“Barely announced and already pushed back”: Upcoming LOTR Film Tolkien Fans Have Branded a ‘Pointless Movie’ Struck With Huge Delay

A film getting unexpectedly delayed or moved back is part and parcel of the film industry, and more often than not, every other film goes through this delay. While the film industry might have grown accustomed to this delay, fans certainly have not and are quick to display their anger. Recently, an upcoming LOTR film has become the subject of fans’ anger.

Directed by and starring Andy Serkis, The Hunt for Gollum has been delayed for over a year, as per recent reports. While most fans have already labeled the film as ‘pointless’ due to its subject matter, many are, nonetheless, upset about the delay.

Andy Serkis’ LOTR spin-off, The Hunt for Gollum, delayed

Last year in May, Andy Serkis had revealed that he would be returning to the mystical world of Tolkien in a movie titled Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Based on his popular character Gollum/Smeagol, whom he portrayed in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the film was centered around the mysterious creature.

Initially, The Hunt for Gollum, which is also being directed by Serkis, was announced with a 2026 release date. However, as per The Direct, the film has now been delayed by over a year. During Andy Serkis’ Fan Expo Vancouver 2025 panel, when asked by The Direct’s correspondent about the film, Serkis replied:

Yeah, it is not 2026. It was originally going to be December 2026. It is going to be December 2027.

Moreover, the Black Panther star revealed that they are still at the beginning of the writing process.

We are right at the beginning of the writing process. We will be prepping later this year. Prep takes a good chunk of time, six or seven months, and then we will be shooting next year. So, it backs into that December 2027 release date.

The delayed film is supposed to be live-action and is expected to shoot in New Zealand as well. While details about the story are being kept under wraps, the film is expected to take fans on a trip down memory lane while unraveling the magical world of Tolkien in a new way.

Tolkien fans react to The Hunt for Gollum’s delay

When a Lord of the Rings movie based on Andy Serkis’ memorable character, Gollum, was announced, several fans expressed that it was pointless. While fans have since continued to question its necessity in an already rich and well-explored world of the beloved franchise, many are disappointed over its delay as well.

Although it is common to have movies as expansive, elaborate, and complex as a LOTR film being delayed, and even more so due to the lack of any hopeful updates, fans are dismayed. Yet, there are some who believe that a Gollum movie is completely unnecessary.

Well, here are the varied reactions Tolkien fans had as the news of The Hunt for Gollum’s delay went viral:

As the film is expected to start production next year, other LOTR projects are also underway, including the ongoing Rings of Power series. While fans remain skeptical about The Hunt for Gollum, one cannot deny that given the talent of Andy Serkis and his passion towards his menacing character, the film will surely be a unique addition to the rich lore of Middle-earth.

Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is expected to be released in December 2027.

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