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How Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Series Differs From the Movies
Elijah Wood will be playing Frodo Baggins until the wheels fall off—if he has his way.
Though his involvement in the upcoming movie The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum has not yet been confirmed, the actor—who starred in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy—said he intends on being the only person to portray Frodo Baggins.
As the 45-year-old put it to The Sunday Times in a story published on March 6, “I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able.”
Elijah’s comments come amid rumors that Leo Woodall may take over the role of Aragorn from Elijah's costar Viggo Mortensen in the new film. But he’s not the only actor who has been territorial over their Lord of the Rings role. In fact, Elijah’s costar Sir Ian McKellen felt the same way and agreed to play Gandalf in The Hunt for Gollum so that no one else portrayed the role.
“I totally get that,” Elijah told the outlet, before addressing his own potential involvement with the new film. “It hasn’t been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian sort of let the cat out of the bag."
As for what that means for him, the Yellowjackets actor noted, “So there is a good chance. I’m not able to officially say anything until it’s announced but I will say I’m thrilled with the prospect of another film.”
The Hunt for Gollum is set to take place shortly before the main events of the first LOTR film, The Fellowship Of The Ring, screenwriter Philippa Boyens told Empire. Original franchise director Peter Jackson is set to produce, while Andy Serkis—who plays Gollum—will be directing.
"It’s quite an intense story, which falls after the birthday party of Bilbo and before the Mines Of Moria,” Philippa explained. “It’s a specific chunk of incredible untold story, told through the perspective of this incredible creature.”
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
With the new movie slated to release in December 2027, Elijah is hopeful the casting and story will satisfy longtime fans, especially given the fact that Peter and Andy are onboard.
“It’s always a little nerve-racking when people talk about new movies for a world like Middle-earth. Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling,” he explained. “There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together.”
“And I can also recognize what fun that is going to be—when you are in the cinema and you see the hat turn around and it’s Gandalf,” the Green Street alum added. “Because I’m also a fan, and excited to see how it all comes together.”
While fans may have to wait a bit longer until the fantasy film hits theaters, keep reading to see what other films premiere this year.
Netflix
People We Meet on Vacation - January 9, 2026
Tom Blyth and Emily Bader star in the movie adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling romance novel.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Paramount Pictures
Primate - January 9, 2026
A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of
horror and survival.
Where to Watch: In theaters
But a ticket HERE.
Claire Folger/Netflix
The Rip - January 16, 2026
BFFs Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for this action thriller about a team of Miami cops who discover millions in cash in a derelict stash house and along with it some serious trust issues. Also starring Teyana Taylor and Steven Yeun.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Sony Pictures
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - January 16, 2026
Ralph Fiennes stars in this spin-off of the post-apocalyptic franchise, in which the inhumanity of the survivors becomes even more terrifying than the infected.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Amazon MGM Studios
Mercy - January 23, 2026
In the near future, a detective (Chris Pratt) stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced A.I. Judge (Rebecca Ferguson) he once championed, before it determines his fate.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Amazon MGM Studios
The Wrecking Crew - January 28, 2026
Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista join forces in this action-comedy about two estranged half-brothers who are forced to reunite after their father’s mysterious death.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
A24
The Moment - January 30, 2026
Charli XCX stars in this mockumentary about a rising pop star navigating the complexities of fame and industry pressure while preparing for her arena tour debut. Featuring Kylie Jenner, Alexander Skarsgard, Rachel Sennott, and Rosanna Arquette.
