Exciting rumors abound regarding The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, particularly concerning the possibility of iconic actors from the original films reprising their beloved roles. Recently, John Rhys-Davies, known for his portrayal of Gimli, expressed a hopeful sentiment about potentially returning to Middle-earth. Directed by Andy Serkis, who is also set to return as Gollum, this highly anticipated film is scheduled for release in December 2027. The narrative is expected to delve into the adventures of Aragorn and Gandalf as they search for Gollum, aligning with the timeline of The Fellowship of the Ring.
The prospect of Viggo Mortensen and Ian McKellen returning as Aragorn and Gandalf, respectively, is integral to this storyline, although their involvement has yet to be officially confirmed. Furthermore, other beloved characters from the Lord of the Rings universe might also make an appearance. In a recent dialogue with Screen Rant’s Joe Deckelmeier during Fan Expo Philadelphia, Rhys-Davies signaled a positive willingness to return, suggesting that he would consider reprising his role if asked. His comments are noteworthy and hint at the possibility of seeing more of Gimli:
Screen Rant: I understand that Andy Serkis will be directing a follow-up to the Lord of the Rings, titled The Hunt for Gollum. You mentioned previously that you would consider returning if you didn’t have to deal with the prosthetics. I have good news: they can now apply them in less than an hour. Should we expect to see Gimli return?
Rhys-Davies: If I’m asked to serve, I will consider it and probably say yes.
Impact on The Hunt for Gollum
Potential for an Expansive Narrative
During an earlier discussion at AwesomeCon in April 2025, Rhys-Davies reflected on similar queries regarding The Hunt for Gollum, expressing interest under certain conditions, specifically concerning the prosthetics. His latest comments, however, signal a more enthusiastic outlook. This indicates that the return of Gimli is not just possible but quite plausible if the story accommodates his character.
While the precise details surrounding the plot of The Hunt for Gollum remain somewhat vague, its central focus on Gollum, Aragorn, and Gandalf implies a more confined storyline. The inclusion of Gimli could significantly broaden the scope of this film, making it a more expansive prelude to The Fellowship of the Ring. Notably, actors such as Liv Tyler and Orlando Bloom have also shown interest in reprising their roles, suggesting a nostalgia-rich narrative that recontextualizes the original tale.
Our Perspective on Rhys-Davies’ Comments
The Heart of LOTR
It is heartwarming to witness another Lord of the Rings actor expressing a willingness to join The Hunt for Gollum. Rhys-Davies’ poetic declaration of, “If I’m asked to serve…”suggests a reconvergence of the Fellowship, evoking a sense of excitement among fans. Although Gimli’s arc may diverge significantly from Gollum’s journey, should Legolas choose to return as well, the blending of these character arcs could create compelling narratives, even if they do not intersect until the Council of Elrond. A return of such pivotal characters could imbue Gollum’s story with a more uplifting perspective amidst his struggles.
For further insights, you can explore the original conversation here.