After more than a decade away from directing major Hollywood films, The Lord of the Ringsmastermind Sir Peter Jackson is putting retirement rumors to rest — firmly. The legendary 63-year-old filmmaker has confirmed he is “certainly not retired” and is actively working on several new projects, including an exciting return to Middle-earth.
Speaking with Screen Rant, Jackson revealed he’s currently developing three new screenplays and is producing the upcoming Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum — a spin-off that will be directed by Andy Serkis, who reprises his iconic role as Gollum/Sméagol. “We are producing and have been writing The Hunt for Gollum,” Jackson said. “Andy is going to direct it next year.”
Set just before Frodo leaves the Shire in The Fellowship of the Ring, The Hunt for Gollum will follow Aragorn on a critical mission to find Gollum before he can reveal secrets about the One Ring to Sauron. While Viggo Mortensen’s return as Aragorn would be essential, producers admit it’s still uncertain. Co-writer Philippa Boyens shared, “We’ve all spoken to Viggo… but it will be completely and entirely up to him.”
Beyond filmmaking, Jackson has also been pursuing passion projects, including documentary work like The Beatles: Get Back and scientific ventures. He’s now a key investor in Colossal Biosciences — a company attempting to “de-extinct” the Giant Moa, a massive flightless bird native to New Zealand. Jackson called the project “just as exciting, if not more exciting, than any film I could possibly make.”
As for why Gollum was chosen for a solo spotlight over other beloved characters like Gandalf or Legolas, Jackson explained: “Gollum reflects the worst of human nature, while his Sméagol side is sympathetic… there’s a bit of both in all of us.”
The Hunt for Gollum is slated to hit theaters on December 17, 2027, and with Jackson deeply involved behind the scenes, fans can expect a return to the emotional depth and epic storytelling that made the original trilogy unforgettable.
