Elijah Wood is finally back as Frodo, but there’s a catch. His highly anticipated Lord of the Rings return comes with disappointing news attached. The Hunt for Gollum set photos offer a first look at Wood back in Hobbiton, but his comeback is not expected to be a major part of the story.
Marvel Scooper Daniel Richtman also reacted to a post featuring the new images. He wrote, “Too bad his role is small.” The post celebrated Frodo’s return more than 20 years after The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Elijah Wood’s first look as Frodo offers a glimpse at his return to Middle-earth
Warner Bros. has released new behind-the-scenes images from the New Zealand production. One image appears to show Wood as Frodo around Hobbiton, giving fans their first look at his return. Wood previously confirmed that Frodo has a “relatively small” part in the film.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum explores events before Frodo leaves the Shire. The story follows Gandalf and Aragorn as they search for Gollum, who may know important information about the One Ring. Andy Serkis directs the film and also returns as Gollum, while Jamie Dornan plays Aragorn.
Philippa Boyens said to Empire that the movie is an “intense story” told through Gollum’s perspective. She placed the story after Bilbo’s birthday party and before the Fellowship reaches the Mines of Moria. This timeline leaves room for Frodo to appear without making him central to the new narrative.
Wood has described his return as a “family reunion” because several original collaborators are involved again. Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf, while Lee Pace reprises Thranduil. New cast members include Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, and Leo Woodall.
Production officially started in July 2026, with the movie scheduled for theaters on December 17, 2027. The film is another live-action return to Middle-earth under Serkis’ direction. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are producing. They want to reconnect the film with the original trilogy team.
Originally reported on SuperHeroHype.
