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NZ shoots “Hunt for Gollum” with AI de-aging, new Aragorn

7/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand completed a week of filming for “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” set between “The Hobbit” and “The Fellowship of the Ring.”
Anya Taylor-Joy joins as Seren, a Sindar Elf, while Jamie Dornan replaces Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn after Mortensen declined.
Director Andy Serkis says the film blends miniatures and prosthetics with AI de-aging.
The movie is slated to open in theaters on December 17 2027.

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Story summary

New Zealand completed a week of filming for “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” set between “The Hobbit” and “The Fellowship of the Ring.”
Anya Taylor-Joy joins as Seren, a Sindar Elf, while Jamie Dornan replaces Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn after Mortensen declined.
Director Andy Serkis says the film blends miniatures and prosthetics with AI de-aging.
The movie is slated to open in theaters on December 17 2027.