In late February it was reported that Warner Bros. intends to develop fresh films set in the Lord of the Rings universe. Actor Andy Serkis, famed for his portrayal of Gollum, weighed in during the Post-Credit podcast, sharing his thoughts on the direction of future projects.
Serkis signaled openness to returning to Middle-earth cinema, but with one condition: the original trilogy collaborators must come back to shape the stories. He stressed that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens feel like a second family, having collaborated on numerous projects over many years. He described them as among the most extraordinary people he has ever worked with.
“There are many exciting possibilities within Middle-earth,” Serkis said. “If the original creative team is involved, I would seize the chance to revisit this world. Middle-earth has never really left me.”
—Andy Serkis
Peter Jackson has indicated that he is actively exploring new projects tied to the franchise. In a recent interview, he revealed ongoing discussions with Warner Bros. and Embracer. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but the handshake hints at potential collaboration on future material.
In April 2024, the animated feature The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim is slated for release, centering on King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan. The project is positioned as a broader expansion of the Middle-earth saga, with the aim of offering fans a new vantage point on a familiar landscape.
Note: The broader plan for continuing the Middle-earth story includes cross-media storytelling that may extend beyond live-action films into animated and game formats, reflecting Warner Bros. and partner studios’ broader strategy to keep the world vibrant for audiences in North America and beyond.