Hunt for Gollum To Have 1 Major Deviation From LOTR Books

A significant change in the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, relative to the books, has been teased by Ian McKellen. He has offered the first clear indication that the new film will not strictly follow J. R. R. Tolkien’s original works. As production gears up on the new movie, McKellen’s comments suggest that fans can expect a revised take on Gandalf’s involvement in the hunt for Gollum. 

Ian McKellen confirms Hunt for Gollum movie will feature a change from the books

Ian McKellen has revealed that The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will take a different approach to a key storyline from J. R. R. Tolkien’s original novel. 

The film is set within the same world created by Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In an interview with The Times, McKellen described the film as an adventure centered on Aragorn’s effort to track down Gollum. He explained that Gandalf will oversee the mission rather than actively participate in the pursuit. 

“I’m not in the position to say… But the script is designed to appeal to people who like Lord of the Rings. It’s an adventure story, Aragorn trying to find Gollum with Gandalf directing operations from the sidelines,” he said. However, he did not elaborate on specific plot points. McKellen also confirmed that he will reprise the role, saying, “Well, I said I cannot have anybody else play Gandalf.”

This approach marks a change from Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring. In the novel, Gandalf recounts to Frodo that he and Aragorn both took part in the long search for Gollum across Middle-earth. According to CBR, Tolkien wrote, “Together we sought Gollum down the whole length of Wilderland, without hope, and without success. But at last, when I had given up the chase and turned to other paths, Gollum was found.”

The film’s decision to reduce Gandalf’s direct involvement represents an adaptation choice. McKellen was 60 when filming began on the original trilogy. He will be in his late eighties when production starts on The Hunt for Gollum. This may influence how the character is portrayed. As of now, no official explanation has been offered for the adjustment. 

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net