Elie Bois doesn’t want anyone else to play the iconic role he is best known for, Frodo Baggins, and says he would take it over. However, the actor is not saying if he will appear in the upcoming film “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”, leaving fans curious about the upcoming film.
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Elijah Wood is excited for another LOTR movie
It’s been more than two decades since Wood appeared in the “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, and with a new film on the horizon, many are wondering if the actor will be back to play Frodo once again.
In an interview with The timesthe 45-year-old actor shared his thoughts on the character, but was careful not to divulge any details about the new film. When asked if he would be back, Wood replied, “I can’t say anything officially until it’s announced, but I will say that I’m excited at the prospect of another movie,” he shared.
Wood’s LOTR co-stars Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom, who played Gandalf and Legolas respectively, have both said they didn’t want to see anyone else playing their characters, and Wood shares that sentiment.
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As he told the outlet, “I certainly wouldn’t want anyone else to play Frodo while I’m alive and capable.”
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The actor went to great lengths to audition for the role
Wood was in his late teens when he auditioned for the role of Frodo Baggins, a role he desperately wanted. LOTR director Peter Jackson revealed that they initially wanted to find an English actor to play the hobbit, but after seeing hundreds of candidates in London, he couldn’t find what he was looking for.
He then received a VHS audition tape from Wood, whom he did not know. Jackson realized he had found his Frodo after watching the tape, calling Wood “wonderful” and “absolutely brilliant”.
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In 2021, Wood detailed what he did to prepare for the audition, revealing that he hired a vocal coach to help him master the dialect and even rented a hobbit costume. He then enlisted some friends to help him film a few scenes. “I got a call from Peter himself, which was incredible, totally mind-blowing,” the actor exclaimed.
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Elijah Wood appeared in four LOTR films
Wood, as Frodo, was the main protagonist of the LOTR films, appearing in all three films: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001), “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (2002), and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003).
Frodo was the so-called “Ring-bearer”, who set out on a journey with his fellow hobbits Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck (Dominic Monaghan), and Peregrin “Pippin” Took (Billy Boyd), to destroy the One Ring of Mount Doom.
Jackson then released “The Hobbit” trilogy, which also takes place in Middle Earth like “The Lord of the Rings.” Wood reprized his role as Frodo in the first film, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012), although he only appeared on screen for a few minutes.
Filming the trilogy had an impact on Elijah Wood
The LOTR trilogy was filmed simultaneously in New Zealand and Wood was only 18 when filming began. Filming wrapped when he was 22, and according to the actor, his time on set impacted him as a human:
“It was a huge time in my life, and a real growing up time, usually going to college – a time where you experience your first independence and really grow as a human being.”
As the actor pointed out, his experiences on set “shaped” his life as a person, and he’s grateful to be a part of something “culturally significant.” Plus, starring in the trilogy opened up career opportunities for him that he wouldn’t have had otherwise, he said. Parade in January.
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Inside the Upcoming LOTR Movie
Few details are known about “The Hunt for Gollum,” but it was revealed that Andy Serkis, who played Gollum, will reprise his role. Additionally, he will take the director’s chair and Jackson will return to produce the film, as reported People.
“It’s an honor and privilege to return to Middle Earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that Stinky Gollum!” Jackson said in a statement.
McKellen, meanwhile, confirmed that he will return as Gandalf. Despite also announcing that Frodo would appear in the film, Wood chose to remain silent until an official announcement was made.
“The Hunt for Gollum” is expected to be released in 2027.