Where to Watch: In select theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
20th Century Studios
Send Help - January 30, 2026
Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien star in this dark comedy about two office colleagues who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after they are the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Amazon MGM Studios
Crime 101 - February 13, 2026
This cat-and-mouse thriller follows an elusive jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth) who teams up with an insurance broker for one last heist. The all-star cast includes Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Monica Barbaro, and Barry Keoghan.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Sony Picture Animation
GOAT - February 13, 2026
From the studio behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse comes this animated comedy set in an all-animal world that follows Will, a small goat who gets the chance to play roarball - a dangerous, full-contact game dominated by the fiercest foes. Featuring Stephen Curry, Gabrielle Union, and Caleb McLaughlin.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Wuthering Heights - February 14, 2026
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi step into the iconic roles of Catherine and Heathcliff in Saltburn director Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
A24
How To Make a Killing - February 20, 2026
Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Paramount Pictures
Scream 7 - February 27, 2026
Neve Campbell returns to the Scream franchise as iconic final girl Sidney Prescott, this time to protect her own family from a new Ghostface killer. Also starring Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, and plenty of surprise cameos.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Warner Bros. Pictures
The Bride! - March 6, 2026
In writer/director Maggie Gyllenhaal's new take on the classic 1935 Bride of Frankenstein film, a lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a groundbreaking scientist to create a companion (Jessie Buckley) for him. Also starring Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penelope Cruz.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Disney/Pixar
Hoppers - March 6, 2026
Pixar’s all-new feature film introduces Mabel, an animal lover who uses new technology to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals!
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Amazon MGM Studios
Project Hail Mary - March 20, 2026
Based on Andy Weir's (The Martian) best-selling novel, this sci-fi adventure stars Ryan Gosling as a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship light years from home and, as his memory returns, begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Paramount Pictures
Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft - The Tour (Live in 3D) - March 20, 2026
Captured during Billie's sold-out world tour and co-directed by James Cameron, this immersive 3D film brings an innovative new concert experience to the big screen.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Searchlight Pictures
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come - March 27, 2026
The hit 2019 horror-comedy returns to find final girl Grace facing the next level of the nightmarish game. Starring a killer cast including Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, and Elijah Wood.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Warner Bros. Pictures
They Will Kill You - March 27, 2026
A woman (Zazie Beetz) takes a housekeeping job in a mysterious New York City high-rise and soon uncovers the building's dark history of disappearances.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
A24
The Drama - April 3, 2026
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star as a happily engaged couple who are put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Universal Pictures
You, Me & Tuscany - April 10, 2026
Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page star in this rom-com set against the beautiful vineyards of Italy.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Lee Cronin's The Mummy - April 17, 2026
In this reimagining of The Mummy franchise, a young girl resurfaces eight years after disappearing in the desert.... But what should be a joyful family reunion quickly turns into a horrifying nightmare.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Kevin Mazur/Lionsgate
Michael - April 24, 2026
Jaafar Jackson portrays his uncle, Michael Jackson, in this biopic about the "King of Pop".
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
20th Century Studios
The Devil Wears Prada 2 - May 1, 2026
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to their iconic roles and the offices of Runway Magazine in this eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon. Also starring Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley and Kenneth Branagh.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Mortal Kombat II - May 8, 2026
The latest installment in the video game franchise (following 2021's Mortal Kombat reboot) sees the fan favorite champions pitted against one another in the battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn. Starring Karl Urban, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tati Gabrielle, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, and more.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Lucasfilm Ltd
The Mandalorian and Grogu - May 22, 2026
Bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu take their galactic adventures to the big screen. Also starring Sigourney Weaver.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Amazon MGM Studios
Masters of the Universe - June 5, 2026
The legendary '80s franchise returns to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure which finds Prince Adam/He-Man and his allies once again battling the fiendish Skeletor. Starring Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, Kristen Wiig, Jared Leto and Idris Elba.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Niko Tavernise/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment
Disclosure Day - June 12, 2026
Legendary director Steven Spielberg is back with this sci-fi thriller starring Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth and Colman Domingo.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Disney/Pixar
Toy Story 5 - June 19, 2026
Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the gang return as the toys take on tech in the form of a frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Supergirl - June 26, 2026
When a ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl (Milly Alcock), reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Buy a ticket HERE.
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