Exciting news for Lord of the Rings fans! Not only is The Hunt for Gollum progressing, but another live-action film is also in the works, expanding the beloved J.R.R. Tolkien universe. This revelation comes amid clarifications about The Hunt for Gollum, which, contrary to earlier reports, will not be split into two films. Instead, the second project, still in development, teases the return of one of Middle-earth’s most iconic characters—Gandalf.

Philippa Boyens, a long-time contributor to the Lord of the Rings screenplay team, cleared up the confusion in an interview with Empire. While Gandalf actor Sir Ian McKellen sparked rumours of a two-part Gollum movie during an interview, Boyens confirmed that the film will remain a single instalment. However, she disclosed that a second live-action movie is being developed alongside The Hunt for Gollum. Speculations are swirling about Gandalf's potential involvement in this upcoming film, which might bring the timeline of the new projects closer to the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

This latest development is part of a larger collaboration between Embracer Group, Warner Bros., and New Line Cinema, aimed at producing multiple live-action adaptations within Tolkien’s universe. While details on the second project remain scarce, Boyens hinted at the possibility of an anime-style feature, potentially in the same vein as The War of the Rohirrim, an animated film set for a 2024 release. This movie set 200 years before the original trilogy, follows the story of King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan, suggesting that future projects could explore different artistic directions.

With Gollum’s mysterious quest in the spotlight and Gandalf’s possible return in another film, Tolkien’s world is set to enchant longtime fans and new audiences again. As these projects develop, the potential for more unexpected twists and creative storytelling looms large, keeping the legend of Middle-earth alive on the big screen.