Andy Serkis Directs 'The Hunt for Gollum,' Addresses 'Animal Farm' U.S. Outrage

Andy Serkis is in New Zealand filming his new Lord of the Rings movie, according to a report from Variety. The actor-director is at the helm of the high-profile project The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which marks his grand return to the franchise.

He is directing the film for Warner Bros. while also reprising his iconic role as Smeagol. The movie is scheduled for release at the end of 2027.

What did Serkis say about AI and motion capture?

Speaking from the set, Serkis addressed the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. "If we teach AI well, then it can help us across many industries," he told Variety. However, he emphasized that AI cannot yet replicate the "authored performance" of motion-capture work.

With this in mind, Serkis asserts that motion-capture performances are long overdue for recognition by the Academy Awards. He believes they should be eligible for nominations in the main acting categories.

What about the 'Animal Farm' controversy?

Serkis's previous directorial effort, the animated adaptation Animal Farm, is heading to U.K. and Irish cinemas on July 24. The film had its U.S. release earlier, where Serkis admits it sparked "outrage" over what people perceived to be its political leanings, with critiques that it was "anti-capitalist" and "not anti-communist enough," and the film struggled at the box office.

He is hopeful the film will find a better reception in George Orwell's native U.K., where there is a "real love for the book." The voice cast includes Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, and Woody Harrelson.

Who else is in 'The Hunt for Gollum'?

The production sees Serkis working again with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, and he notes much of the crew from the original trilogy has returned. The cast includes returning faces like Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood, alongside new additions such as Kate Winslet, Jamie Dornan, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Leo Woodall. Jamie Dornan is playing the role of Aragorn in the film.