]], [[Arwen]] and [[Gollum]], with new characters ''Arithir'', and ''Goblok''. The film was made available to download for free on [[3 May|May 3]], [[2009]].<ref>http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/02/02/31077-fanfilm-the-hunt-for-gollum-online-may-3rd</ref><br />
<br />
==Synopsis==<br />
As Gandalf learns the truth about the ring in Frodo's possession, he dispatches Aragorn to find and capture the creature Gollum, the ring's former carrier.<br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"<br />
!Role!!Actor<br />
|-<br />
|[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2423411/ Adrian Webster]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Arwen]]||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2645682/ Rita Ramnani]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gandalf]]||Patrick O'Connell<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gollum]] (Voice)||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2421667/ Gareth Brough]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Gollum]] (Performer)||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2423282/ Matthew Cunningham]<br />
|-<br />
|Elf of Mirkwood||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3329553/ Max Bracey]<br />
|-<br />
|Arithir||[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0020164/ Arin Alldridge]<br />
|-<br />
|Goblok||Gareth Brough<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Crew==<br />
*Director: Chris Bouchard<br />
*Co-Producers:<br />
**Brian Lavery<br />
**Gladys San Juan<br />
**Julianne Honey-Mennal<br />
**Spencer Duru<br />
*1st Assistant Director: Irene Maffei<br />
*Assistant Producer: Agatha O'Neil<br />
<br />
Music by Adam Langston and Andrew Skrabutenas, based on music by [[Howard Shore]] and [[Requiem for a Tower|Clint Mansell]]. <br />
<br />
[[The Hunt for Gollum (soundtrack)|Read more...]]<br />
<br />
==Trailer==<br />
<youtube>HSTYubpLxg8</youtube><br />
<youtube>LkSa-pmknfY</youtube><br />
<br />
{{references}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*'''[http://www.thehuntforgollum.com/ Official Website]'''<br />
*[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323925/ The Hunt for Gollum] at [http://www.imdb.com/ IMDb]<br />
*[http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film258572.html The Hunt for Gollum] at [http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/main.html FilmAffinity]<br />
<br />
{{Fan films}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Fan films|Hunt for Gollum]]<br />
[[de:The Hunt for Gollum]]<br />
[[fr:divertissements/adaptations/fans/thfg]]<br />
[[fi:The Hunt for Gollum (2009)]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Portal:Adaptations&diff=435245Portal:Adaptations2026-02-19T23:47:12Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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|-<br />
| colspan="2" style=" padding: 0.5rem; text-align: center;"|<rss max=1>https://news.google.com/rss/search?q=rings+of+power+or+lord+of+the+rings+film+or+the+hunt+for+gollum&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en</rss><br />
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|caption1 = Movie / 2027 <br />
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|caption1 = TV / 2022 – Ongoing<br />
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|caption1 = Movie / 2001<br />
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|aspectratio = 2/3<br />
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|title1 = An Unexpected Journey<br />
|caption1 = Movie / 2012<br />
|image2 = The Hobbit- The Desolation of Smaug - Poster - Title only.png <br />
|page2 = The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug<br />
|title2 = The Desolation of Smaug<br />
|caption2 = Movie / 2013<br />
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|caption3 = Movie / 2014<br />
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|caption1 = Movie / 1977<br />
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|image3 = The Return of the King (1980 film) - cover.png<br />
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|caption3 = Movie / 1980<br />
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|content = [[Portal:Games|See the games portal...]]<br />
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[[Category:Adaptations]]<br />
[[Category:Portals]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Legolas&diff=435244Legolas2026-02-19T23:44:51Z<p>King Elessar: I changed a picture’s name</p>
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<div>{{short description|Member of the Fellowship}}<br />
{{disambig-two|the Elf of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|Elf in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]''|[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)]]}}<br />
{{infobox character<br />
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]<br />
| name=Legolas<br />
| image=Legolas_Greenleaf.jpeg<br />
| caption="Legolas" from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring <br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|['lɛgolas]}}<br />
| othernames=''Laicolassë'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>Greenleaf<br />
| titles=Prince of [[Woodland Realm]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Woodland Realm]]<br/>[[Ithilien]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]]<br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| sailedwest={{FoA|120}}<br />
| sailedfrom=[[Ithilien]]<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=<br />
| parentage=[[Thranduil]]<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Over 6 feet (1.83 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, "Heights", p. 195</ref><br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=Green and brown garb<br />
| weapons=[[Bow of the Galadhrim]] and "long white knife"<br />
| steed=[[Arod]]<br />
}}<br />
{{Quote|There was also a strange Elf clad in green and brown, Legolas, a messenger from his father...|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Legolas''' was a [[Silvan Elves|Silvan Elf]] of [[Sindar|Sindar]]in origin, the prince of the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. His grandfather [[Oropher]] was of the [[Sindar]] of [[Doriath]], and his father [[Thranduil]] was king of Mirkwood ([[Greenwood the Great]]). His birthdate is unknown, as are his earliest exploits. His most notable role is the part he played in the [[War of the Ring]], during which he represented the [[Elves|Elven]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His Elven abilities, such as superior sight and hearing, lightness of foot, and skilled archery, were invaluable to his eight companions.<br />
<br />
Legolas' unlikely friendship with the [[Dwarves|Dwarf]], [[Gimli]] son of [[Glóin]] was considered odd. As such a friendship was rare between the two races, due to the long-standing grievances between [[Dwarves]] and [[Elves]] dating back to the [[Elder Days]]. And, unlikely because of the grudge between their two particular houses for the rough treatment Glóin and the rest of [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s company was given by Thranduil on an earlier occasion.<ref>{{H|8}}; {{H|9}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There are nothing to say about Legolas’s birthdate and early upbringing, except for the very few things he himself has said on the matter.<br />
<br />
During the [[War of the Ring]], the creature [[Gollum]] was captured by [[Aragorn]], and put under lock and key by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. Through their over-kindliness to him, however, Gollum managed an escape with the help of [[Sauron]]'s [[Orcs]]. Legolas was dispatched to [[Rivendell]] to deliver this ill news to [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas was present at the [[Council of Elrond]] and related the news of Gollum's escape, quickly adding that it was not through lack of vigilance that he slipped their grasp, and provided a detailed account of the whole affair to the Council.<ref name="Council" /> He spoke little if at all after his report, but was later chosen to represent the Elves in the Nine Walkers of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. His skills would prove invaluable to the Fellowship. <br />
<br />
===Fellowship of the Ring===<br />
For the early part of the quest, the nine companions walked single file, Gandalf leading, Legolas, with his keen eyes, providing the rearguard. When the Company came to [[Hollin]], Legolas was very deeply moved: the wholesome air yet spoke of the Elves that dwelt there long ago, and his sharp ears heard the very stones crying out for grief at their departure and memory of their ways.<ref name="South" /> <br />
<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - 'I go to find the Sun!'.jpg|thumb|''I go to find the Sun!'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas in his light shoes could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge and wade their way forward. But snow or no snow, nothing could dampen his buoyant Elven spirit, and he joked lightly with Gandalf even at the darkest moments. He scouted ahead and behind the company, dancing over the snow with great ease, and brought news that the storm was, as they had been fearing, put out to stop them by some Power greater than they. When this report arrived, Gandalf reluctantly decided to abandon the idea of crossing by the [[Redhorn Gate]]. Legolas stayed near the [[Hobbits]] on the dangerous descent.<ref name="South">{{FR|South}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the bottom of the mountain, the company took a vote on attempting passage through [[Moria]]. Legolas was silent until asked for his opinion, and then said simply and seemingly reluctantly, "I do not wish to go to Moria." His loyalty and respectful deference to the decisions of the two leaders, Aragorn and Gandalf, extended even to following them through darkness and unknown horror; of all the Company, he was arguably the most loyal to leadership. When the voices of the [[Wargs]] were heard and the attack began, Legolas did perhaps more than anyone save Gandalf, shooting numerous Wargs and even collecting his spent arrows to fire again, retrieving them, like a responsible bowman, after the fight ended.<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Fellowship reached the West Gate of Moria, and were halted by the doors fast shut. At last gaining entrance, the Company, following Gandalf's staff, began their march through Moria, a pit so profoundly dark that even Legolas' eyes could see nothing. He served his turn, like the others, in lookout duty through the night on the march. When they came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] and were attacked by the Orcs, Legolas dispatched at least two before following the others out the east door, having to drag Gimli away from [[Balin]]'s tomb. When [[Durin's Bane]] made its frightful appearance, Legolas was the first to spot it when he turned to shoot an arrow towards the Orcs. He recognized it immediately as a [[Balrog]], and it is the only recorded time he was ever truly afraid: a Balrog held far more terror for an Elf than for any other, for only they remembered where the Demons of Fire had come from and whom they had first served.<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Crossing Nimrodel.jpg|thumb|''Crossing Nimrodel'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]<br />
After the fall of Gandalf, Aragorn led the Fellowship eastwards to the borders of the forest of Lórien. Legolas was seized with a deep excitement, for none of his kindred had been into the wood for many years, and he himself had only heard of it from tales. He was grieved, though, that it was winter, and the full glory of the ''[[Mellyrn]]'' was departed. The Fellowship splashed across the [[Nimrodel]] river, feeling their weariness drained away by its cool waters. As they rested on the shore, Legolas told the tales of [[Lothlórien]] still remembered by the Mirkwood Elves and sang to them part of the [[Lay of Nimrodel]]. At last, the Company turned aside from the path in order to shelter in the trees for the night, not caring to be caught on the ground by the Orcs pursuing them from Moria. Upon being surprised and questioned by the Elves of Lórien who were watching from a tree, Legolas responded cautiously in their own tongue. When [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded, "They say that you breathe so loud they could shoot you in the dark." He hastened to add that they need not fear the Elves.<br />
<br />
Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], bringing Frodo, though Sam followed, as always. The Galadhrim had heard Legolas' singing and knew him for one of their northern kindred. They had had tidings from the sons of Elrond as to the Quest upon which the Company was embarked, and readily accepted all of the fellowship save Gimli, who was only grudgingly allowed, for the suspicion of the Elves of Lórien towards the Dwarves was especially acute. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". The next morning, when the Elves took the company across the river [[Celebrant]] on their way to [[Caras Galadhon]], they told Gimli he would have to be blindfolded, but he was outraged and refused. When Aragorn offered for all of the Company to wear blindfolds, Gimli said if only Legolas would wear one, he would. Legolas was outraged in turn, but Aragorn settled the dispute by asking to blindfold the whole of the Company. In the end, Legolas had no choice but to agree.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]]]]<br />
In Lothlórien, many Elves sang of Gandalf, and their language was such that only Legolas could understand. Legolas would not translate the lamentations for the rest of the Company, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however, with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] permeating the air, he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship that would never be broken.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> He was one of the Company that could handle boats, and when the Fellowship prepared to leave Lórien, he was assigned to paddle one with Gimli. From the lady Galadriel, he received an Elven cloak and brooch, like the others, and a long, stout bow and quiver of arrows, such as the Galadhrim used.<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref><br />
<br />
