Middle-earth Returns to the Big Screen: Extended Editions of All Three Lord of the Rings films to Re-Release in Theaters
Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy are in for a treat: all three films in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy-The Fellowship of the Ring, The two Towers, and The Return of the King-will return to theaters in their extended edition forms. The re-release is planned to coincide with the upcoming December 17, 2027, premiere of The Hunt for Gollum, a new film set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
The theatrical event offers audiences a chance to experience the complete saga on the big screen once more, immersing themselves in the richly detailed world of Middle-earth for hours on end. Released initially between 2001 and 2003, the extended editions add notable footage to the original theatrical cuts, providing deeper character development and expanded storylines.
Beyond the re-release, a new chapter in the Lord of the Rings universe is on the horizon with The Hunt for Gollum. Directed by Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum, the film will focus on the period when Gandalf and Aragorn search for clues to Gollum’s whereabouts and the Ring’s location, a storyline briefly glimpsed in The Fellowship of the Ring through the torture of Gollum in Mordor.
Several original cast members have expressed interest in reprising their roles. Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, has stated he is open to returning, while Elijah Wood has praised the script and indicated he will likely reprise his role as Frodo. Orlando Bloom, who played Legolas, has suggested that AI technology may be necessary for his return due to the passage of time. Filming for The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled to begin in New Zealand next year.
