Peter Jackson Details New Lord of the Rings Films
The director provided updates on the production of The Hunt for Gollum and the script development for Shadows of the Past.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Peter Jackson has confirmed that The Hunt for Gollum is nearing the end of filming, with just two weeks of production remaining. Meanwhile, work continues on the script for a second upcoming project, Shadows of the Past.
Why it matters
These projects continue the expansion of the cinematic Middle-earth universe, offering new narratives set both before and after the original film trilogy. They provide fans with fresh insights into the timelines and events only briefly touched upon in J.R.R. Tolkien's literature.
The Hunt for Gollum is currently slated for a theatrical release on December 17, 2027. This film takes place during the 17-year period at the start of The Fellowship of the Ring.
The players
Peter Jackson
He is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker best known for directing and producing The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.
Gandalf
He is a central protagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, serving as a powerful wizard and mentor to the Fellowship.
Gollum
He is a central character in the Middle-earth franchise whose obsession with the One Ring drives much of the series' conflict.
The details
The Hunt for Gollum depicts Gandalf's search for the creature to prevent the enemy from finding the One Ring. Shadows of the Past will feature dual narratives, with one part revisiting Sam, Merry, and Pippin after the events of The Return of the King and the other adapting unused chapters from The Fellowship of the Ring.
Timeline
Nov. 11, 2026: The Rings of Power season 3 is expected to release.
Dec. 17, 2027: The scheduled release date for The Hunt for Gollum.
Industry Dynamics
These projects underscore a broader industry trend of expanding established intellectual property into expansive, multi-narrative cinematic universes. This strategy positions the franchise to maintain long-term audience engagement through interconnected storytelling across various timeframes.
Fans can look forward to seeing The Hunt for Gollum in theaters starting in late 2027. Meanwhile, those following the broader Middle-earth narrative can expect new content on streaming platforms as the franchise continues its expansion.
The takeaway
These upcoming projects demonstrate that the cinematic potential of Middle-earth extends well beyond the scope of the original trilogy. Audiences should prepare for a multi-year rollout of content that bridges significant gaps in the established timeline.
What happens next
The third season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is expected to be released on November 11, 2026, followed by the theatrical premiere of The Hunt for Gollum on December 17, 2027.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in the Science Fiction genre to learn more about upcoming franchise expansions.
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