Gollum in The HobbitThe Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum‘s exact place in the timeline has been confirmed. Announced in May 2024, the upcoming film will feature Andy Serkis reprising his iconic role as Gollum, in addition to directing, with a script written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou. However, since it was announced, it’s been unclear exactly when the Hunt for Gollum movie will be set in the overall Lord of the Rings timeline.

Now, the movie’s exact place in the timeline has been revealed. In an interview with Empire, screenwriter Philippa Boyens confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will take place between Bilbo’s birthday party and the Mines of Moria. She also confirmed that The Hunt for Gollum won’t be split into two films, debunking Ian McKellen’s previous comments, though a second unconfirmed live-action Lord of the Rings movie is in development. Read her full comments below:

It’s quite an intense story, which falls after the birthday party of Bilbo and before the Mines Of Moria. It’s a specific chunk of incredible untold story, told through the perspective of this incredible creature.

What Hunt For Gollum’s Timeline Means For The LOTR Movie

There’s Only One Story That Can Be Told

Aragorn and Gollum from The Lord of the Rings Gandalf and Gollum from The Lord of the Rings Andy Serkis as Smeagol aka Gollum holding the Ring in The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King A composite image of Gollum frowning in front of a burning background featuring books by JRR Tolkien Gollum making an angry face against a swirling fire background in The Lord of the RingsAragorn and Gollum from The Lord of the Rings
Gandalf and Gollum from The Lord of the Rings Andy Serkis as Smeagol aka Gollum holding the Ring in The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King A composite image of Gollum frowning in front of a burning background featuring books by JRR Tolkien Gollum making an angry face against a swirling fire background in The Lord of the Rings

Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies alongside Peter Jackson, has confirmed that The Hunt For Gollum will be set after Bilbo’s 111th birthday party and before the Mines of Moria, both events seen in The Fellowship of the Ring. During this time, Gandalf fears that Gollum may reveal information about the One Ring to Sauron, and sends Aragorn to find him. However, he has already been captured by Sauron and revealed two critical names, “Baggins” and “the Shire.”

Gollum eventually escapes Mordor (or is intentionally released by Sauron) and is quickly captured by Aragorn, who hands him over to the Wood Elves of Mirkwood. There, Gandalf is able to question Gollum about the Ring, though he eventually escapes as well. Gollum continues following the Fellowship into the Mines of Moria, which is when they become aware of his presence. This completes the “specific chunk of incredible untold story,” as Philippa Boyens puts it, and is when The Hunt For Gollum will seemingly end.

Our Take On The Hunt For Gollum’s Timeline

It’s An Incredible Untold Story

Gollum (Andy Serkis) smiling in The Lord of the Rings.

Since The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum movie was announced, it’s been speculated that it would focus on Gandalf and Aragorn’s search, raising the possibility that Ian McKellen and Viggo Mortensen could return to reprise their roles alongside Serkis. The now-confirmed timeline, positioned perfectly between Bilbo’s birthday party and the Mines of Moria, is a period rich with untapped potential. Focusing on Gollum’s escape from Mordor and Aragorn’s pursuit should offer audiences an exciting, untold chapter of Middle-earth.