Announcement for 2026 release comes amid hype for ‘The War of the Rohirrim’, set to come out in December
In a thrilling announcement for fantasy lovers worldwide, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav revealed plans for a fresh installment in the beloved Lord of the Rings series, Variety reported. Set to debut in theaters in 2026, the new films mark a significant addition to one of the most iconic film franchises in history.
The first of the two new films, titled Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, will see the return of Andy Serkis in his iconic role as Gollum, who will also take the director’s chair for this installment. Serkis’s involvement promises a captivating exploration into the enigmatic character’s story arc.
Peter Jackson, the visionary director behind the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, will serve as a producer for the new films, ensuring continuity and maintaining the essence of JRR Tolkien’s richly imagined world of Middle-earth.
The announcement comes amidst a resurgence of interest in Tolkien’s works, with the upcoming release of an animated film, The War of the Rohirrim, scheduled for this December. Fans can also look forward to the remastered and extended versions of the original trilogy returning to theaters this summer, offering a nostalgic journey back to the epic tales of Frodo, Gandalf and the One Ring.
Zaslav expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the significant opportunity it presents for Warner Bros Discovery’s theatrical business. He highlighted the involvement of Jackson, along with his longtime collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, assuring fans that the new films will uphold the legacy of Tolkien’s literary vision.
The announcement also addresses concerns about potential conflicts with Amazon’s own Lord of the Rings TV series, clarifying that Jackson and his team are exclusively focused on the new film franchise. With Zaslav’s assurance and the return of Jackson, Boyens, and Walsh to the fold, fans can anticipate another epic adventure set in the magic of Middle-earth.
