Work is underway on the Lord of the Rings follow-up, The Hunt for Gollum, with Andy Serkis directing from a script written by Phillipa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, Arty Papageorgiou, and Fran Walsh. Ian McKellen has said he will return as Gandalf, and the new project reportedly includes Frodo as part of the story.

Elijah Wood on the Hobbits' emotional baggage

While promoting his new movie Ready or Not 2, Elijah Wood reflected on how the original trilogy would affect the Hobbits if they had to try to carry on afterwards. He said the group "carry a lot of trauma, for sure, of like everything theyve been through together."

Wood also acknowledged that he cannot officially confirm his own role, but hinted at reunion vibes, telling a newspaper that "there is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together." He sounded open to the idea without committing to specifics.

Why the pub scene still matters

Wood pointed to the end of Return of the King, where the characters sit in a pub sharing drinks, as an honest portrayal of how they would be afterward. He said that moment captures the sense of "we know what weve seen, we know what weve been through, and were forever changed for having been through it." In his view, that is a believable snapshot of the Hobbits' state if they ever returned home.

Yes, Frodo could throw a punch

On a lighter note, Wood said hed like to see Frodo in a fight scene. He pointed out Frodo does not get much action in the original films and mentioned Weathertop as a moment where the character briefly faces danger. Wood suggested a small skirmish involving Frodo would be fun to watch.

Quick facts

  • Director: Andy Serkis
  • Screenwriters: Phillipa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, Arty Papageorgiou, Fran Walsh
  • Returning cast: Ian McKellen as Gandalf is confirmed; Frodo is said to be part of the story
  • Elijah Wood: Has hinted at involvement but has not formally confirmed
  • Release date: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for December 17, 2027
  • Current project: Ready or Not 2 is in cinemas now

The takeaway: Wood thinks the Hobbits would carry emotional scars from their journey, he believes the Return of the King ending reflects that honestly, and hed be pleased to see Frodo get a little more physical in the new film.