Warner Bros. has unveiled the first behind-the-scenes images from The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, a new film that brings back real, physical sets for the first time in the series. The photos were released on September 22, Hobbit Day, and have sparked excitement among fans of the beloved fantasy saga. The set photos show a traditional filmmaking atmosphere, with actors in period costumes and natural settings, including real grass and wooden structures. One of the most shared images features a Hobbit character with brown curls poised to open the iconic round door of the Hobbiton home, known as Cul-de-Sac. Elijah Wood, who famously portrayed Frodo Baggins in the original trilogy, is returning for this new film. His first image was revealed on September 23, showing Frodo from behind, wearing an orange cloak, beige pants, and holding a stick or cane. He is pictured in a lush green landscape, with one hand reaching toward a door handle. This film is set between the events of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, filling in the gap where Gandalf tasks Aragorn with finding Gollum before the One Ring's secrets are revealed to the dark lord Sauron. The film's cast includes Anya Taylor-Joy as a Sindar elf from the Sylvan Realm, Kate Winslet as Marigol, Jamie Dornan as Aragorn (replacing Viggo Mortensen), Ian McKellen as Gandalf, and Leo Woodall as Halvard. To help the actors portray their younger selves, the production will use subtle digital effects to rejuvenate McKellen and Wood, allowing them to look as they did 25 years ago without altering their on-set performances. Directed by Andy Serkis, who also portrays Gollum, and produced by Peter Jackson, the film plans to reuse the physical sets built in New Zealand during the original trilogy’s production. This decision reflects a return to traditional filmmaking techniques. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 17, 2027, one year after its initial announcement and nearly 25 years after The Return of the King. Filming began in May 2026, with a planned release date of December 15, 2027, in France.