Andy Serkis Defends All-White Lord of the Rings Cast as Hunt for Gollum Eyes 2027 Release
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 13
Andy Serkis Defends All-White Lord of the Rings Cast as Hunt for Gollum Eyes 2027 Release
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 13
Summary
Andy Serkis said criticism of the largely white cast for The Hunt for Gollum is being acknowledged, but the film will not use "politically correct" box-ticking casting and will diversify only where relevant.
The 62-year-old actor-director tied that stance to Tolkien's world, saying the Shire was shaped by Norse influences and the new film sits between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings as a psychological deep dive into Gollum.
Every major cast member announced so far is white, including Jamie Dornan, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, Leo Woodall, Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen, though Serkis said more casting announcements are still coming.
Speaking while promoting his animated Animal Farm, Serkis also defended that film after its $5.5 million US opening on a $35 million budget, arguing its polarizing response reflected Orwell's tradition of provoking debate.