When the Company was ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and up the riverbank with his bow, searching in the darkness for any sign of the Orcs. From Frodo's low position in the boats, he appeared to be crowned with white stars as he stood tall upon the bank. Suddenly, the south wind chased the clouds away, and a chilling dread fell on the Company. Legolas looked up, and sighed, "[[Elbereth Gilthoniel]]!" as if to draw strength to face the terror riding high in the wind. As the Shadow approached, he bent the great bow of Lórien and shot the descending [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]] from the sky, one of his most masterful deeds. He was praised by the rest of the Company for this, especially Gimli.<ref>{{FR|River}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Three Hunters===<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Awaiting the Riders of Rohan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Awaiting the Riders of Rohan'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
When the company was ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many Orcs until his arrows ran out, and then used his knife.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], when he learned that Boromir had fallen, he sang a lament with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind, which came from the Sea.<ref>{{TT|Departure}}</ref> Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.<ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref><br />
<br />
When accosted by the [[Riders of Rohan]] led by [[Éomer]], Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty Marchwarden, threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. When Éomer lent them horses to speed them on their way, Legolas was given [[Arod]], a very high-spirited horse. But Legolas had the Elvish way with beasts, and after he had leaped lightly upon Arod, the horse was docile beneath him. Legolas let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn Forest]] in their search for [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. When they arrived by the smoking pile of Orc ashes, they combed the battlefield for any sign of the Hobbits for several hours, but gave up as night approached. Camping under the eaves of the forest, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire they lit, stretching out its limbs and leaves to the heat. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own guess.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon entering Fangorn, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying, “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the [[Three Hunters]] met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s encouragement Legolas did not shoot him. The old man declared, "''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''" Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognised that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added, "''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''"<ref name="White" /><br />
<br />
===With the Rohirrim===<br />
Legolas was the first to ask Gandalf about Merry and Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered [[Galadriel's messages]] to each of them, Legolas' being:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|Legolas Greenleaf long under tree<br /><br />
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!<br /><br />
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,<br /><br />
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.<ref name=White/>}}<br />
<br />
Later, Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both of [[Isengard]] and [[Edoras]] from afar. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden|Théoden King]], and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer's horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared, "''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''"<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' [[John Howe]]]]<br />
As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that he did not like the place. Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the [[Rohirrim]]. At the opening of the battle, Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.<ref name="Road">{{TT|Road}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Glittering Caves|Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a return to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of Gimli, Aragorn, and the [[Hobbits]], Merry and Pippin.<ref>{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Return of the King===<br />
When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.<br />
<br />
Amidst the Paths of the Dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone, save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond|Elrond's]] sons, felt no fear of the [[Oathbreakers]],<ref>{{RK|Company}}</ref> and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he stopped there, while Gimli promptly said, "''For my part I heeded them not''". Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the [[One Ring]].<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of [[Men]] to the dubious Gimli.<ref name="Debate" /><br />
<br />
===Battle of the Morannon and aftermath===<br />
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in honour of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the urging of Aragorn, Legolas remained in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time, after attending the coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]]. During the parting of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], Legolas went with Gimli to [[Aglarond]]. After that, he rode off with Gimli to return to [[Fangorn Forest]].<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===After the War of the Ring===<br />
[[File:Turner Mohan - Legolas and Gimli depart.jpg|thumb|''Legolas and Gimli depart'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]] <br />
In the early Fourth Age Legolas brought south [[Elves of Mirkwood|Elves out of Greenwood]], and they dwelt in Ithilien, which became once again the fairest country in all the westlands.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>{{rp|1080}} During his stay in Ithilien, Legolas devised the renowned gardens of Prince Faramir's new home in the Hills of [[Emyn Arnen]].<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, Commentary on ''The Stewards of Gondor'' ("Faramir"), p. 220</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas and the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-Elves]] later worked together with Gimli and the Dwarves to rebuild and improve [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1080}} After King Elessar died in {{FoA|120}}, Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien and sailed down the Anduin and onwards into the [[Aman|West]],<ref name="AppB">{{App|Later}}, entry '''1541''', p. 1098</ref> reportedly taking Gimli with him.<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1081}}<ref name="AppB" /><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance and equipment===<br />
[[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas: <br />
{{blockquote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', p. 327}}<br />
<br />
At Rivendell, Legolas was dressed in green and brown garb,<ref name="Council" /> and he was probably dressed similarly for the duration of the quest.<br />
He bore a bow from Mirkwood, and later a [[Bow of the Galadhrim]]. He also had a long white knife.<ref name="South" /> He was a master archer, unmatched by any other during his time, capable of shooting adversaries from afar, and on occasion kill more than one with a single arrow, as shown when he nailed two orcs through the throat in Moria.<ref name="Bridge" /> His skill with a bow was even more formidable due to his keen eyesight. At the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he also proved skilled at knife-fighting in close quarters.<ref>{{TT|Deep}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through Caradhras and even the Paths of the Dead without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he spoke of the "strong men" on Caradhras, who Boromir (meaning himself and Aragorn) had said could forge a way out through the snow.<ref name="South" /> He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli's words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]].<ref name="Road" /><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The name ''Legolas'' is a [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means "Greenleaf". At one point he is called "Legolas '''Greenleaf'''" by Gandalf, coupling his name and its translation like an epithet.<ref group="note">''Greenleaf'' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]'').</ref> <br />
<br />
''Legolas'' consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', a very rare, archaic word for "green" (cf. ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'', the [[Green Elves]]), which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''[[Calenhad]], [[Parth Galen]]'' and ''[[Pinnath Gelin]]''); and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''[[lass|las(s)]]'', "leaf").<ref>{{L|211}}</ref><ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|84}}<br />
<br />
In one note, [[Tolkien]] considered ''Legolas'' to be a non-Sindarin name, instead being [[Ossiriand]]ish in which ''laiquā'' > ''lēgo'' (shortened in trisyllabic names to ''lěgo'').<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|153}}<br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] cognate of ''Laegolas'' was '''''Laicolasse'''''.<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|56}}<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree| ORO |ORO=[[Oropher]]<br/><small>''d. {{SA|3434}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| THR |THR=[[Thranduil]]<br/><small>''Unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| LEG |LEG='''LEGOLAS'''<br/><small>''Sailed West {{FoA|120}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
The name "''[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)|Legolas Greenleaf]]''" appeared first in "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]" in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', applied to a character who guided some survivors of the sack of the city to safety.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, ''Entries in the Name-list to The Fall of Gondolin'', p. 217</ref> However, this character had no further development in the [[Legendarium]] and is unrelated to the Legolas of the Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
<br />
While writing ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien first considered [[Glorfindel]] to be the Elven character of the Fellowship, however he dropped the idea, and Legolas was created to replace him. Perhaps this is the reason why Legolas is considered the most underdeveloped character of the Fellowship, playing only a minor role in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/53965333513/why-is-legolass-character-so-underdeveloped|articlename=Why is Legolas so underdeveloped?|website=[http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com Ask About Middle-Earth]}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="300" heights="200"><br />
File:Sagan om Ringen - Legolas.png|''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Legolas 2.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Legolas.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Legolas.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''<br />
File:Lego Legolas poster.png|Legolas as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Legolas.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Frank Duncan]] was the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is chosen as the elf representative of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. Legolas walks behind the other members of the Fellowship, as his eyesight is superior.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]]. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel]]'s place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[John Vickery]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in this film, as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[David Collings]] provided the voice of Legolas. In an interesting deviation, he is the one to defend Gimli to [[Haldir]].<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Michael Reisz]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].<br />
<br />
:In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendix B|Appendices]].<br />
<br />
:He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.<br />
<br />
:Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. It is not clear whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.<br />
<br />
:Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas's "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming an unprecedented fan favourite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Legolas is provided by Richard Stanke.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a non-playable character, accompanying the Ring-bearer since Rivendell.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a playable character, skilled in both ranged and melee. He and Gimli accompany Aragorn through Paths of the Dead, later he fights on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]'''<br />
:Legolas makes a cameo as one of the Wood-elves that Bilbo must avoid in the "Barrels Out of Bond" level. He is recognizable due to his resemblance to Thranduil. While he is unnamed in-game, his identity is confirmed in the game files. No voice actor is specified for the character.<ref>''The Hobbit (2003 video game)'', "Barrels Out of Bond"</ref><br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:[[Grant George]] provides the voice of Legolas.<ref>http://www.dynamicduovo.com/aboutgrant.html</ref> The game depicts Legolas's hunt for [[Gollum]] in northern Mirkwood, which is interrupted by the orcs.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, and accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode. He specializes in powerful ranged attacks.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is now the Hero for the Elven faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is first met in [[Rivendell]], where before the Fellowship's departure he helps the player in the search for the missing Nazgul. Later, the player catches up with Legolas at several points during the Fellowship's journey such as [[Cerin Amroth]], [[Meduseld]], [[Hornburg]] and the [[Pelennor Fields]]. After [[Sauron]]'s defeat, Legolas and [[Gimli]] accompany soldiers of [[Gondor]] who on the orders of King Elessar begin exploring and securing the Land of Shadow; Legolas assists the player in their exploration of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. Afterwards, Legolas for a brief time returns home to his father's halls in [[Eryn Lasgalen]], where he introduces the player to [[Grimbeorn]]. He soon returns back to [[Minas Tirith]] for the wedding of Aragorn and [[Arwen]], after which he continues the exploration of the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]], eventually discovering the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:[[Crispin Freeman]] plays Legolas, who is available as a Hero in several missions.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crispin_freeman_fansite/message/9438</ref><br />
