Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum gets Joaquin Phoenix's Joker comparison from Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson has compared The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum to Joaquin Phoenix's Joker, revealing the upcoming prequel will explore Gollum's psychology from within. According to IndieWire, Jackson believes Andy Serkis — who directs and stars as Gollum — will create something uniquely unsettling by getting inside the character's head.

What makes Gollum's story like Joker?

Jackson drew inspiration from 2019's Joker, which transformed Arthur Fleck from a neglected, mentally ill man into a chaotic agent of destruction. The Hunt for Gollum will take a similar approach, telling the story from Gollum's internal perspective as Aragorn tracks him for years to prevent Sauron from learning about the One Ring.

"We were thinking about the original Joker film, the one with Joaquin Phoenix," Jackson explained. "The way that explored the Joker's psychology while it was telling a story. We've got the story that's in the appendices, and we'll tell that story, but we'll tell it from an internal Gollum perspective."

With The Hunt for Gollum, the Joker comparison helps make Gollum feel more complex and unpredictable as a lead character, while also creating pressure on the film to avoid feeling too similar to modern dark antihero stories instead of something uniquely Middle-earth.

Why Andy Serkis was the obvious choice to direct

Jackson stepped back from directing duties, believing Serkis would create a more compelling film about Gollum's psychology and addiction. After directing the original Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, Jackson felt the character study demanded someone who understood Gollum intimately.

"I thought the most exciting version of this movie is if Andy Serkis makes it because he's going to put Gollum's psychology on screen like you can't imagine," Jackson said. The producer emphasised that this isn't just a directorial handover — it's about finding the right person for a deeply personal character exploration.

Serkis has confirmed he can handle both this project and Batman Part II in 2027, suggesting confidence in managing two major film commitments simultaneously.

What this means for Middle-earth storytelling

The Hunt for Gollum represents a shift towards character-driven psychological exploration within Tolkien's world. Rather than epic battles or sweeping adventure, the film promises an intimate look at addiction, obsession, and internal struggle — themes that align more with contemporary character studies than traditional fantasy epics.

With The Hunt for Gollum, comparing the film to Joker builds curiosity around a darker psychological approach to Gollum, while also raising concerns that the comparison may be slightly overhyped and set expectations for a tone that doesn't fully fit the spirit of Middle-earth.

The film joins an expanding Lord of the Rings universe that includes Stephen Colbert's Shadow of the Past and ongoing projects like The Rings of Power series, each exploring different corners of Tolkien's creation.

When and where to watch in UAE

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum releases globally in cinemas on 17 December 2027. UAE viewers can expect the film to arrive in local theatres on the same date, though specific cinema chains and pricing haven't been announced yet.

The December release date positions the film as a holiday blockbuster, following the traditional pattern of major fantasy films targeting the year-end cinema season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum about?

It's a prequel focusing on Aragorn tracking Gollum for years to prevent Sauron from learning about the One Ring. The story is told from Gollum's internal psychological perspective, exploring his addiction and struggles.

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

Andy Serkis, who also plays Gollum, is directing the film. Peter Jackson chose Serkis because he believes the actor knows the character better than anyone and can explore Gollum's psychology effectively.

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

The film is set to be released globally in cinemas on 17 December 2027. UAE audiences can expect the same release date in local theatres.

How is The Hunt for Gollum similar to Joker?

Peter Jackson compared both films for their psychological character study approach. Like Joker explored Arthur Fleck's mental state, The Hunt for Gollum will delve into Gollum's internal struggles and addiction from his perspective.

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