Thank goodness for the clarification. It seems there was a misunderstanding when Sir Ian McKellen mentioned that Peter Jackson’s return to Middle-earth with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum would be split into two movies. However, screenwriter Philippa Boyens has confirmed that there will be only one live-action film, The Hunt for Gollum, with the possibility of a second one still being considered.
It’s interesting to speculate on what the second movie could entail, especially with the vast array of options available in the rich world of Middle-earth. With Amazon investing heavily in TV series to explore the history of Sauron and the One Ring, there is certainly room for new storytelling. Perhaps a film focusing on Gandalf’s encounters with the Balrog in Moria or his search for the Entwives could be intriguing additions to the cinematic universe.
In today’s world, where audiences are eager for more content set in Middle-earth, almost any narrative that includes familiar elements like rings and forests could be successful. While some may view Middle-earth as a complex and epic fantasy world, others may see it as simply a group of characters wandering through the woods with a wizard in tow.