:In the game's Evil Campaign, Legolas makes a final stand at Rivendell when it is invaded by the armies of Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas can be found and talked to in Rivendell, he retains the appearance from the movies. While he provides insight into many events, interactions with him do not affect the main plot.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|LEGO The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Legolas based on his appearance in ''The Lord of the Rings'' films is included in the [[Lego#Sets|set]] The Mines of Moria<br />
<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref>, as well as in the set Pirate Ship Ambush and a fun pack for ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''. In the ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'' in 2012, Legolas plays largely the same role as in the films, though with additional comedic elements. He also joins the members of the Fellowship at the Grey Havens to witness the departure of Frodo and Gandalf.<br />
:A second Legolas figure based on his appearance in ''The Hobbit'' films appears in the sets Legolas Greenleaf, Escape from Mirkwood Spiders, and The Battle of Five Armies. Legolas also appears in ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]''.<br />
<br />
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''<br />
:Orlando Bloom reprised his role as Legolas in [[Peter Jackson]]'s adaptation of the Hobbit.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ/posts/10150265634081558|articlename=Ten years ago,...|dated=27-May-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Bloom was [[Wikipedia:de-aging in film|digitally de-aged]] to match his appearance as Legolas in ''Lord of the Rings'' 13 years ago.<ref>{{webcite|author=Mat Bradley-Tschirgi|articleurl=http://www.gamesradar.com/7-movie-actors-made-impossibly-young-by-cgi/|articlename=7 movie actors made impossibly young by CGI|website=[http://www.gamesradar.com/ GamesRadar]|accessed=30-May-2017}}</ref> He is one of the Elves who capture [[Thorin and Company]] who traverse Mirkwood. His company, including [[Tauriel]], were ordered by Thranduil to clean up the [[spider]] nests. As he examines [[Glóin]], he finds a locket with a picture of Gimli, his future friend, and comments on his ugliness. His father notices Legolas's affection for [[Tauriel]], which he doesn't approve because she is a pure Silvan-elf. However he joins her in pursuit of the pack of Orcs (led by [[Bolg]]) who are after [[Thorin]]. Thranduil and Legolas later interrogate [[Narzug]], a captured Orc. Alarmed by the news, Thranduil orders his Realm to be sealed from the outside world, but when Legolas hears that Tauriel has run after Kili, he leaves to find her.<br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas appears after the destruction of [[Lake-town]]. With Tauriel he goes to investigate the Orcs' armies in [[Gundabad]] where his mother was killed during an old battle, something about which his father never talks. He returns to the ruins of [[Dale]] where the [[Lake-men]] are regrouping. He participates in the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and goes with Tauriel to the [[Ravenhill]] to support [[Thorin]]. In order to save Tauriel from Bolg, he uses a mutilated [[Trolls|Troll]] to demolish an ancient tower and duels with Bolg. Bitter with his father's treatment towards Tauriel, he says that he won't return to Mirkwood; Thranduil advises him to go to [[Eriador|the North]] and find the [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain]] and a young ranger called "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]." Before parting, Thranduil assures him that his mother loved him more than anything else.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Legolas/Disputes]]<br />
<br />
{{references|n}}<br />
{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}<br />
{{hobbitfilms}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Moriquendi]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]<br />
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]<br />
[[Category:Sindar]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/standard/legolas]]<br />
[[fi:Legolas]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=D%C3%A9agol&diff=435243Déagol2026-02-19T23:42:21Z<p>King Elessar: I changed the picture of Sméagol and deagol</p>
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<div>{{infobox character<br />
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]<br />
| name=Déagol<br />
| image=The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Déagol.jpg<br />
| caption=Déagol from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=<br />
| titles=<br />
| position=<br />
| location=Near [[Gladden Fields]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Stoors]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]]<ref name=Nahald>{{App|Translation}}, pp. 1135-1136</ref><br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| death={{TA|2463}}<ref name=Stoor>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2463, p. 1087</ref><br />
| deathlocation=[[Gladden Fields]]<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=Being murdered by [[Sméagol]]<br />
| family=[[Sméagol]]<br />
| parentage=<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=<br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=<br />
| steed=<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Déagol''' was a [[Stoors|Stoor]] [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of the [[Gladden Fields]] that found [[the One Ring]] and was murdered by [[Sméagol]].<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
Déagol was a friend and relative<ref name="L214">{{L|214}}, p. 292</ref> of Sméagol, being "sharper-eyed but not so quick and strong".<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}, p. 53</ref><br />
<br />
One day Sméagol [[ribadyan|had his birthday]], Déagol gave a customary present (albeit begrudgingly, as he was a mean little soul),<ref name="L214" /> which he claimed was more than what he could afford.<ref name="Shadow" /> Later that day, though still very early in the morning, they went fishing in the [[Gladden Fields]] on a boat. When Sméagol took a break to nose about the banks, a great fish pulled Déagol to the bottom of the water. Upon seeing something gleaming in the river-bed, he abandoned his fishing equipment and seized the gleaming object. When he swam out, ''"with weeds in his hair and a handful of mud"'', he saw that what he discovered was a ''"[[the One Ring|beautiful golden ring]]"''.<br />
[[File:Sméagol and Déagol.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|"[[Gollum|Sméagol]] and Déagol" from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]<br />
Yet, as he gloated over his finding, Sméagol watched him from nearby and silently approached him, desiring the ring. Sméagol, being greedy, thought that Déagol's gift to him was poor and insufficient,<ref name="L214" /> and thus used his birthday as an excuse to claim the ring; and as Déagol refused to hand it over, Sméagol strangled him, and hid his body cleverly so that the others didn't find it.<ref name="Shadow" /><br />
<br />
In the years following the murder of Déagol, Sméagol became haunted by his actions, making up the defence that it was his birthday and that Déagol should have given it to him. After Sméagol became '''[[Gollum]]''', he repeated his defence over and over as he gnawed bones within darkness until he very nearly believed it himself.<ref name="Shadow" /><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
''Déagol'' is a name that is based on the [[Old English]] word ''deagol (digol)'', which means "secret" or "hidden".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 86</ref> It is a translation of the "original" [[Westron]] name ''[[Nahald]]'', which means "secret" in the Northern tongues of the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref name="Nahald" /><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
===Déagol in adaptations===<br />
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px"><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Déagol.png|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Déagol holding the One Ring.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''<br />
</gallery><br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:Déagol appears in [[Prologue: A Ring's Tale|the Prologue]]. While fishing in the [[Anduin|Great River Anduin]] with [[Gollum|Sméagol]], he is pulled into the water by a large fish attatched to his rod. He lets go of his rod and spots [[The One Ring|a ring]] at the bottom. He takes it back to the surface and rubs it on his body, enamored by its beauty. Sméagol asks him for the Ring because "its my birthday, my love, and I wants it". Déagol tells him he has already given him more than he could afford and that he will keep the Ring because he found it. Gollum asks "will you indeed, my love?" and strangles Déagol to death, taking the ring for himself.<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Déagol is played by [[New Zealand]] actor [[Thomas Robins]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0992718/bio|articlename=Biography for Thomas Robins|dated=|website=[http://www.imdb.com/ IMDB]|accessed=30 January 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=hobbit<br />
| died=c. {{TA|2463}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>[[Isildur]], c. 2461 years earlier<br />
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]<br />
| dates=briefly, c. {{TA|2463}}<br />
| next=[[Gollum|Sméagol]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
<br />
{{References}}<br />
<br />
{{Ringbearers}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Deagol}}<br />
[[Category:Stoors]]<br />
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]<br />
[[de:Déagol]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:deagol]]<br />
[[fi:Déagol]]<br />
[[Category:Hobbits]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Legolas&diff=435242Legolas2026-02-19T23:40:19Z<p>King Elessar: I changed the picture of Legolas</p>
<hr />
<div>{{short description|Member of the Fellowship}}<br />
{{disambig-two|the Elf of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|Elf in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]''|[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)]]}}<br />
{{infobox character<br />
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]<br />
| name=Legolas<br />
| image=Legolas_Greenleaf.jpeg<br />
| caption="Legolas" by [[:Category:Images by Līga Kļaviņa|Līga Kļaviņa]] <br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|['lɛgolas]}}<br />
| othernames=''Laicolassë'' ([[Quenya|Q]])<br/>Greenleaf<br />
| titles=Prince of [[Woodland Realm]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Woodland Realm]]<br/>[[Ithilien]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]]<br />
| birth=<br />
| birthlocation=<br />
| rule=<br />
| sailedwest={{FoA|120}}<br />
| sailedfrom=[[Ithilien]]<br />
| age=<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=<br />
| parentage=[[Thranduil]]<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=<br />
| children=<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Over 6 feet (1.83 m)<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, "Heights", p. 195</ref><br />
| hair=<br />
| eyes=<br />
| clothing=Green and brown garb<br />
| weapons=[[Bow of the Galadhrim]] and "long white knife"<br />
| steed=[[Arod]]<br />
}}<br />
{{Quote|There was also a strange Elf clad in green and brown, Legolas, a messenger from his father...|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Legolas''' was a [[Silvan Elves|Silvan Elf]] of [[Sindar|Sindar]]in origin, the prince of the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. His grandfather [[Oropher]] was of the [[Sindar]] of [[Doriath]], and his father [[Thranduil]] was king of Mirkwood ([[Greenwood the Great]]). His birthdate is unknown, as are his earliest exploits. His most notable role is the part he played in the [[War of the Ring]], during which he represented the [[Elves|Elven]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His Elven abilities, such as superior sight and hearing, lightness of foot, and skilled archery, were invaluable to his eight companions.<br />
<br />
Legolas' unlikely friendship with the [[Dwarves|Dwarf]], [[Gimli]] son of [[Glóin]] was considered odd. As such a friendship was rare between the two races, due to the long-standing grievances between [[Dwarves]] and [[Elves]] dating back to the [[Elder Days]]. And, unlikely because of the grudge between their two particular houses for the rough treatment Glóin and the rest of [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s company was given by Thranduil on an earlier occasion.<ref>{{H|8}}; {{H|9}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There are nothing to say about Legolas’s birthdate and early upbringing, except for the very few things he himself has said on the matter.<br />
<br />
During the [[War of the Ring]], the creature [[Gollum]] was captured by [[Aragorn]], and put under lock and key by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. Through their over-kindliness to him, however, Gollum managed an escape with the help of [[Sauron]]'s [[Orcs]]. Legolas was dispatched to [[Rivendell]] to deliver this ill news to [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas was present at the [[Council of Elrond]] and related the news of Gollum's escape, quickly adding that it was not through lack of vigilance that he slipped their grasp, and provided a detailed account of the whole affair to the Council.<ref name="Council" /> He spoke little if at all after his report, but was later chosen to represent the Elves in the Nine Walkers of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. His skills would prove invaluable to the Fellowship. <br />
<br />
===Fellowship of the Ring===<br />
For the early part of the quest, the nine companions walked single file, Gandalf leading, Legolas, with his keen eyes, providing the rearguard. When the Company came to [[Hollin]], Legolas was very deeply moved: the wholesome air yet spoke of the Elves that dwelt there long ago, and his sharp ears heard the very stones crying out for grief at their departure and memory of their ways.<ref name="South" /> <br />
