SERKIS DEFENDS LORD OF THE RINGS CASTING AGAINST DIVERSITY CRITICISM

Andy Serkis has defended the casting decisions for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, stating the film will not pursue casting "simply to tick boxes" in pursuit of diversity. Speaking to the BBC, Serkis acknowledged that the Lord of the Rings franchise has faced criticism over its historical lack of diversity. He said the forthcoming film would address this concern "where relevant" rather than through what he characterised as "politically correct" casting decisions.

The Hunt for Gollum is produced by Peter Jackson and directed by Serkis, and is set between The Hobbit trilogy and The Fellowship of the Ring. Serkis reprises his role as Gollum, with Ian McKellen returning as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins and Lee Pace as Thranduil. Jamie Dornan has been cast as Strider, the alias used by Aragorn when first introduced in The Fellowship of the Ring, whilst Leo Woodall and Kate Winslet play Dúnedain Halvard and Marigol respectively.

Serkis told the BBC that Tolkien's work was heavily influenced by Norse mythology, describing The Shire as "very, very much like" a predominantly white space. He suggested that inhabitants of The Shire are not concerned with events beyond its borders and are resistant to outsiders. The film will follow Gandalf and Aragorn as they race to find Gollum before Sauron's forces capture him.