Anya Taylor-Joy is officially heading to Middle-earth. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have confirmed she’s joining The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, the next big chapter in the franchise’s return to the big screen.
She’ll play Seren, a Sindar Elf from the Woodland Realm who works closely under King Thranduil. The character is described as a trusted, highly capable agent, placing her right in the middle of one of the more disciplined and battle-ready elven factions in Tolkien’s world.
The film is directed by Andy Serkis, who also returns to the screen as Gollum. Set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies, the story follows the hunt for Gollum as tensions rise around the One Ring in the lead-up to The Fellowship of the Ring. Ian McKellen reprises his role as Gandalf, while Elijah Wood also returns as Frodo, directly linking the new film to the original storyline.
Taylor-Joy joins a broader ensemble that blends returning characters with new additions. Lee Pace is back as King Thranduil, maintaining continuity within the Woodland Realm. New cast members include Kate Winslet as Marigol, Jamie Dornan as Aragorn (Strider), and Leo Woodall as Halvard, expanding the story beyond the familiar core of Middle-earth characters.
Filming is already underway in New Zealand, continuing the franchise’s long-standing association with its original locations. The screenplay is written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, with Peter Jackson among the producers helping guide the project’s direction.
The Hunt for Gollum is currently set for release on December 17, 2027. A second film, The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past, is also in development, suggesting Warner Bros. is building a wider Middle-earth slate beyond this single return to the series.
