Leo Woodall's Dream Role in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' Revealed!

Excitement Surrounds Leo Woodall's New Role

Actor Leo Woodall has expressed his thrill about joining the cast of the anticipated film 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum', calling it a "boyhood dream" come true. Announced as part of the film's cast during CinemaCon in April, Woodall shared his excitement at the New York premiere of his latest film, 'Tuner', where he stars alongside the legendary Dustin Hoffman. He remarked, "It means everything. It's a boyhood dream for me. I watched it as a kid and I've seen it a million times, so to be part of it now is incredible."

Although the 29-year-old actor has kept the storyline under wraps, he revealed that he will play a character named Halvard, an original addition to the film that does not exist in J.R.R. Tolkien's original works. This film aims to delve into new stories within the cherished franchise, expanding the lore that fans have loved for years.

'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' is set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027. The film will see the return of several familiar faces from the franchise, including Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, and Andy Serkis reprising his iconic role as Gollum/Smeagol. Jamie Dornan will portray Strider, also known as Aragorn, a character previously played by Viggo Mortensen in the original trilogy. Additionally, Kate Winslet will take on the role of Marigold.

This project was first announced in May 2024, with Andy Serkis attached as the director and original trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson serving as a producer. In 2025, Serkis disclosed that filming would begin in New Zealand in 2026, the same location where the original trilogy was filmed, ensuring visual continuity and authenticity that fans expect.

In an April 2026 statement, Serkis described the film as taking place between 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', highlighting that it will be both a physical and psychological journey in the quest for Gollum. Additionally, another related project is in the works, with former late-night host Stephen Colbert and his son Peter Colbert developing a film inspired by chapters from 'The Fellowship of the Ring' that were not included in the original adaptation.