Elijah Wood Still Hasn't Read Lord of Rings Books 25 Years After Playing Frodo

Elijah Wood has admitted something that might shock Middle-earth fans: 25 years after playing Frodo Baggins, he's still trying to finish reading Tolkien's original books. As reported from an interview with J.R.R. Tolkien superfan Stephen Colbert, the actor made the confession whilst preparing for his return in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which hits cinemas on 17 December 2027.

What exactly did Elijah Wood confess?

Wood looked genuinely sheepish when Colbert pressed him about rumours he'd never finished Tolkien's trilogy. "To have it be from you, I feel almost the most embarrassed," Wood told the notoriously Tolkien-obsessed host. The actor acknowledged the irony — it's been 27 years since filming began in September 1999, yet here we are.

But there's a silver lining: "I'll at least say this, there's an update... I have started them." Progress, of sorts. Colbert quipped that Wood at least knows how the books end, though that's debatable given Peter Jackson famously cut the Scouring of the Shire from Return of the King.

The Hunt for Gollum brings Frodo back

Wood's confession comes as he prepares to don the hobbit feet once more. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will see him return alongside Ian McKellen's Gandalf, with Andy Serkis directing. Kate Winslet recently joined the cast in an undisclosed major role.

Set between The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring, the film expands on that brief scene where Sauron's forces interrogate Gollum about the Ring's whereabouts. It's based on Tolkien's own story outline for this period, when both Gandalf and Aragorn race to track down the Ring before Sauron narrows his search.

Wood remains passionate about the character, recently stating he didn't want anyone else playing Frodo "as long as I'm alive and able." Fair enough — he's earned that right, books or no books.

What this means for Middle-earth fans

Wood's admission naturally creates buzz around The Hunt for Gollum, especially as fans revisit the franchise. It's a delightfully honest moment from an actor who's been intrinsically linked to Middle-earth for over two decades.

The timing is fortuitous — Wood has another 18 months before The Hunt for Gollum releases to actually finish those books. Whether he manages it remains to be seen, but at least he's started. That's more progress than many people make with classic literature.

Filming is set to take place in New Zealand between May and October this year, with the cast reportedly spending nearly six months on location. UAE fans will need to wait until December 2027 for the theatrical release, though local cinema distribution details haven't been confirmed yet.

When and where to watch in UAE

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum launches theatrically on 17 December 2027. UAE cinema release details and distributors haven't been announced yet, but given the franchise's popularity in the region, expect wide theatrical availability. Previous Middle-earth films have had day-and-date releases in UAE cinemas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Elijah Wood finished reading The Lord of the Rings books?

No, Elijah Wood admitted he is still trying to finish reading the books, though he has started them. This confession came 25 years after filming the original trilogy.

When is The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum released?

The film is set to launch in theatres on 17 December 2027. UAE cinema distribution details haven't been confirmed yet.

Who is directing The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum?

Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the previous films, is directing The Hunt for Gollum whilst also reprising his iconic role.

What is The Hunt for Gollum about?

Set between The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring, the film expands on Gollum's interrogation by Sauron's forces and the concurrent search for the Ring by Gandalf and Aragorn.

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