Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, and Jamie Dornan Join 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'

Warner Bros. is officially expanding its cinematic universe, tapping Anya Taylor-Joy to join the star-studded ensemble of the upcoming fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The Furiosa and Dune star jumps aboard one of Hollywood's most anticipated projects, which is set to bring the Oscar-winning franchise back to the big screen under the direction of Andy Serkis.

Taylor-Joy is set to portray Seren, a lethal and fiercely loyal Sindar Elf serving King Thranduil in the Woodland Realm. In a major treat for fans, Lee Pace is officially locked in to reprise his iconic role as the Elven king.

Principal photography is already underway on location in New Zealand. Andy Serkis is pulling double duty on the feature, directing the film while slipping back into the performance-capture suit as the titular character, Gollum. He is reunited with franchise veterans Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood, who are returning to their legendary roles as Gandalf the Grey and Frodo Baggins, respectively.

The upcoming blockbuster will also introduce a slate of fresh faces to Middle-earth. Academy Award winner Kate Winslet has joined the cast as Marigold, the matriarch of a Stoor Hobbit settlement, while Jamie Dornan is locked in as Strider, taking over the mantle of the iconic Aragorn. Additionally, The White Lotus breakout star Leo Woodall has boarded the project to play a character named Halvard.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on December 17, 2027.