With the new The Lord of the Rings installment gearing up for production, Orlando Bloom, who played Legolas in the OG trilogy, has shared his stance on the prospect of his character’s potential return. Speaking to Today, the actor confessed that he’s completely in the dark, stressing that he would hate to see anyone don the mantle.
I have not heard a peep, actually. I don’t know. I know it’s focusing on Gollum, so anything’s possible. It’s such an amazing part. I’m so grateful to have been a part of those movies. But I haven’t heard. Listen, I’d hate to see anyone else play Legolas, you know what I mean? What are they going to do? Are they going to put somebody else in as Legolas?
For now, it remains unclear whether the movie will recast Legolas or the character will be featured at all. But Bloom isn’t the lone LOTR star against the prospect of recasting, as Sir Ian McKellen also remains protective of his legacy as Gandalf.
Orlando Bloom Isn’t Alone in Wanting to Protect His Lord of the Rings Legacy
Similar to Bloom, Sir Ian McKellen hasn’t entertained the idea of being recast in The Lord of the Rings
When posed with the question about a potential new Gandalf in the TV series, the actor joked he’s still young for the role, given that Gandalf was over 7000 years old in the trilogy (via The Graham Norton Show).
What do you mean, another Gandalf?… Are you suggesting that someone else is going to play it? Gandalf is over 7000 years old, so I’m not too old.
On a brighter note, the actor will be returning in the role of Gandalf in Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum, slated for a 2027 release window, teasing both Frodo and his return.
Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum Remains on Track for Scheduled Release
Although there have been little to no updates regarding The Hunt for Gollum‘s plot, Andy Serkis did share an exciting update in an interview with Metro, confirming that production on the new installment will begin shortly.
At the premiere of The Girlfriend, in which he served as an executive producer, the actor revealed he’ll be flying to New Zealand on Saturday, adding that he’s thrilled to return to his roots with Gollum.
I’m very excited to go back. I leave for New Zealand on Saturday. We’re going down to start prep and working on it, because I’m directing. Im thrilled to return to the family that I’ve loved working with for many years, and a character that I cannot escape from!
Considering the OG trilogy is often regarded as one of the best pieces of entertainment in the 21st century, the movie will have a lot to live up to.
| Movie | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | 8.9 | 92% |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | 8.8 | 95% |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | 9 | 94% |
If The Hunt for Gollum manages to maintain its scheduled release window, which seems likely, fans will get to witness Serkis in both Middle-earth and Gotham, assuming The Batman 2 doesn’t get delayed again.
Would you love to see Bloom’s Legolas return in the LOTR franchise?
Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is slated to hit theatres on December 17, 2027 (USA).
