Elijah Wood Wouldn’t Want Anyone Else To Play His Iconic ‘Lord of the Rings’ Role

Elijah Wood is making it clear that he has no intention of letting anyone else step into the shoes of Frodo Baggins. The actor, who is currently promoting his upcoming slasher sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, discussed his potential return to Middle-earth in a recent interview with The Times.

While he stopped short of issuing an official confirmation, his comments strongly suggest he is ready to reprise the iconic role for the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

The buzz regarding Wood’s return began last year when his longtime costar, Sir Ian McKellen, casually mentioned at a London convention that both Gandalf and Frodo would be featured in the project.

When asked about his thoughts on the franchise moving forward, Wood was quick to validate McKellen’s possessiveness over his own character, noting that he shares the same sentiment. “I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able,” Wood explained.

Regarding the new film, which is being directed by Andy Serkis, Wood expressed genuine enthusiasm for the project’s creative direction. “Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling.

There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together,” he stated. He added that he remains a fan of the franchise at heart, admitting that he is genuinely excited for the moment audiences see the familiar sight of Gandalf’s hat appearing on the big screen once again.

The Hunt for Gollum is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on December 17, 2027. Andy Serkis is set to both direct and star as the titular creature, returning to the role that defined his career in Peter Jackson’s original trilogy.

The film will explore the critical period of time between the events of The Hobbit and the start of The Fellowship of the Ring, focusing on the dangerous search for Gollum as he holds the key to the fate of the One Ring.

In the meantime, Elijah Wood continues to diversify his career with a mix of high-concept horror and prestige television. His latest movie, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, hits theaters on March 20.

Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the sequel follows Grace, played by Samara Weaving, as she faces a new series of deadly trials alongside her estranged sister, Faith, portrayed by Kathryn Newton.

Wood joins the ensemble as a mysterious lawyer, alongside a cast that includes Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Cronenberg. Beyond this release, Wood has remained a steady presence in both film and television, recently appearing in the 2025 thriller The Monkey and starring in the third season of the hit series Yellowjackets.

Known for his thoughtful approach to character-driven projects, Wood frequently balances mainstream franchise work with unique, independent films. As he prepares for his next chapter, fans are keeping a close watch to see if his return to Middle-earth becomes an official reality.

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