Remember The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum? Well, it might have another returning cast member

A Lord of the Rings reunion may be brewing as more actors lay in on their possible return for The Hunt for Gollum film. Sir Ian McKellen was among the first to be approached for his iconic role of Gandalf, and now everyone’s favorite bow-wielding Sindar Elf, Legolas, could be added to the lineup.

Orlando Bloom teased his The Lord of the Rings comeback during an interview with Variety, discussing his interest in the upcoming movie. In it, he states, “Yeah, I don’t know how they’d do it. I guess with AI you can do anything these days. But, if Peter [Peter Jackson] says jump, I say, ‘how high?’ I mean, he started my whole career.”

Based on this, it’s safe to say that Bloom would be open to Legolas’ return, but with an AI twist. The Gollum movie will likely be a prequel, so a de-aging process would make sense, especially with the elves’ predominately “young” appearance.

Bloom continues on with the topic of AI during a previous discussion with The Hunt for Gollum’s star and director, Andy Serkis. He states, “I did speak to Andy [Serkis] and he did say they were thinking about how to do things. I was like, ‘How would that even work?’ And he was like, ‘Well, AI!’ and I was like, ‘Oh, OK!’”  

I’m curious to discover the mystery behind Bloom and Serkis’ hints in the interview. I mean, how exactly could Legolas and Gollum cross paths? Would Legolas be strolling about Middle Earth and then just happen to encounter the “My Precious!” preaching fiend? Or perhaps they’ll have two stories going on in standard LOTR fashion. Whatever the case may be, it indeed boggles the mind.

We also have to consider that Gandalf may be another potential character of the group. In an interview with Big Issue, McKellen mentions, “I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved, and they hope that I’ll be playing him.” He then says that the studio better quickly get him on board in light of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’s release.

This wouldn’t be the first time McKellen and Bloom reprised their beloved roles, as seen in The Hobbit trilogy (Serkis included). Now, we can only hope that they’ll make their mark once again in the upcoming film.

Currently, The Hunt for Gollum is slated for a 2026 tentative release date. The original director of The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson, has also returned, but this time as a producer. Even though its plot continues to be surrounded by secrecy, more news could be on the horizon with the latest hints. Just please, Andy Serkis, all I ask is for you to say, “My Precious!” at least once in the film, and we’re golden.