The Hunt for Gollum 2 (2025) brings fans back to the gritty and mystical world of Middle-earth, focusing once again on the enigmatic creature, Gollum, and the dangerous quest to find him. Following the 2009 fan-made short film The Hunt for Gollum, which gained widespread popularity for its faithful recreation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, this sequel aims to deliver an even more polished and thrilling continuation of the story, with expanded lore and new characters.
The trailer opens with a desolate landscape, shrouded in mist and darkness. A familiar voice, deep and weary, speaks: “He’s out there, hiding in the shadows. And he must be found.” The screen cuts to Aragorn (played by a new actor stepping into the shoes of Viggo Mortensen’s iconic portrayal), cloaked and rugged, tracking Gollum through the dangerous lands beyond Mirkwood and Mordor. The stakes are higher than ever as the hunt for Gollum, the creature who holds crucial knowledge of the One Ring, grows more perilous.
The teaser then reveals the fractured and dangerous mind of Gollum (Andy Serkis’ voice once again echoing through the trailer, though it’s unclear if he returns for motion capture). He is shown scurrying through ancient forests, hiding from both Aragorn and the dark forces of Sauron who are also desperate to capture him. His split personality, torn between Smeagol’s remaining innocence and Gollum’s madness, is at the heart of the tension, as whispers of “my precious” echo eerily throughout the trailer.
The visuals highlight stunning landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Misty Mountains to the treacherous marshes of the Dead Marshes. As Aragorn closes in on Gollum, the trailer showcases intense, fast-paced chase sequences, encounters with deadly creatures, and breathtaking sword fights. Gollum’s desperation grows as he navigates treacherous paths, dodging not only Aragorn but also the dark forces of Sauron’s minions sent to capture him alive.
New characters are introduced, including a mysterious ranger (rumored to be one of the Dúnedain), and a powerful elven warrior who joins Aragorn on his quest. Brief glimpses of confrontations between Aragorn and Gollum show the complex relationship between the hunter and his prey, highlighting Aragorn’s internal struggle as he wrestles with pity for the tortured creature and the knowledge of the threat Gollum poses to Middle-earth.
The tone of the trailer is dark and foreboding, punctuated by moments of intense action and suspense. Flashes of Gollum’s tortured existence, Aragorn’s relentless pursuit, and looming threats from Mordor create a sense of urgency and impending doom. The iconic score swells in the background, culminating in a haunting shot of Gollum perched on a jagged rock, staring at the One Ring, his eyes filled with a mixture of obsession and fear.
The title The Hunt for Gollum 2 flashes on screen, followed by 2025, signaling that the hunt continues, but the outcome is far from certain. The final moments of the trailer show Gollum’s face contorting in agony as he whispers, “They’ll never find us, precious…”
Backed by a more substantial budget of $100 million, compared to its predecessor’s limited resources, The Hunt for Gollum 2 aims to build upon the success of the original fan film, delivering a visually stunning, emotionally charged, and lore-rich expansion of the Middle-earth universe. This film is set to captivate fans of Tolkien’s world, providing deeper insights into the darker side of Middle-earth and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
