LOTR’s Peter Jackson Reveals Why He Isn’t Directing The Hunt for Gollum

Peter Jackson has addressed his absence from the director’s chair for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. During a recent appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, the director revealed why he chose not to helm the upcoming film himself. He also explained why he believed Andy Serkis was better suited to direct the project.

Peter Jackson on why he didn’t return for Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

The New Zealand filmmaker has opened up about his decision not to direct the next chapter of the LOTR franchise. He stated that he believed Andy Serkis was the right person to lead The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

Speaking during a masterclass at the Cannes Film Festival, Peter Jackson explained that the story’s focus on Gollum made Serkis a better choice behind the camera. According to Variety, he admitted that returning to direct another Middle-earth film did not feel necessary.

“I could have directed it but I just thought, ‘I’ve done it,’” Jackson said during the discussion. He also clarified that the choice was not simply because he wanted to move on from the franchise. “I thought it would be more interesting… [if] Gollum himself, Andy Serkis, directed it,” the King Kong director said. 

Peter Jackson also explained that the nature of the story itself influenced his decision to hand the project over to The Batman star. “Because the film is pretty much an internal story about Gollum’s psychology and addiction. It’s a very personal story to Gollum, the character, and I thought that Andy knows this guy better than anybody,” he stated.

Jackson went on to praise Andy Serkis’ understanding of the role after portraying the character for years. He shared, “I thought the most exciting version of this movie is if Andy Serkis makes it because he’s going to put Gollum’s psychology on screen like you can’t imagine.”

While Peter Jackson won’t be occupying the director’s chair, he is a producer for the upcoming LOTR movie. Elaborating on passing on the mantle to Serkis, he said, “I’m leaving it to him. I’m here to help where I can. But I don’t interfere. I’ve given him as much freedom as I can.”

Meanwhile, Andy Serkis is attached to direct and appear in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. It is currently scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.

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