Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced plans to pursue more Lord of the Rings movies, but the company hasn’t revealed which parts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth it intends to explore. If the new projects feature characters from Peter Jackson’s trilogy, it could give certain actors a chance to revisit the franchise. In fact, Andy Serkis recently revealed whether he’d return for more Lord of the Rings films — and he seems optimistic about the possibility.
Serkis voiced Gollum in Jackson’s series, accompanying Frodo into the depths of Mordor and attempting to reclaim the One Ring. The actor also lent his voice to The Lord of the Rings audiobooks, proving himself a Tolkien fan through and through. And given his enthusiasm for all things Lord of the Rings, it’s no surprise he’s game to return for future projects coming from Warner Bros. Discovery.
During an appearance on BroBible.com’s Post Cred Podcast, Serkis confirmed that he’s open to working on more Lord of the Rings movies — especially if the former producers are involved.
“Look, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, [and] Philippa Boyens are sort of a second family that I have become part of and have gone on to make so many films with,” Serkis said. “And, let me tell you, they are the best and most incredible people to work with. I think that there are so many other potential Middle-earth projects which could come about. And if they’re doing them, I would, of course, jump at the chance to have that relationship rekindled.”
He added, “Middle-earth has never left me.”
Serkis finds himself in an interesting position, as his work on the original Lord of the Rings movies opens the door for an easy comeback. So, how could his return work?
How Andy Serkis could return for more Lord of the Rings movies
Given that Gollum discovered the One Ring hundreds of years before encountering Bilbo Baggins, it wouldn’t be a stretch for Andy Serkis to appear in Lord of the Rings movies set before The Fellowship of the Ring — and even The Hobbit. Others no doubt sought the object while it was in Gollum’s possession, and there are plenty of gaps in the character’s history.
Of course, Serkis could also portray another one of Tolkien’s creations, something he’s proven himself capable of through his work on the Lord of the Rings audiobooks. The actor never appeared on-screen in Jackson’s trilogy, so it wouldn’t be jarring for him to rejoin the franchise in another role. Considering Serkis’ success in the first Lord of the Rings series, most fans would welcome him with open arms.
