Renowned actor Andy Serkis, known for his mesmerizing portrayal of Gollum in the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy, has expressed his willingness to reprise the iconic character for a new set of movies based on the beloved fantasy series. Warner Bros. and New Line are currently in talks to expand the LOTR universe with films set during the Third Age, and the involvement of pioneering director Peter Jackson and his team of writers is being discussed.
When asked about the project, Serkis, who recently captivated audiences with his performance on Disney+’s Andor, shared his enthusiasm with The Hollywood Reporter. He expressed his deep affection for the LOTR family, considering them a second family to him, having spent numerous years collaborating on films together. Serkis praised their unique sensibility and filmmaking approach, stating that if an opportunity arose, it would be an incredible experience for him to return to the role of Gollum.
Warner Bros. film executives Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy have previously expressed their desire to explore new stories within J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, rather than simply revisiting Peter Jackson’s original film adaptations. This approach reflects their commitment to expanding the rich and vast mythology of the fantasy series.
In addition to his groundbreaking performance as Gollum, Serkis has showcased his talent in other notable roles. He not only voiced Baloo in his self-directed film Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle but also emphasized the importance of an actor’s embodiment of a character. According to Serkis, visual effects are only effective when they align with the performer’s portrayal of emotions, voice, and unique characteristics.
Serkis’s portrayal of Smeagol/Gollum in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers marked a milestone in filmmaking with the introduction of real-time motion capture. His exceptional performance earned him an Empire Award and two Saturn Awards, highlighting his unparalleled skill in bringing complex characters to life.
While specific details about the new LOTR films and Serkis’s potential involvement are yet to be confirmed, fans of the franchise can anticipate an expansion of the beloved universe with fresh narratives set during the Third Age. As discussions progress, audiences remain eager to see if Serkis will reprise his role and deliver another extraordinary performance that captivates hearts and minds.
