A New Direction for Middle-earth
In a groundbreaking development that has sent ripples through the world of fantasy cinema, Sir Peter Jackson has revealed that the psychological intensity of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is the inspiration behind his upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. This revelation has sparked both excitement and curiosity among fans of the iconic trilogy.
Jackson shared this insight during a talk at the Cannes Film Festival, where he was honored with the Palme d’Or. He explained that he and writer Fran Walsh used the 2019 DC movie as a guide to explore the depths of Middle-earth once more. The result is a film that diverges from the large-scale battles seen in previous installments, instead focusing on the fractured psyche of Sméagol, better known as Gollum.
Exploring the Mind of Gollum
In an interview with IndieWire, Jackson reflected on the influence of Joker, stating, “We were thinking about the original Joker film, the one with Joaquin Phoenix. The way that explored the Joker’s psychology while it was telling a story.” He added, “We’ve got the story that’s in the appendices, and we’ll tell that story, but we’ll tell it from an internal Gollum perspective.”
This approach marks a significant shift from the epic battles that defined the original trilogy. Instead of focusing on grand wars, The Hunt for Gollum will serve as a character study, delving into the inner struggles of Gollum. The film is set before The Fellowship of the Ring and follows Aragorn as he tracks down the creature before Sauron uncovers the location of the One Ring. However, audiences won’t just be passive observers; they will be immersed in Gollum’s mind, experiencing his turmoil firsthand.
Andy Serkis Takes the Helm
Given the nature of the story, Jackson has entrusted the director’s role to Andy Serkis, who also stars in the film. This decision comes as no surprise, considering Serkis’s deep understanding of the character.
“I’ve got no particular desire to get inside Gollum’s head,” Jackson joked. “Andy Serkis can do that himself.” He continued, “If it’s a film about Gollum’s addiction and internal struggles, Andy would make a much more interesting film than me.”
Serkis’s involvement brings a unique perspective to the project, as he has already portrayed Gollum in the original trilogy. His direction promises to bring a fresh and intimate take on the character, exploring the complexities of his personality and his battle with addiction.
Release Date and Storyline
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is set to release on December 17, 2027. The film draws directly from approximately 50 to 60 pages of Tolkien’s appendices, which detail Gollum’s early life, his journey to the Shire, and the eventual capture by the Rangers of the North.
With Serkis directing a script co-written by Jackson and Walsh, and with Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood expected to return, the film is not a mere rehash of past stories. Instead, Jackson envisions it as a dark, internal horror movie about addiction, wrapped in the guise of fantasy. By looking at the Clown Prince of Crime, Jackson found a new way into the tragic figure of Gollum.
