Rings of Power Season 3 Filming and New Tolkien Films in Development
Filming on The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power is underway for its third season, a development noted by Hollywood Reporter. The production is moving forward as showrunners Patrick McKay and John D. Payne assemble a writing team and begin drafting the season’s script work. At this point, no formal statement has been issued by the involved studios, keeping the project shrouded in cautious optimism.
In a move that broadens the Tolkien cinematic universe, Warner Bros. indicated in May that two new feature films based on The Lord of the Rings books are in development. The announcement signals a deliberate effort to expand the franchise beyond the ongoing streaming series and bring fresh chapters to theaters and audiences around the world. The plan reflects a growing strategy to balance beloved characters with new storytelling pathways, offering fans a broader tapestry of Middle-earth to explore.
David Zaslav, head of Warner Bros. Discovery, has stated that script work for these films remains active and that a 2026 release window is anticipated. The timing aligns with a broader push to diversify the Tolkien slate while leveraging the studio’s global reach and production capabilities across both television and cinema formats.
The leading film is reportedly planned under the working title The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. If the project advances, Andy Serkis is expected to reprise his iconic role as Gollum and would also take on directing duties. Peter Jackson, who directed the original trilogy, is said to be joining the production, with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, the long-time writing collaborators on the saga, also expected to contribute to the project. The collaboration underscores a desire to anchor new films in the spirit and texture of the original adaptation while exploring new storytelling angles.
Earlier chatter suggested Cate Blanchett was not compensated for her involvement in The Lord of the Rings productions, a claim that has circulated in industry circles. While such rumors circulate in fan discourse, no official confirmation has been issued regarding compensation in connection with these upcoming projects. The current situation reflects ongoing negotiations and the evolving landscape around Tolkien adaptations.
Taken together, these developments illustrate a renewed wave of Tolkien storytelling that spans both streaming and theatrical formats. As McKay and Payne continue shaping the Rings of Power narrative, and as Warner Bros. advances its film slate, fans can expect a steady stream of announcements that illuminate how these two branches of the same universe will intertwine. In the meantime, industry watchers will be watching closely for casting details, directorial assignments, and concrete production timelines that could shape the next chapter of Middle-earth for both TV and cinema audiences across North America and beyond.