<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - 'I go to find the Sun!'.jpg|thumb|''I go to find the Sun!'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas in his light shoes could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge and wade their way forward. But snow or no snow, nothing could dampen his buoyant Elven spirit, and he joked lightly with Gandalf even at the darkest moments. He scouted ahead and behind the company, dancing over the snow with great ease, and brought news that the storm was, as they had been fearing, put out to stop them by some Power greater than they. When this report arrived, Gandalf reluctantly decided to abandon the idea of crossing by the [[Redhorn Gate]]. Legolas stayed near the [[Hobbits]] on the dangerous descent.<ref name="South">{{FR|South}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the bottom of the mountain, the company took a vote on attempting passage through [[Moria]]. Legolas was silent until asked for his opinion, and then said simply and seemingly reluctantly, "I do not wish to go to Moria." His loyalty and respectful deference to the decisions of the two leaders, Aragorn and Gandalf, extended even to following them through darkness and unknown horror; of all the Company, he was arguably the most loyal to leadership. When the voices of the [[Wargs]] were heard and the attack began, Legolas did perhaps more than anyone save Gandalf, shooting numerous Wargs and even collecting his spent arrows to fire again, retrieving them, like a responsible bowman, after the fight ended.<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Fellowship reached the West Gate of Moria, and were halted by the doors fast shut. At last gaining entrance, the Company, following Gandalf's staff, began their march through Moria, a pit so profoundly dark that even Legolas' eyes could see nothing. He served his turn, like the others, in lookout duty through the night on the march. When they came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] and were attacked by the Orcs, Legolas dispatched at least two before following the others out the east door, having to drag Gimli away from [[Balin]]'s tomb. When [[Durin's Bane]] made its frightful appearance, Legolas was the first to spot it when he turned to shoot an arrow towards the Orcs. He recognized it immediately as a [[Balrog]], and it is the only recorded time he was ever truly afraid: a Balrog held far more terror for an Elf than for any other, for only they remembered where the Demons of Fire had come from and whom they had first served.<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Crossing Nimrodel.jpg|thumb|''Crossing Nimrodel'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]<br />
After the fall of Gandalf, Aragorn led the Fellowship eastwards to the borders of the forest of Lórien. Legolas was seized with a deep excitement, for none of his kindred had been into the wood for many years, and he himself had only heard of it from tales. He was grieved, though, that it was winter, and the full glory of the ''[[Mellyrn]]'' was departed. The Fellowship splashed across the [[Nimrodel]] river, feeling their weariness drained away by its cool waters. As they rested on the shore, Legolas told the tales of [[Lothlórien]] still remembered by the Mirkwood Elves and sang to them part of the [[Lay of Nimrodel]]. At last, the Company turned aside from the path in order to shelter in the trees for the night, not caring to be caught on the ground by the Orcs pursuing them from Moria. Upon being surprised and questioned by the Elves of Lórien who were watching from a tree, Legolas responded cautiously in their own tongue. When [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded, "They say that you breathe so loud they could shoot you in the dark." He hastened to add that they need not fear the Elves.<br />
<br />
Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], bringing Frodo, though Sam followed, as always. The Galadhrim had heard Legolas' singing and knew him for one of their northern kindred. They had had tidings from the sons of Elrond as to the Quest upon which the Company was embarked, and readily accepted all of the fellowship save Gimli, who was only grudgingly allowed, for the suspicion of the Elves of Lórien towards the Dwarves was especially acute. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". The next morning, when the Elves took the company across the river [[Celebrant]] on their way to [[Caras Galadhon]], they told Gimli he would have to be blindfolded, but he was outraged and refused. When Aragorn offered for all of the Company to wear blindfolds, Gimli said if only Legolas would wear one, he would. Legolas was outraged in turn, but Aragorn settled the dispute by asking to blindfold the whole of the Company. In the end, Legolas had no choice but to agree.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]]]]<br />
In Lothlórien, many Elves sang of Gandalf, and their language was such that only Legolas could understand. Legolas would not translate the lamentations for the rest of the Company, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however, with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] permeating the air, he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship that would never be broken.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> He was one of the Company that could handle boats, and when the Fellowship prepared to leave Lórien, he was assigned to paddle one with Gimli. From the lady Galadriel, he received an Elven cloak and brooch, like the others, and a long, stout bow and quiver of arrows, such as the Galadhrim used.<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref><br />
<br />
When the Company was ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and up the riverbank with his bow, searching in the darkness for any sign of the Orcs. From Frodo's low position in the boats, he appeared to be crowned with white stars as he stood tall upon the bank. Suddenly, the south wind chased the clouds away, and a chilling dread fell on the Company. Legolas looked up, and sighed, "[[Elbereth Gilthoniel]]!" as if to draw strength to face the terror riding high in the wind. As the Shadow approached, he bent the great bow of Lórien and shot the descending [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]] from the sky, one of his most masterful deeds. He was praised by the rest of the Company for this, especially Gimli.<ref>{{FR|River}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Three Hunters===<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Awaiting the Riders of Rohan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Awaiting the Riders of Rohan'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
When the company was ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many Orcs until his arrows ran out, and then used his knife.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], when he learned that Boromir had fallen, he sang a lament with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind, which came from the Sea.<ref>{{TT|Departure}}</ref> Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.<ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref><br />
<br />
When accosted by the [[Riders of Rohan]] led by [[Éomer]], Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty Marchwarden, threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. When Éomer lent them horses to speed them on their way, Legolas was given [[Arod]], a very high-spirited horse. But Legolas had the Elvish way with beasts, and after he had leaped lightly upon Arod, the horse was docile beneath him. Legolas let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn Forest]] in their search for [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. When they arrived by the smoking pile of Orc ashes, they combed the battlefield for any sign of the Hobbits for several hours, but gave up as night approached. Camping under the eaves of the forest, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire they lit, stretching out its limbs and leaves to the heat. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own guess.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon entering Fangorn, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying, “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the [[Three Hunters]] met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s encouragement Legolas did not shoot him. The old man declared, "''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''" Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognised that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added, "''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''"<ref name="White" /><br />
<br />
===With the Rohirrim===<br />
Legolas was the first to ask Gandalf about Merry and Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered [[Galadriel's messages]] to each of them, Legolas' being:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|Legolas Greenleaf long under tree<br /><br />
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!<br /><br />
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,<br /><br />
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.<ref name=White/>}}<br />
<br />
Later, Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both of [[Isengard]] and [[Edoras]] from afar. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden|Théoden King]], and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer's horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared, "''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''"<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' [[John Howe]]]]<br />
As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that he did not like the place. Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the [[Rohirrim]]. At the opening of the battle, Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.<ref name="Road">{{TT|Road}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Glittering Caves|Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a return to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of Gimli, Aragorn, and the [[Hobbits]], Merry and Pippin.<ref>{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Return of the King===<br />
When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.<br />
<br />
Amidst the Paths of the Dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone, save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond|Elrond's]] sons, felt no fear of the [[Oathbreakers]],<ref>{{RK|Company}}</ref> and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he stopped there, while Gimli promptly said, "''For my part I heeded them not''". Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the [[One Ring]].<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of [[Men]] to the dubious Gimli.<ref name="Debate" /><br />
<br />
===Battle of the Morannon and aftermath===<br />
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in honour of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the urging of Aragorn, Legolas remained in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time, after attending the coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]]. During the parting of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], Legolas went with Gimli to [[Aglarond]]. After that, he rode off with Gimli to return to [[Fangorn Forest]].<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===After the War of the Ring===<br />
[[File:Turner Mohan - Legolas and Gimli depart.jpg|thumb|''Legolas and Gimli depart'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]] <br />
In the early Fourth Age Legolas brought south [[Elves of Mirkwood|Elves out of Greenwood]], and they dwelt in Ithilien, which became once again the fairest country in all the westlands.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>{{rp|1080}} During his stay in Ithilien, Legolas devised the renowned gardens of Prince Faramir's new home in the Hills of [[Emyn Arnen]].<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, Commentary on ''The Stewards of Gondor'' ("Faramir"), p. 220</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas and the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-Elves]] later worked together with Gimli and the Dwarves to rebuild and improve [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1080}} After King Elessar died in {{FoA|120}}, Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien and sailed down the Anduin and onwards into the [[Aman|West]],<ref name="AppB">{{App|Later}}, entry '''1541''', p. 1098</ref> reportedly taking Gimli with him.<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1081}}<ref name="AppB" /><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance and equipment===<br />
[[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas: <br />
{{blockquote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', p. 327}}<br />
<br />
At Rivendell, Legolas was dressed in green and brown garb,<ref name="Council" /> and he was probably dressed similarly for the duration of the quest.<br />
He bore a bow from Mirkwood, and later a [[Bow of the Galadhrim]]. He also had a long white knife.<ref name="South" /> He was a master archer, unmatched by any other during his time, capable of shooting adversaries from afar, and on occasion kill more than one with a single arrow, as shown when he nailed two orcs through the throat in Moria.<ref name="Bridge" /> His skill with a bow was even more formidable due to his keen eyesight. At the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he also proved skilled at knife-fighting in close quarters.<ref>{{TT|Deep}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through Caradhras and even the Paths of the Dead without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he spoke of the "strong men" on Caradhras, who Boromir (meaning himself and Aragorn) had said could forge a way out through the snow.<ref name="South" /> He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli's words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]].<ref name="Road" /><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The name ''Legolas'' is a [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means "Greenleaf". At one point he is called "Legolas '''Greenleaf'''" by Gandalf, coupling his name and its translation like an epithet.<ref group="note">''Greenleaf'' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]'').</ref> <br />
<br />
''Legolas'' consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', a very rare, archaic word for "green" (cf. ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'', the [[Green Elves]]), which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''[[Calenhad]], [[Parth Galen]]'' and ''[[Pinnath Gelin]]''); and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''[[lass|las(s)]]'', "leaf").<ref>{{L|211}}</ref><ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|84}}<br />
