Late last month, news broke that Warner Bros. Pictures had a new multi-year deal in place with Embracer Group‘s Middle-Earth Enterprises for New Line Cinema to make more “The Lord Of The Rings” movies. That’s great news for J.R.R. Tolkien fans, but it begs the question: what will these new movies be, anyway? Peter Jackson already did both “The Lord Of The Rings” and “The Hobbit” as trilogies. And Amazon‘s “The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power” has things covered when it comes to Tolkien’s lore. So why does Warner Bros. want more of these movies?
READ MORE: ‘Lord Of The Rings’: New Middle-Earth Films Are Being Made At New Line & WB
To make money, that’s why! All jokes aside, it’s still too early to know the plans for more “The Lord Of The Rings” films. But EW reports that Andy Serkis wants to be involved if Peter Jackson is. On a recent episode of BroBible’s “Post-Credit Podcast,” Serkis, who played Gollum in Jackson’s films, expressed interest in a family reunion with the directors and others involved in the franchise. In short, if Jackon is at the helm again, Serkis wants in (but probably not to reprise his role as Gollum).
“Look, [producers] Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens are sort of a second family that I have become part of and have gone on to make so many films with,” Serkis said on the podcast. “And — let me tell you — they are the best and most incredible people to work with. I think that there are so many other potential Middle-earth projects which could come about, and if they’re doing them, I would, of course, jump at the chance to have that relationship rekindled.” Serkis also added, “Middle-earth has never left me.”
While Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens aren’t officially involved in the new films yet, they did mention in a joint statement last month that they’re “in the loop” about the upcoming plans. “Warner Bros. and Embracer have kept us in the loop every step of the way,” the trio said after the Warner Bros. announcement. “We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward.”
Serkis’ role as Gollum in Jackson’s first trilogy revolutionized motion-capture acting performances. So who could Serkis play this time? Obviously, it’s still far too early to know what Warner Bros., Embracer, and New Line have in mind for more “The Lord Of The Rings” movies, but it’s a safe bet that Jackson gets involved somehow. And if Jackson is, don’t expect Serkis to be far behind, in whatever capacity.