Lord Of The Rings Star Explains Why His Character Still Haunts Him

Returning to Gollum

Serkis is preparing to return to Middle-earth as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. He first played the character in the original trilogy, 26 years ago.

The actor is also directing the upcoming film. He said revisiting Gollum has made his already active mind feel busier and has affected his sleep.

A role that follows him

In an interview with The Times, Serkis described the long relationship he has developed with Gollum. He said he has lived with the character for a long time and sometimes wakes at night uncertain whether he is asleep.

Serkis described wondering whether he was directing Gollum or the character was directing him, and whether the two were arguing. He spoke about the experience lightly, while conveying how demanding the role can be.

Gollum’s inner conflict

Gollum was originally named Sméagol. He was corrupted by the Ring after killing Déagol to take it, and his attachment to the Ring gradually damaged his mental state.

The character’s story involves a divided sense of self, with what remains of Sméagol’s humanity in conflict with a darker personality shaped by obsession. Serkis must approach the role as both performer and director for the new film.

The film’s release date

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled to reach theaters on December 17, 2027. Serkis’s return brings him back to a character he first portrayed more than two decades ago.