Christmas 2027 is set to bring an exciting surprise for fans of Middle-earth: Warner Bros. has just announced the theatrical release of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum on December 17, 2027. Directed by the talented Andy Serkis, who also reprises his iconic role as Gollum, the film promises to capture the essence of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved universe. With a powerhouse creative team including producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, alongside co-writers Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, the film is in excellent hands.
In addition to The Hunt for Gollum, Warner Bros. has confirmed a new installment in the Evil Dead franchise. Scheduled for a summer release on July 24, 2026, this film will star Souheila Yacoub and is rumored to be titled Evil Dead Burn. With horror legends Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell onboard as producers, this is definitely one to watch. Moreover, M. Night Shyamalan’s next project, Remain, based on a story he created with Nicholas Sparks, is set to hit theaters on October 23, 2026, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role, with the associated book releasing on October 7 of this year.
What Makes These Release Dates Significant?
Announcing release dates is a key milestone in the film industry, sending a clear message: “This movie is happening!” For The Hunt for Gollum, anticipation is building not just around Andy Serkis’s return but also about who will join him in supporting roles. Key characters like Aragorn and Gandalf must be considered. While Viggo Mortensen and Ian McKellen have expressed interest in returning, no formal announcements have been made yet. If they can’t reprise their roles, would you feel the same connection to new actors in those pivotal parts?
A Timeless Holiday Tradition
The choice of a December release is not only a nod to tradition—since the original Lord of the Rings films premiered on December 19, 18, and 17 respectively—but also suggests confidence in the film’s appeal. Interestingly, Disney has its own untitled Star Wars film planned for the same date, leading to speculation about the competition for ticket sales. With Warner Bros. staking its claim on December 17, 2027, it seems less likely that we’ll see a Star Wars film debut against such a beloved franchise.
The Absence of the Evil Dead Title
One notable detail is that the announced Evil Dead film doesn’t yet have a confirmed title, leaving fans curious about the absence of information. Director Sébastien Vaniček previously hinted at a title, but details remain sparse. Meanwhile, are you considering picking up the novelization of M. Night Shyamalan’s Remain before its cinematic debut? While some Nicholas Sparks fans may dive into the book early, many Shyamalan enthusiasts might choose to wait and see his interpretation unfold on the big screen.
With so much to look forward to, what are your thoughts on these upcoming films? Which ones are you most excited about? The next few years promise to deliver a variety of thrilling genre movies.
What is the release date for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum? The film is set to be released in theaters on December 17, 2027.
Who will be directing The Hunt for Gollum? Andy Serkis, known for his portrayal of Gollum, is both directing and starring in the film.
Is there a new Evil Dead movie coming out? Yes, a new Evil Dead film is scheduled for July 24, 2026, and it may be titled Evil Dead Burn.
When does M. Night Shyamalan’s new movie Remain come out? Remain is set to premiere on October 23, 2026, with the novel releasing on October 7 of this year.
How does the release of The Hunt for Gollum align with previous Lord of the Rings films? Its release date echoes the December tradition of the original trilogy, which debuted on December 19, 18, and 17.
For more exciting updates on Marvel, Star Wars, and Doctor Who, stay tuned. Don’t forget to check out Moyens I/O for the latest entertainment news and insights!