Elijah Wood is ready to return to Middle-earth. In a recent interview with Consequence, the actor expressed a fierce protectiveness over his career-defining role as Frodo Baggins. Wood stated he would jump at the opportunity to return for the upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, noting that he wouldn't want anyone else to take on the character while he is still "alive and able."

The new project, which Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have scheduled for a 2026 release, will be directed by Andy Serkis. Serkis will also return to his role as the titular creature. The film is set to explore the period between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, focusing on the search for the One Ring. Original trilogy architects Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are all attached to produce the feature.

Elijah Wood Dominic Monaghan Sean Astin Billy Boyd
Elijah Wood Dominic Monaghan Sean Astin Billy Boyd — Photo: Miguel Discart / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

While Wood's casting isn't officially confirmed by the studio, his comments align with recent hints from fellow cast member Ian McKellen. Speaking with The Big Issue, McKellen revealed that he has already been approached to return as Gandalf, provided his health and schedule allow for it. Wood acknowledged these remarks, telling Consequence that any chance to reunite with the original creative team in New Zealand would be a "gift."