<br />
In one note, [[Tolkien]] considered ''Legolas'' to be a non-Sindarin name, instead being [[Ossiriand]]ish in which ''laiquā'' > ''lēgo'' (shortened in trisyllabic names to ''lěgo'').<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|153}}<br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] cognate of ''Laegolas'' was '''''Laicolasse'''''.<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|56}}<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree| ORO |ORO=[[Oropher]]<br/><small>''d. {{SA|3434}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| THR |THR=[[Thranduil]]<br/><small>''Unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| LEG |LEG='''LEGOLAS'''<br/><small>''Sailed West {{FoA|120}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
The name "''[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)|Legolas Greenleaf]]''" appeared first in "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]" in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', applied to a character who guided some survivors of the sack of the city to safety.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, ''Entries in the Name-list to The Fall of Gondolin'', p. 217</ref> However, this character had no further development in the [[Legendarium]] and is unrelated to the Legolas of the Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
<br />
While writing ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien first considered [[Glorfindel]] to be the Elven character of the Fellowship, however he dropped the idea, and Legolas was created to replace him. Perhaps this is the reason why Legolas is considered the most underdeveloped character of the Fellowship, playing only a minor role in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/53965333513/why-is-legolass-character-so-underdeveloped|articlename=Why is Legolas so underdeveloped?|website=[http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com Ask About Middle-Earth]}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="300" heights="200"><br />
File:Sagan om Ringen - Legolas.png|''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Legolas 2.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Legolas.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Legolas.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''<br />
File:Lego Legolas poster.png|Legolas as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Legolas.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Frank Duncan]] was the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is chosen as the elf representative of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. Legolas walks behind the other members of the Fellowship, as his eyesight is superior.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]]. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel]]'s place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[John Vickery]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in this film, as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[David Collings]] provided the voice of Legolas. In an interesting deviation, he is the one to defend Gimli to [[Haldir]].<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Michael Reisz]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].<br />
<br />
:In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendix B|Appendices]].<br />
<br />
:He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.<br />
<br />
:Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. It is not clear whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.<br />
<br />
:Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas's "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming an unprecedented fan favourite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Legolas is provided by Richard Stanke.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a non-playable character, accompanying the Ring-bearer since Rivendell.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a playable character, skilled in both ranged and melee. He and Gimli accompany Aragorn through Paths of the Dead, later he fights on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]'''<br />
:Legolas makes a cameo as one of the Wood-elves that Bilbo must avoid in the "Barrels Out of Bond" level. He is recognizable due to his resemblance to Thranduil. While he is unnamed in-game, his identity is confirmed in the game files. No voice actor is specified for the character.<ref>''The Hobbit (2003 video game)'', "Barrels Out of Bond"</ref><br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:[[Grant George]] provides the voice of Legolas.<ref>http://www.dynamicduovo.com/aboutgrant.html</ref> The game depicts Legolas's hunt for [[Gollum]] in northern Mirkwood, which is interrupted by the orcs.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, and accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode. He specializes in powerful ranged attacks.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is now the Hero for the Elven faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is first met in [[Rivendell]], where before the Fellowship's departure he helps the player in the search for the missing Nazgul. Later, the player catches up with Legolas at several points during the Fellowship's journey such as [[Cerin Amroth]], [[Meduseld]], [[Hornburg]] and the [[Pelennor Fields]]. After [[Sauron]]'s defeat, Legolas and [[Gimli]] accompany soldiers of [[Gondor]] who on the orders of King Elessar begin exploring and securing the Land of Shadow; Legolas assists the player in their exploration of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. Afterwards, Legolas for a brief time returns home to his father's halls in [[Eryn Lasgalen]], where he introduces the player to [[Grimbeorn]]. He soon returns back to [[Minas Tirith]] for the wedding of Aragorn and [[Arwen]], after which he continues the exploration of the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]], eventually discovering the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:[[Crispin Freeman]] plays Legolas, who is available as a Hero in several missions.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crispin_freeman_fansite/message/9438</ref><br />
:In the game's Evil Campaign, Legolas makes a final stand at Rivendell when it is invaded by the armies of Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas can be found and talked to in Rivendell, he retains the appearance from the movies. While he provides insight into many events, interactions with him do not affect the main plot.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|LEGO The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Legolas based on his appearance in ''The Lord of the Rings'' films is included in the [[Lego#Sets|set]] The Mines of Moria<br />
<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref>, as well as in the set Pirate Ship Ambush and a fun pack for ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''. In the ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'' in 2012, Legolas plays largely the same role as in the films, though with additional comedic elements. He also joins the members of the Fellowship at the Grey Havens to witness the departure of Frodo and Gandalf.<br />
:A second Legolas figure based on his appearance in ''The Hobbit'' films appears in the sets Legolas Greenleaf, Escape from Mirkwood Spiders, and The Battle of Five Armies. Legolas also appears in ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]''.<br />
<br />
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''<br />
:Orlando Bloom reprised his role as Legolas in [[Peter Jackson]]'s adaptation of the Hobbit.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ/posts/10150265634081558|articlename=Ten years ago,...|dated=27-May-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Bloom was [[Wikipedia:de-aging in film|digitally de-aged]] to match his appearance as Legolas in ''Lord of the Rings'' 13 years ago.<ref>{{webcite|author=Mat Bradley-Tschirgi|articleurl=http://www.gamesradar.com/7-movie-actors-made-impossibly-young-by-cgi/|articlename=7 movie actors made impossibly young by CGI|website=[http://www.gamesradar.com/ GamesRadar]|accessed=30-May-2017}}</ref> He is one of the Elves who capture [[Thorin and Company]] who traverse Mirkwood. His company, including [[Tauriel]], were ordered by Thranduil to clean up the [[spider]] nests. As he examines [[Glóin]], he finds a locket with a picture of Gimli, his future friend, and comments on his ugliness. His father notices Legolas's affection for [[Tauriel]], which he doesn't approve because she is a pure Silvan-elf. However he joins her in pursuit of the pack of Orcs (led by [[Bolg]]) who are after [[Thorin]]. Thranduil and Legolas later interrogate [[Narzug]], a captured Orc. Alarmed by the news, Thranduil orders his Realm to be sealed from the outside world, but when Legolas hears that Tauriel has run after Kili, he leaves to find her.<br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas appears after the destruction of [[Lake-town]]. With Tauriel he goes to investigate the Orcs' armies in [[Gundabad]] where his mother was killed during an old battle, something about which his father never talks. He returns to the ruins of [[Dale]] where the [[Lake-men]] are regrouping. He participates in the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and goes with Tauriel to the [[Ravenhill]] to support [[Thorin]]. In order to save Tauriel from Bolg, he uses a mutilated [[Trolls|Troll]] to demolish an ancient tower and duels with Bolg. Bitter with his father's treatment towards Tauriel, he says that he won't return to Mirkwood; Thranduil advises him to go to [[Eriador|the North]] and find the [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain]] and a young ranger called "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]." Before parting, Thranduil assures him that his mother loved him more than anything else.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Legolas/Disputes]]<br />
<br />
{{references|n}}<br />
{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}<br />
{{hobbitfilms}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Moriquendi]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]<br />
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]<br />
[[Category:Sindar]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/standard/legolas]]<br />
[[fi:Legolas]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Template:Infobox_character&diff=435241Template:Infobox character2026-02-19T23:36:36Z<p>King Elessar: /* Usage */</p>
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[[File:Legolas Greenleaf.jpeg|thumb]]<br />
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</templatedata></noinclude></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:The_Lord_of_the_Rings_-_The_Fellowship_of_the_Ring_-_Legolas_Greenleaf.jpeg&diff=435240File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Legolas Greenleaf.jpeg2026-02-19T23:34:56Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Legolas&diff=435237Legolas2026-02-19T23:25:13Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{short description|Member of the Fellowship}}<br />
{{disambig-two|the Elf of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|Elf in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]''|[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)]]}}<br />
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{{Quote|There was also a strange Elf clad in green and brown, Legolas, a messenger from his father...|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Legolas''' was a [[Silvan Elves|Silvan Elf]] of [[Sindar|Sindar]]in origin, the prince of the [[Woodland Realm]] of [[Mirkwood]]. His grandfather [[Oropher]] was of the [[Sindar]] of [[Doriath]], and his father [[Thranduil]] was king of Mirkwood ([[Greenwood the Great]]). His birthdate is unknown, as are his earliest exploits. His most notable role is the part he played in the [[War of the Ring]], during which he represented the [[Elves|Elven]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His Elven abilities, such as superior sight and hearing, lightness of foot, and skilled archery, were invaluable to his eight companions.<br />
<br />
Legolas' unlikely friendship with the [[Dwarves|Dwarf]], [[Gimli]] son of [[Glóin]] was considered odd. As such a friendship was rare between the two races, due to the long-standing grievances between [[Dwarves]] and [[Elves]] dating back to the [[Elder Days]]. And, unlikely because of the grudge between their two particular houses for the rough treatment Glóin and the rest of [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s company was given by Thranduil on an earlier occasion.<ref>{{H|8}}; {{H|9}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
There are nothing to say about Legolas’s birthdate and early upbringing, except for the very few things he himself has said on the matter.<br />
<br />
During the [[War of the Ring]], the creature [[Gollum]] was captured by [[Aragorn]], and put under lock and key by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]]. Through their over-kindliness to him, however, Gollum managed an escape with the help of [[Sauron]]'s [[Orcs]]. Legolas was dispatched to [[Rivendell]] to deliver this ill news to [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas was present at the [[Council of Elrond]] and related the news of Gollum's escape, quickly adding that it was not through lack of vigilance that he slipped their grasp, and provided a detailed account of the whole affair to the Council.<ref name="Council" /> He spoke little if at all after his report, but was later chosen to represent the Elves in the Nine Walkers of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. His skills would prove invaluable to the Fellowship. <br />
<br />
===Fellowship of the Ring===<br />
For the early part of the quest, the nine companions walked single file, Gandalf leading, Legolas, with his keen eyes, providing the rearguard. When the Company came to [[Hollin]], Legolas was very deeply moved: the wholesome air yet spoke of the Elves that dwelt there long ago, and his sharp ears heard the very stones crying out for grief at their departure and memory of their ways.<ref name="South" /> <br />
