Andy Serkis Shares Update on Lord of the Rings Spinoff and Confesses 'Can't Escape' Gollum

Andy Serkis Returns to Middle-earth as Director and Gollum

Andy Serkis is once again bringing the magic of Middle-earth to life. Known for his groundbreaking work in performance capture, Serkis is now taking on a new challenge: directing The Hunt for Gollum, one of several upcoming Lord of the Rings spinoffs. This time, he’s not only starring as the ring-obsessed creature who revolutionized blockbuster filmmaking but also stepping into the director’s chair. His recent comments on the project highlight both his excitement and deep connection to the character.

During an interview with Metro at the London premiere of Prime Video’s The Girlfriend, Serkis spoke about the long-standing creative “family” behind the franchise. He emphasized that Gollum remains one of the most iconic characters in the Lord of the Rings universe and is deeply intertwined with his career. At the time of the interview, he was already preparing for the upcoming fantasy film:

"I’m very excited to go back. I leave for New Zealand on Saturday. We’re going down to start prep and working on it, because I’m directing. I’m thrilled to return to the family that I’ve loved working with for many years, and a character that I cannot escape from."

Serkis’ relationship with Gollum has always been unique. The role, which he first voiced in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, became a defining part of his career after he fully embodied the character using motion capture in The Two Towers and beyond. Over the years, Gollum has become one of cinema’s most unforgettable creations.

It has been 13 years since Serkis last appeared as Gollum in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. His return feels both nostalgic and timely. The actor has shared stories of how he almost turned down the role in the early days. In 2020, he recounted on Reunited Apart that a fellow performer warned him against playing a “digital character” whose face wouldn’t be visible on screen. Despite the skepticism, Serkis took the risk, and his performance helped bring motion capture into the mainstream. He later played Caesar in Planet of the Apes and Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars.

Now, with The Hunt for Gollum, Serkis is adding another chapter to his career, this time as a director. While plot details remain undisclosed, the project is moving forward, much to the delight of Lord of the Rings fans. Production is set to begin soon, and Serkis is already preparing for the journey ahead.

In addition to his work on The Hunt for Gollum, Serkis is keeping busy with other projects. He is currently an executive producer on The Girlfriend, a psychological thriller directed by Robin Wright and starring Olivia Cooke. The film, which premiered recently, received praise for its direction and cast. Serkis described it as “a phenomenal piece of work.”

The Girlfriend will be available on Prime Video starting September 10. However, despite his many commitments, Serkis still finds himself drawn back to Gollum. The character’s “precious” pull has followed him throughout his career, and he treats it as a privilege rather than a burden.

For Serkis, returning to Middle-earth isn’t just about revisiting a beloved character—it’s about continuing a legacy that has shaped modern filmmaking. As he prepares to step behind the camera, fans can’t wait to see what he brings to the next chapter of the Lord of the Rings story.