In exciting news for fans of Middle-earth and cinematic adventures, it has been officially announced: Peter Jackson is returning to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien! After the groundbreaking success of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, many have been wondering, “What Is Peter Jackson Working On next?” The answer will thrill Tolkien enthusiasts worldwide as Warner Bros. has confirmed his involvement in producing brand new films set in the beloved universe.
The Big News: New Tolkien Films Are Coming
The revelation came directly from Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav during a recent investor conference call on May 9, 2024. Zaslav stated that the studio is in the early stages of script development for the first of several new Lord of the Rings movies, with an anticipated release in 2026. Crucially, he confirmed that Peter Jackson, along with his long-time writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, will be producing and deeply involved in the creative process “every step of the way.” This announcement immediately sparked excitement, promising a return to the high-quality filmmaking that defined Jackson’s previous Tolkien adaptations. Warner Bros. clearly recognizes the immense value of this franchise, emphasizing that Lord of the Rings is “one of the most successful and revered franchises in history” and a “significant opportunity” for their theatrical business.
Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis collaborating on new Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum. Movie expected to release in 2026.
The First Movie: The Hunt for Gollum
Adding further detail to this exciting development, a press release unveiled the working title of the first film: The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. This title offers intriguing clues about the movie’s storyline. Even more exciting for fans, Andy Serkis, the actor who masterfully brought Gollum to life through motion capture, is set to not only star in but also direct The Hunt for Gollum. This marks Serkis’s significant step into directing within the franchise, building upon his extensive experience in acting and motion capture performance.
The title The Hunt for Gollum strongly suggests the film will delve into the period described in Tolkien’s books where Gandalf and Aragorn searched for Gollum. This hunt is mentioned in The Fellowship of the Ring, specifically in “The Shadow of the Past” and “The Council of Elrond” chapters, as well as in Appendix B, “The Tale of Years,” in The Return of the King. For those seeking more in-depth information, “The Hunt for the Ring” in Unfinished Tales provides further details about this crucial period in Middle-earth history. Exploring this relatively untold story on screen offers a fresh perspective within the established lore.
Why This is Exciting for Tolkien Fans
Peter Jackson’s return to Middle-earth is undoubtedly the headline that has fans most thrilled. His previous Tolkien films are celebrated for their visual spectacle, faithful adaptation of the source material, and emotional depth. Having Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens back as producers ensures a level of creative consistency and a deep understanding of Tolkien’s world. Coupled with Andy Serkis directing and starring, the project seems to be in very capable and passionate hands. The Hunt for Gollum presents a unique opportunity to explore a darker, more investigative corner of Middle-earth, focusing on a character as complex and fascinating as Gollum. As fans eagerly await 2026, the question “what is Peter Jackson working on?” has been answered with a resounding promise of more adventures in the realms of The Lord of the Rings.
