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Joker's psychological depth inspires Gollum's Lord of the Rings return
17 May
Summary
- Joker's psychological approach influenced the new Gollum movie.
- The film will explore Gollum's internal perspective.
- Andy Serkis is directing and starring as Gollum in the new film.
The upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, is being shaped by an unexpected influence: Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the Joker. Director Peter Jackson explained at the Cannes Film Festival that the new movie will utilize material from J.R.R. Tolkien's appendices but will focus intensely on Gollum's internal perspective.
This focus on psychological intimacy mirrors Todd Phillips' approach to Joker, which explored the villain's mental state. While Gollum is a vastly different character, his complex nature—pitiful, frightening, funny, and tragic—makes him an equally compelling subject for an internal narrative. Andy Serkis, who famously brought Gollum to life through performance capture, is directing the film and will reprise his role. The movie is slated for release on December 17, 2027.
Jackson's decision to entrust the directing reins to Serkis stems from Serkis's deep understanding of Gollum, having embodied the character's voice and mannerisms. This intimate knowledge is seen as crucial for pushing the film into emotionally complex territory. By using Tolkien's appendices as a framework and Gollum's fractured mind as the core, the project aims to offer a unique and compelling perspective on the beloved character.