<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - 'I go to find the Sun!'.jpg|thumb|''I go to find the Sun!'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas in his light shoes could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge and wade their way forward. But snow or no snow, nothing could dampen his buoyant Elven spirit, and he joked lightly with Gandalf even at the darkest moments. He scouted ahead and behind the company, dancing over the snow with great ease, and brought news that the storm was, as they had been fearing, put out to stop them by some Power greater than they. When this report arrived, Gandalf reluctantly decided to abandon the idea of crossing by the [[Redhorn Gate]]. Legolas stayed near the [[Hobbits]] on the dangerous descent.<ref name="South">{{FR|South}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the bottom of the mountain, the company took a vote on attempting passage through [[Moria]]. Legolas was silent until asked for his opinion, and then said simply and seemingly reluctantly, "I do not wish to go to Moria." His loyalty and respectful deference to the decisions of the two leaders, Aragorn and Gandalf, extended even to following them through darkness and unknown horror; of all the Company, he was arguably the most loyal to leadership. When the voices of the [[Wargs]] were heard and the attack began, Legolas did perhaps more than anyone save Gandalf, shooting numerous Wargs and even collecting his spent arrows to fire again, retrieving them, like a responsible bowman, after the fight ended.<ref>{{FR|Journey}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Fellowship reached the West Gate of Moria, and were halted by the doors fast shut. At last gaining entrance, the Company, following Gandalf's staff, began their march through Moria, a pit so profoundly dark that even Legolas' eyes could see nothing. He served his turn, like the others, in lookout duty through the night on the march. When they came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] and were attacked by the Orcs, Legolas dispatched at least two before following the others out the east door, having to drag Gimli away from [[Balin]]'s tomb. When [[Durin's Bane]] made its frightful appearance, Legolas was the first to spot it when he turned to shoot an arrow towards the Orcs. He recognized it immediately as a [[Balrog]], and it is the only recorded time he was ever truly afraid: a Balrog held far more terror for an Elf than for any other, for only they remembered where the Demons of Fire had come from and whom they had first served.<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Crossing Nimrodel.jpg|thumb|''Crossing Nimrodel'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]<br />
After the fall of Gandalf, Aragorn led the Fellowship eastwards to the borders of the forest of Lórien. Legolas was seized with a deep excitement, for none of his kindred had been into the wood for many years, and he himself had only heard of it from tales. He was grieved, though, that it was winter, and the full glory of the ''[[Mellyrn]]'' was departed. The Fellowship splashed across the [[Nimrodel]] river, feeling their weariness drained away by its cool waters. As they rested on the shore, Legolas told the tales of [[Lothlórien]] still remembered by the Mirkwood Elves and sang to them part of the [[Lay of Nimrodel]]. At last, the Company turned aside from the path in order to shelter in the trees for the night, not caring to be caught on the ground by the Orcs pursuing them from Moria. Upon being surprised and questioned by the Elves of Lórien who were watching from a tree, Legolas responded cautiously in their own tongue. When [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded, "They say that you breathe so loud they could shoot you in the dark." He hastened to add that they need not fear the Elves.<br />
<br />
Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], bringing Frodo, though Sam followed, as always. The Galadhrim had heard Legolas' singing and knew him for one of their northern kindred. They had had tidings from the sons of Elrond as to the Quest upon which the Company was embarked, and readily accepted all of the fellowship save Gimli, who was only grudgingly allowed, for the suspicion of the Elves of Lórien towards the Dwarves was especially acute. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". The next morning, when the Elves took the company across the river [[Celebrant]] on their way to [[Caras Galadhon]], they told Gimli he would have to be blindfolded, but he was outraged and refused. When Aragorn offered for all of the Company to wear blindfolds, Gimli said if only Legolas would wear one, he would. Legolas was outraged in turn, but Aragorn settled the dispute by asking to blindfold the whole of the Company. In the end, Legolas had no choice but to agree.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]]]]<br />
In Lothlórien, many Elves sang of Gandalf, and their language was such that only Legolas could understand. Legolas would not translate the lamentations for the rest of the Company, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however, with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] permeating the air, he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship that would never be broken.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> He was one of the Company that could handle boats, and when the Fellowship prepared to leave Lórien, he was assigned to paddle one with Gimli. From the lady Galadriel, he received an Elven cloak and brooch, like the others, and a long, stout bow and quiver of arrows, such as the Galadhrim used.<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref><br />
<br />
When the Company was ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and up the riverbank with his bow, searching in the darkness for any sign of the Orcs. From Frodo's low position in the boats, he appeared to be crowned with white stars as he stood tall upon the bank. Suddenly, the south wind chased the clouds away, and a chilling dread fell on the Company. Legolas looked up, and sighed, "[[Elbereth Gilthoniel]]!" as if to draw strength to face the terror riding high in the wind. As the Shadow approached, he bent the great bow of Lórien and shot the descending [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]] from the sky, one of his most masterful deeds. He was praised by the rest of the Company for this, especially Gimli.<ref>{{FR|River}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Three Hunters===<br />
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Awaiting the Riders of Rohan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Awaiting the Riders of Rohan'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]<br />
When the company was ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many Orcs until his arrows ran out, and then used his knife.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], when he learned that Boromir had fallen, he sang a lament with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind, which came from the Sea.<ref>{{TT|Departure}}</ref> Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.<ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref><br />
<br />
When accosted by the [[Riders of Rohan]] led by [[Éomer]], Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty Marchwarden, threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. When Éomer lent them horses to speed them on their way, Legolas was given [[Arod]], a very high-spirited horse. But Legolas had the Elvish way with beasts, and after he had leaped lightly upon Arod, the horse was docile beneath him. Legolas let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn Forest]] in their search for [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. When they arrived by the smoking pile of Orc ashes, they combed the battlefield for any sign of the Hobbits for several hours, but gave up as night approached. Camping under the eaves of the forest, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire they lit, stretching out its limbs and leaves to the heat. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own guess.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon entering Fangorn, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying, “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the [[Three Hunters]] met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s encouragement Legolas did not shoot him. The old man declared, "''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''" Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognised that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added, "''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''"<ref name="White" /><br />
<br />
===With the Rohirrim===<br />
Legolas was the first to ask Gandalf about Merry and Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered [[Galadriel's messages]] to each of them, Legolas' being:<br />
<br />
{{blockquote|Legolas Greenleaf long under tree<br /><br />
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!<br /><br />
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,<br /><br />
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.<ref name=White/>}}<br />
<br />
Later, Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both of [[Isengard]] and [[Edoras]] from afar. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden|Théoden King]], and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer's horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared, "''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''"<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' [[John Howe]]]]<br />
As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that he did not like the place. Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the [[Rohirrim]]. At the opening of the battle, Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.<ref name="Road">{{TT|Road}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Glittering Caves|Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a return to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of Gimli, Aragorn, and the [[Hobbits]], Merry and Pippin.<ref>{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Return of the King===<br />
When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.<br />
<br />
Amidst the Paths of the Dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone, save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond|Elrond's]] sons, felt no fear of the [[Oathbreakers]],<ref>{{RK|Company}}</ref> and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he stopped there, while Gimli promptly said, "''For my part I heeded them not''". Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the [[One Ring]].<ref name="Debate">{{RK|Debate}}</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of [[Men]] to the dubious Gimli.<ref name="Debate" /><br />
<br />
===Battle of the Morannon and aftermath===<br />
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in honour of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the urging of Aragorn, Legolas remained in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time, after attending the coronation of [[Aragorn|Elessar]]. During the parting of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], Legolas went with Gimli to [[Aglarond]]. After that, he rode off with Gimli to return to [[Fangorn Forest]].<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref><br />
<br />
===After the War of the Ring===<br />
[[File:Turner Mohan - Legolas and Gimli depart.jpg|thumb|''Legolas and Gimli depart'' by [[:Category:Images by Turner Mohan|Turner Mohan]]]] <br />
In the early Fourth Age Legolas brought south [[Elves of Mirkwood|Elves out of Greenwood]], and they dwelt in Ithilien, which became once again the fairest country in all the westlands.<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>{{rp|1080}} During his stay in Ithilien, Legolas devised the renowned gardens of Prince Faramir's new home in the Hills of [[Emyn Arnen]].<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, Commentary on ''The Stewards of Gondor'' ("Faramir"), p. 220</ref><br />
<br />
Legolas and the [[Silvan Elves|Wood-Elves]] later worked together with Gimli and the Dwarves to rebuild and improve [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1080}} After King Elessar died in {{FoA|120}}, Legolas built a grey ship in Ithilien and sailed down the Anduin and onwards into the [[Aman|West]],<ref name="AppB">{{App|Later}}, entry '''1541''', p. 1098</ref> reportedly taking Gimli with him.<ref name="Durin" />{{rp|1081}}<ref name="AppB" /><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance and equipment===<br />
[[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas: <br />
{{blockquote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', p. 327}}<br />
<br />
At Rivendell, Legolas was dressed in green and brown garb,<ref name="Council" /> and he was probably dressed similarly for the duration of the quest.<br />
He bore a bow from Mirkwood, and later a [[Bow of the Galadhrim]]. He also had a long white knife.<ref name="South" /> He was a master archer, unmatched by any other during his time, capable of shooting adversaries from afar, and on occasion kill more than one with a single arrow, as shown when he nailed two orcs through the throat in Moria.<ref name="Bridge" /> His skill with a bow was even more formidable due to his keen eyesight. At the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he also proved skilled at knife-fighting in close quarters.<ref>{{TT|Deep}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through Caradhras and even the Paths of the Dead without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he spoke of the "strong men" on Caradhras, who Boromir (meaning himself and Aragorn) had said could forge a way out through the snow.<ref name="South" /> He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli's words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]].<ref name="Road" /><br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The name ''Legolas'' is a [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means "Greenleaf". At one point he is called "Legolas '''Greenleaf'''" by Gandalf, coupling his name and its translation like an epithet.<ref group="note">''Greenleaf'' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]'').</ref> <br />
<br />
''Legolas'' consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', a very rare, archaic word for "green" (cf. ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'', the [[Green Elves]]), which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''[[Calenhad]], [[Parth Galen]]'' and ''[[Pinnath Gelin]]''); and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''[[lass|las(s)]]'', "leaf").<ref>{{L|211}}</ref><ref name="pe17">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|84}}<br />
<br />
