Acclaimed actor Anya Taylor-Joy, widely known for her standout performances in The Queen’s Gambit, Last Night in Soho, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, has officially joined the cast of the upcoming Lord of the Rings prequel film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
Anya Taylor-Joy is set to portray Seren, a Sindar Elf of the Woodland Realm who is described as a trusted and lethal agent of King Thranduil. Her character will operate under the famously outsider-wary Elven king, adding an exciting new dynamic to the expanding lore of Middle-earth.
The highly anticipated feature balances a star-studded lineup of fresh faces and returning franchise icons. Lee Pace will reprise his role as King Thranduil, alongside Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, and Andy Serkis as the titular Gollum.
Joining Anya Taylor-Joy as franchise newcomers are Kate Winslet, rumored to be playing a relative of Sméagol named Marigol, Jamie Dornan stepping into the iconic role of Strider/Aragorn, and Leo Woodall portraying another Dúnedain ranger named Halvard.
Set chronologically before or partly during the events of The Fellowship of the Ring, the narrative focuses on Middle-earth’s heroes attempting to locate the corrupted creature before Sauron’s forces can capture and torture him. Behind the scenes, the project reunites original trilogy screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, with Peter Jackson serving as producer. Directed by Andy Serkis himself, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is currently slated to hit theaters globally on December 17, 2027.
