A new chapter in the Lord of the Rings franchise is taking shape, with Jamie Dornan confirmed to take on a pivotal role in the upcoming prequel, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
Set for release in December 2027, the film will see Dornan portray ‘Strider’ — the ranger identity later revealed to be Aragorn, a character famously played by Viggo Mortensen in the original trilogy. The role marks a major recasting decision for the franchise, as filmmakers look to explore earlier events in the character’s story.
Directed by Andy Serkis, who previously portrayed Gollum, the film shifts leadership from Peter Jackson while maintaining ties to the original creative team. Serkis will also reprise his role as Gollum in the prequel.
“We are recasting the role and we are on the way to finding someone,” Serkis previously said, addressing speculation around Aragorn’s casting before Dornan’s involvement was confirmed.
The film boasts a mix of returning stars and new additions. Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Lee Pace will reprise their roles, while newcomers include Kate Winslet and Leo Woodall.
Winslet, who had previously declined a role in the franchise, is now confirmed to play a new character named Marigol. Woodall will portray Halvard.
According to early plot details, the story will follow Aragorn’s mission to track and capture Gollum in the period between The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The quest is driven by the need to prevent Gollum from revealing the location of the One Ring to Sauron.
“The film explores Aragorn’s early adventures as a ranger,” the synopsis states.
Serkis has emphasised that the production will remain faithful to the established tone and mythology of the series.
“It will be grounded in the lore and the world and the vision of Peter Jackson’s trilogy… it will feel like a proper Middle-earth film,” he said.
The screenplay is being developed by original trilogy writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. Walsh, Boyens and Jackson are also attached as producers.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 17 December 2027.