In one note, [[Tolkien]] considered ''Legolas'' to be a non-Sindarin name, instead being [[Ossiriand]]ish in which ''laiquā'' > ''lēgo'' (shortened in trisyllabic names to ''lěgo'').<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|153}}<br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] cognate of ''Laegolas'' was '''''Laicolasse'''''.<ref name="pe17" />{{rp|56}}<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree| ORO |ORO=[[Oropher]]<br/><small>''d. {{SA|3434}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| THR |THR=[[Thranduil]]<br/><small>''Unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree| |!| |}}<br />
{{familytree| LEG |LEG='''LEGOLAS'''<br/><small>''Sailed West {{FoA|120}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
The name "''[[Legolas (elf of Gondolin)|Legolas Greenleaf]]''" appeared first in "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]" in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'', applied to a character who guided some survivors of the sack of the city to safety.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, ''Entries in the Name-list to The Fall of Gondolin'', p. 217</ref> However, this character had no further development in the [[Legendarium]] and is unrelated to the Legolas of the Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
<br />
While writing ''The Lord of the Rings'', Tolkien first considered [[Glorfindel]] to be the Elven character of the Fellowship, however he dropped the idea, and Legolas was created to replace him. Perhaps this is the reason why Legolas is considered the most underdeveloped character of the Fellowship, playing only a minor role in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/53965333513/why-is-legolass-character-so-underdeveloped|articlename=Why is Legolas so underdeveloped?|website=[http://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com Ask About Middle-Earth]}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="300" heights="200"><br />
File:Sagan om Ringen - Legolas.png|''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Legolas 2.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Legolas.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Legolas.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''<br />
File:Lego Legolas poster.png|Legolas as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Legolas.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Frank Duncan]] was the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is chosen as the elf representative of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. Legolas walks behind the other members of the Fellowship, as his eyesight is superior.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]]. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel]]'s place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[John Vickery]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in this film, as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[David Collings]] provided the voice of Legolas. In an interesting deviation, he is the one to defend Gimli to [[Haldir]].<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Michael Reisz]] provided the voice of Legolas.<br />
<br />
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].<br />
<br />
:In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendix B|Appendices]].<br />
<br />
:He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.<br />
<br />
:Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. It is not clear whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.<br />
<br />
:Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas's "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming an unprecedented fan favourite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Legolas is provided by Richard Stanke.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a non-playable character, accompanying the Ring-bearer since Rivendell.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Legolas is a playable character, skilled in both ranged and melee. He and Gimli accompany Aragorn through Paths of the Dead, later he fights on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]'''<br />
:Legolas makes a cameo as one of the Wood-elves that Bilbo must avoid in the "Barrels Out of Bond" level. He is recognizable due to his resemblance to Thranduil. While he is unnamed in-game, his identity is confirmed in the game files. No voice actor is specified for the character.<ref>''The Hobbit (2003 video game)'', "Barrels Out of Bond"</ref><br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:[[Grant George]] provides the voice of Legolas.<ref>http://www.dynamicduovo.com/aboutgrant.html</ref> The game depicts Legolas's hunt for [[Gollum]] in northern Mirkwood, which is interrupted by the orcs.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, and accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode. He specializes in powerful ranged attacks.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is now the Hero for the Elven faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas is first met in [[Rivendell]], where before the Fellowship's departure he helps the player in the search for the missing Nazgul. Later, the player catches up with Legolas at several points during the Fellowship's journey such as [[Cerin Amroth]], [[Meduseld]], [[Hornburg]] and the [[Pelennor Fields]]. After [[Sauron]]'s defeat, Legolas and [[Gimli]] accompany soldiers of [[Gondor]] who on the orders of King Elessar begin exploring and securing the Land of Shadow; Legolas assists the player in their exploration of the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]]. Afterwards, Legolas for a brief time returns home to his father's halls in [[Eryn Lasgalen]], where he introduces the player to [[Grimbeorn]]. He soon returns back to [[Minas Tirith]] for the wedding of Aragorn and [[Arwen]], after which he continues the exploration of the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]], eventually discovering the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:[[Crispin Freeman]] plays Legolas, who is available as a Hero in several missions.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crispin_freeman_fansite/message/9438</ref><br />
:In the game's Evil Campaign, Legolas makes a final stand at Rivendell when it is invaded by the armies of Sauron.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas can be found and talked to in Rivendell, he retains the appearance from the movies. While he provides insight into many events, interactions with him do not affect the main plot.<br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|LEGO The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Legolas based on his appearance in ''The Lord of the Rings'' films is included in the [[Lego#Sets|set]] The Mines of Moria<br />
<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref>, as well as in the set Pirate Ship Ambush and a fun pack for ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''. In the ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'' in 2012, Legolas plays largely the same role as in the films, though with additional comedic elements. He also joins the members of the Fellowship at the Grey Havens to witness the departure of Frodo and Gandalf.<br />
:A second Legolas figure based on his appearance in ''The Hobbit'' films appears in the sets Legolas Greenleaf, Escape from Mirkwood Spiders, and The Battle of Five Armies. Legolas also appears in ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]''.<br />
<br />
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''<br />
:Orlando Bloom reprised his role as Legolas in [[Peter Jackson]]'s adaptation of the Hobbit.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ/posts/10150265634081558|articlename=Ten years ago,...|dated=27-May-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Bloom was [[Wikipedia:de-aging in film|digitally de-aged]] to match his appearance as Legolas in ''Lord of the Rings'' 13 years ago.<ref>{{webcite|author=Mat Bradley-Tschirgi|articleurl=http://www.gamesradar.com/7-movie-actors-made-impossibly-young-by-cgi/|articlename=7 movie actors made impossibly young by CGI|website=[http://www.gamesradar.com/ GamesRadar]|accessed=30-May-2017}}</ref> He is one of the Elves who capture [[Thorin and Company]] who traverse Mirkwood. His company, including [[Tauriel]], were ordered by Thranduil to clean up the [[spider]] nests. As he examines [[Glóin]], he finds a locket with a picture of Gimli, his future friend, and comments on his ugliness. His father notices Legolas's affection for [[Tauriel]], which he doesn't approve because she is a pure Silvan-elf. However he joins her in pursuit of the pack of Orcs (led by [[Bolg]]) who are after [[Thorin]]. Thranduil and Legolas later interrogate [[Narzug]], a captured Orc. Alarmed by the news, Thranduil orders his Realm to be sealed from the outside world, but when Legolas hears that Tauriel has run after Kili, he leaves to find her.<br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Legolas appears after the destruction of [[Lake-town]]. With Tauriel he goes to investigate the Orcs' armies in [[Gundabad]] where his mother was killed during an old battle, something about which his father never talks. He returns to the ruins of [[Dale]] where the [[Lake-men]] are regrouping. He participates in the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and goes with Tauriel to the [[Ravenhill]] to support [[Thorin]]. In order to save Tauriel from Bolg, he uses a mutilated [[Trolls|Troll]] to demolish an ancient tower and duels with Bolg. Bitter with his father's treatment towards Tauriel, he says that he won't return to Mirkwood; Thranduil advises him to go to [[Eriador|the North]] and find the [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain]] and a young ranger called "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]." Before parting, Thranduil assures him that his mother loved him more than anything else.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Legolas/Disputes]]<br />
<br />
{{references|n}}<br />
{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}<br />
{{hobbitfilms}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
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[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]<br />
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[[Category:Sindar]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/standard/legolas]]<br />
[[fi:Legolas]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Portal:Adaptations&diff=435235Portal:Adaptations2026-02-19T23:20:25Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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[[Category:Portals]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:The_Hunt_For_Gollum.png&diff=435234File:The Hunt For Gollum.png2026-02-19T23:18:39Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:The_Lord_of_the_Rings_-_The_Fellowship_of_the_Ring_-_Legolas.jpeg&diff=435233File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Legolas.jpeg2026-02-19T23:02:36Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div></div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:The_Lord_of_the_Rings_-_The_Return_of_the_King_-_Sm%C3%A9agol_and_D%C3%A9agol.jpg&diff=435232File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Sméagol and Déagol.jpg2026-02-19T22:36:11Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div>Sméagol and Déagol from The Return of The King</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Arda&diff=435231Arda2026-02-19T22:22:29Z<p>King Elessar: /* Before the Shifting */</p>
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<div>{{short description|World within Eä}}<br />
{{disambig-more|Arda|[[Arda (disambiguation)]]}}<br />
{{location infobox<br />
| name=Arda<br />
| image=Ambarkanta Map V upscale.png<br />
| caption="Ambarkanta Map" (coloured) by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<br />
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈarda]}}<br />
| othernames=''Aþāraphelūn'' ([[Valarin|V]]), ''Ardhon'' ([[Sindarin|S]])<br />
| location=Within [[Eä]]<br />
| type=The World<br />
| description=A habitable round mass of land, water and airs under the [[Sun]], [[Moon]] and [[stars]].<br />
| regions=[[Aman]] (including [[Valinor]]), [[Middle-earth]] (including [[Beleriand]]), [[Dark Land]], [[Númenor]], [[Land of the Sun]]<br />
| towns=<br />
| inhabitants=[[Ainur]], [[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Dwarves]], [[:Category:Races|and others]].<br />
| created={{VY|1}} or earlier<br />
| destroyed=<br />
| events=''See: [[:Category:Events]]''<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Behold I love the Earth, which shall be a mansion for the Quendi and the Atani!|Ilúvatar in ''[[Of the Beginning of Days]]''}}<br />
'''Arda''' ([[Quenya|Q]]: "Realm") was the [[Quenya]] name for the world as a whole. Arda was created within [[Eä]] by [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. It was then shaped by the [[Valar]], with continental masses such as [[Middle-earth]] and [[Aman]], and oceans, like [[Belegaer]]. <br />
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Arda was the home of [[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Dwarves]] and other [[:Portal:Characters|races]] as well as the [[kelvar]] and [[olvar]]. Some of the [[Ainur]] govern the world under [[Ilúvatar|Eru]]'s mandate.<br />
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==Beginnings==<br />
{{Main|Days before days}}<br />
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - Creation of Arda.jpg|thumb|left|125px|"Creation of Arda" by [[:Category:Images by Jacek Kopalski|Jacek Kopalski]]]]<br />
Arda was first brought into existence with the [[Music of the Ainur]], for the purpose of creating a home for the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Ilúvatar appointed the [[Valar]] as its masters, and it was built mainly by [[Manwë]], [[Aulë]] and [[Ulmo]]. <br />
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But even before the coming of some [[Ainur]] there were other beings inhabiting Arda, perhaps without the Ainur's involvement or knowledge.<ref group="note">In [[The Book of Lost Tales]], the nature and origin of [[Ungoliant]] is said to be a mystery even for the Valar.</ref> One of them was [[Iarwain Ben-adar]]<ref>{{FR|Bombadil|50}}, p. 131</ref> and other mysterious [[nameless things]] that eventually withdrew in caves under mountains.<ref>{{TT|White|50}}, p. 501</ref><ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref><br />
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The Valar invented its geography, for at the time it was largely without feature and gave it symmetry and form. But then [[Morgoth|Melkor]] wanted Arda for himself, and the two sides engaged in the titanic [[First War]] where [[Arda Marred|Arda was marred]] and its plan was altered.<ref>{{S|Ainu}}</ref><br />
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As for light source, the Valar decided upon [[Two Lamps|two lamps]]. One, a blue light, was placed at the north, and it was called [[Illuin]]. The other, a golden light, was placed at the very southernmost point, and was called [[Ormal]]. [[Aulë]], craftsman of the Valar, forged two pillars : [[Helkar]] and [[Ringil (tower)|Ringil]], placed at the north and south respectively. The Valar chose as their own home the green isle [[Almaren]] in the center of Arda between the two pillars.<br />
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It was at that time that [[Morgoth|Melkor]] made his first attempt, spreading chaos across Arda. He destroyed the Lamps and the pillars, ruining the symmetry of the world. At this time, the continents of [[Aman]], [[Endor]], and the [[Uttermost East|Land of the Sun]] were formed. In the midst of Endor where the Two Lamps fell into ruin, the [[Sea of Helcar]] and the [[Sea of Ringil]] formed.<br />
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{{Seealso|History of Arda}}<br />
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==Geography==<br />
===Before the Shifting===<br />
[[File:Almaren.jpeg|left|thumb|Original symmetric shape of Arda with [[Almaren]] in the middle. The [[Iron Mountains]] can be seen on the North, created by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] to protect himself from the Valar.]]<br />
Arda was originally flat, like a plate. Encircling the continents was [[Ekkaia]], the Encircling Sea. Farthest to the West was the great continent of [[Aman]], composed primarily of two geographical features: the Plain of [[Valinor]], and the [[Pelóri]] Mountains. [[Taniquetil]] was the highest mountain in this range, and in the world. Separating Aman from the lands to the east was the great sea of [[Belegaer]].<br />
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Across Belegaer was [[Middle-earth]], known also as [[Endor]] or the [[Hither Lands]]. The west side of this land mass was called [[Beleriand]], the north [[Dor Daedeloth]], and the east [[Palisor]]. According to [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s earlier maps, it was in Palisor that there was the great inland [[Sea of Helcar]], and the shores of [[Cuiviénen]]. At its farthest northwestern point, Middle-earth was joined to Aman by the [[Helcaraxë]], a deathly cold region of grinding ice. <br />
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Middle-earth was dominated by many mountain ranges. Separating Beleriand from the inner lands of Middle-earth were the [[Blue Mountains|Ered Luin]], the Blue Mountains. To the far east there were the [[Orocarni]], the Red Mountains. Between the Blue Mountains and Red Mountains, Melkor had raised up the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]], the Misty Mountains, to hinder the hunts of the Vala [[Oromë]] in Middle-earth. These three northern ranges were joined together at their northernmost ends by the [[Iron Mountains]], raised by Melkor in the ages before the fall of the Two Lamps. <br />
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In the south of Middle-earth were the [[Grey Mountains (ancient)|Grey Mountains]], and in the southeast there were the [[Yellow Mountains]]. In the far east between the Orocarni in the north and the Yellow Mountains in the south there lay the [[Mountains of the Wind]]. However, when the Valar went to war against Melkor in the [[Battle of the Powers]], much of Arda was changed again. The Yellow Mountains and the Mountains of the Wind were lost, and the [[Great Gulf]] formed between Beleriand and the lands to the far south. To the east, the [[East Sea]] and the [[Sea of Ringil]] joined together, dividing Middle-earth from a new continent known only as the [[Dark Land]] or the South Lands.<ref>{{SM|Ambar}} p. 250-251</ref><br />
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In its earliest days, Middle-earth was dominated by a great forest spanning from the western shores to the Misty Mountains and possibly beyond. However, this great forest dwindled throughout the ages, remaining only in the regions of the [[Old Forest]], [[Fangorn Forest]], [[Lothlórien]], and [[Eryn Vorn]]. [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]] may also have been a remnant of this vast forest.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref><br />
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To the farthest east possible was the [[Uttermost East]], with a great curved mountain range called the [[Walls of the Sun]]. In the ''[[Ambarkanta]]'' it is called the “''Dark Land of the Sun''”. Corresponding to Taniquetil was the mountain [[Kalormë]].<br />
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===Second Age and Beyond===<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Fall of Numenor.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''The Fall of Númenor'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]<br />
During the tumultuous [[War of Wrath]], the Valar broke and reshaped much of the world. The lands of Beleriand sank beneath the Great Sea in this conflict, drowning many lands west of the Blue Mountains. There were some islands that remained of the old world: [[Tol Fuin]], [[Tol Morwen]], and [[Himring]]. On the mainland, only the realm of [[Lindon]] survived the sinking of Beleriand. Lindon and the Blue Mountains were split in two after the conflict by the [[Gulf of Lune]], possibly an eastward expansion of the ancient [[Bay of Balar]].<ref>[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/articles.php?lng=en&pg=41 Hisweloke - Géographie - Mystère géographiques (1) : Mont Dolmed et cités naines...]</ref> The mainlands shrank back furthest in the [[Northern Waste|far north]] of the world, where the [[Icebay of Forochel]] was formed. To the south, the sinking of Beleriand robbed the Great Gulf of its northwestern ends, forming the [[Bay of Belfalas]] out of what remained.<br />
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After this catastrophic conflict, [[Ossë]] raised [[Elenna]] – a large, star-shaped isle – out of Belegaer, where the kingdom of [[Númenor]] would soon be settled.<br />
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The second great change was the [[Akallabêth|Drowning of Númenor]]. In this cataclysm, the world was stretched and made into the shape of a sphere. At that time Aman and the island of [[Tol Eressëa]] were removed from the [[Circles of the World]], and became inaccessible save by the [[Straight Road|Straight Way]]. It is said that new continents were made in place of the Undying Lands. Once again, the western coasts of Middle-earth changed, retreating in some places and advancing in others. It is unknown if the Uttermost East survived the Fall of Númenor.<br />
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==Eschatology==<br />
The [[Elves]] held to the concept of [[Arda Marred]]. In the beginning, at the time of the Music of the Ainur, was [[Arda Unmarred]]. According to the idea of Arda Unmarred, the world was originally "unstained" by evil. It became Arda Marred after Melkor entered and introduced chaos. They also clung to the idea that one day the world would become [[Arda Healed]]. According to this belief, Arda Healed will not come about until the [[Dagor Dagorath]], the Last Battle.<br />
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==Tengwa==<br />
[[File:Arda (tengwa).gif|left]]''Arda'' is also the name in [[Quenya]] of the twenty-sixth letter of the [[Tengwar]] alphabet.<ref>{{App|Letters}}, Note, ''The names of the letters''</ref> It is a modification of ''[[Rómen]]'' (letter 25). In written Quenya ''Arda'' is used for '''RD'''. In other modes this letter represents voiceless '''R''' (or '''RH''').<ref>{{App|Letters}}, Note, ''The additional letters''</ref> The Westron name for this letter is '''''Rhó'''''.<ref>See ''[[Alphabet of Fëanor: Numenian, or Westron, Mode]]''</ref><br />
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==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Arda.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
''Arda'' derives from the [[Primitive Quendian]] word ''gardā'' meaning "bounded or defined place, region".<ref name="Quendi">{{WJ|AD1}}</ref>{{rp|402, 413}}<br />
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===Other names===<br />
''Arda'' is the [[Quenya]] name of the World, with its atmosphere and the celestial objects. The term [[Ambar]] is roughly equivalent and it probably refers to Earth without the celestial objects. It was also called '''Kingdom of Earth/Arda/Manwë''' and '''Little Kingdom'''. The [[Valarin]] name, from which Quenya ''Arda'' derived, was '''''Aþāraphelūn''''' ("appointed dwelling").<ref name="Quendi" />{{rp|401}}<br />
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The [[Sindarin]] version for ''Arda'' is '''''Ardhon''''', only attested in the name ''[[Ardamírë|Mîr n'Ardhon]]'' ("Jewel of the World").<ref name="Name">{{PM|XI}}: ''The names of Finwë's descendants'', p. 348</ref> However, it could be a [[Lenition|lenited]] form of ''gardhon'' (a combination of ''gardh'' ("region") with a suffixal element ''[[-on]]'').<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-2787701887.html|articlename=S. ''Ardhon'' loc.|dated=|website=Eldamo|accessed=31 January 2020}}</ref><br />
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In [[Adûnaic]] the words '''''kamât''''' ("earth")<ref>{{SD|2eiii}}, p. 311</ref> and '''''dāira''''' ("Earth")<ref>{{SD|67}}, p. 247</ref> are given at different points. Another possible word is '''''Abat-''''', seen in the royal name [[Ar-Abattârik|''Abat''târik]] (Quenya: ''Arda''min).<ref>{{webcite|website=Arda|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articlename=Adûnaic|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/adunaic.htm}}</ref><br />
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==Theories==<br />
Using the known sizes of [[Beleriand]] and [[Middle-earth]] when compared to the size of Beleriand on [[:File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Ambarkanta Map V.png|Map V]] of the [[Ambarkanta maps|''Ambarkanta'' maps]], [[Karen Wynn Fonstad]] has speculated that flat Arda's diameter was probably about 6,800 miles.<ref>{{HM|AME}}</ref> However, Diagram III of the ''Ambarkanta'' shows that the "Old Lands" made up half of Arda made round,<ref name="Ambar" /> implying that flat Arda would have been around 12,451 miles across, half the earth's circumference.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.universetoday.com/26461/circumference-of-the-earth/|articlename=Circumference of the Earth|website=Universe Today|2 June 2016}}</ref> Precise estimations of the size of Arda are difficult to determine with Map V of the ''Ambarkanta'', which is said by [[Christopher Tolkien]] to be ''"a very rough sketch not to be interpreted too strictly"''.<ref name="Ambar" />{{rp|258}}<br />
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==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - I Vene Kemen.png|thumb|[[I Vene Kemen]]]]<br />
In the early ''[[Book of Lost Tales]]'', the [[Qenya]] name for the Earth was ''kemi'' as well as ''mar''.<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}</ref> An early schematic map of that era, displays the flat earth like a ship floating in the ocean of Vai.<br />
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Ambarkanta Map I.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Early Arda (Ilu) and the waters and airs surrounding it, as shown in the ''[[Ambarkanta maps|Ambarkanta]]''.]]<br />
In the next phase of the legendarium, as described in ''[[The Ambarkanta]]'', the world has the Qenya names ''[[Ilu]]'' (being the wholeness of existence, the world, with its sky and air, equivalent to Arda of the later legendarium) or ''[[Ambar]]'' (being the "earthy", concrete part of Ilu) suspended in the [[Void]].<ref>{{SM|A1}}</ref><br />
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Above the lands of Ambar was [[Vista]], the lowermost airs where the birds fly. Surrounding Vista were the airs of [[Ilmen]], the upper airs where the [[stars]] were set. The airs of Ilmen met with the earth in [[Valinor]] and the [[Uttermost East]] where it was widest, and the airs of Ilmen were narrowest in the far north and south. Beyond Ilmen was [[Vaiya]], the Encircling Sea which surrounds Arda on all its sides. It is said that the waters of Vaiya were more alike to air in the regions farthest above the earth, and alike to water beneath the earth. Surrounding all of the world beyond the Vaiya was the [[Ilurambar]], the Walls of the World, a cold and transparent globed barrier like ice and glass and steel, passable only by the [[Doors of Night]]. Beyond the Ilurambar there is naught but the [[Void|Outer Void]].<ref name="Ambar">{{SM|Ambar}}</ref>{{rp|235–240}}<br />
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The name ''Arda'' first appears in a later version of the ''[[Ainulindalë (Morgoth's Ring)|Ainulindalë]]'' from [[1951]], where the term ''Ea'' also appears, with Arda now being just a small part in the vast regions of Creation<ref>{{MR|P1e}}</ref> and not equated with it.<br />
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In the later [[Round World version of the Silmarillion]], there is the consideration that there are other worlds in Eä beside Arda where the innumerable Ainur labored, but Arda is of central importance in the Great Tale of Eä, as it is the stage of the conflict between the Great Enemy and the [[Eruhini]]. The distant worlds, and the Ainur who shaped them, are beyond the thought of Elves and Men.<ref>{{MR|P5II}}</ref><br />
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==See also==<br />
*[[Arda Marred]]<br />
*[[Arda Unmarred]]<br />
*[[Arda Healed]]<br />
*[[Timeline]]<br />
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==External links==<br />
*[http://www.physics.ccsu.edu/larsen/tolkien.html The Astronomy of Middle-earth] - collection of articles by [[Kristine Larsen]]<br />
*[http://www.forodrim.org/daeron/md_astro.html Astronomical objects above Middle-earth] - [[Elvish]] names of celestial terms.<br />
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{{References|n}}<br />
{{cosmology}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Arda| Arda]]<br />
[[Category:Cosmology| ]]<br />
[[Category:Quenya locations]]<br />
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]<br />
[[Category:Tengwar letters]]<br />
[[de:Arda]]<br />
[[fi:Arda]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/geographie/astronomie/arda]]</div>King Elessarhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=File:Almaren.jpeg&diff=435230File:Almaren.jpeg2026-02-19T22:21:33Z<p>King Elessar: </p>
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<div></div>King Elessar