Elijah Wood Refuses to Let Anyone Else Play Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings' Films

The actor says he won't allow another actor to take over the iconic role as long as he's 'alive and able'.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Elijah Wood, who famously portrayed Frodo Baggins in the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy, has made it clear that he does not want anyone else to play the character as long as he is able to do so. In a recent interview, Wood stated that he 'certainly wouldn't want anybody else to play Frodo' in the upcoming 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' film, which is set to release in December 2027. The actor expressed his excitement about the prospect of returning to the role, as well as his desire to see the original creative team behind the films come back together for the new project.

Why it matters

Elijah Wood's portrayal of Frodo Baggins is widely considered one of the most iconic performances in the 'Lord of the Rings' franchise, and fans have grown deeply attached to his interpretation of the character. Wood's refusal to let anyone else play Frodo reflects the deep personal connection he feels to the role and the desire to maintain the integrity of the beloved Middle-earth saga.

The details

In the interview, Wood acknowledged that his return as Frodo has not been officially confirmed, but he expressed his 'thrilled' at the prospect of reprising the role. He also praised the involvement of the original 'Lord of the Rings' creative team, including director Andy Serkis, who will be directing 'The Hunt for Gollum.' Wood emphasized the importance of retaining the 'level of integrity' that made the original films so successful.

  • The Hunt for Gollum is set to release in theaters on December 17, 2027.

The players

Elijah Wood

The actor who famously portrayed Frodo Baggins in the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy.

Andy Serkis

The director of 'The Hunt for Gollum' and the actor who has played the character of Gollum since 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' in 2002.

Philippa Boyens

A co-writer and producer on 'The Hunt for Gollum,' who has been involved with the 'Lord of the Rings' franchise since the original films.

Peter Jackson

The director of the original 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies, who is producing 'The Hunt for Gollum.'

Fran Walsh

A longtime collaborator of Peter Jackson's who is producing 'The Hunt for Gollum.'

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What they’re saying

“I certainly wouldn't want anybody else to play Frodo as long as I'm alive and able.”

— Elijah Wood (The Sunday Times)

“It hasn't been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian sort of let the cat out of the bag. So there is a good chance.”

— Elijah Wood (The Sunday Times)

“I'm excited for Andy [Serkis] to direct it. It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own.”

— Elijah Wood (ScreenRant)

What’s next

Warner Bros. has not yet officially confirmed Elijah Wood's return as Frodo in 'The Hunt for Gollum,' but the actor's comments suggest he is eager to reprise the role if given the opportunity.

The takeaway

Elijah Wood's strong attachment to the character of Frodo Baggins and his unwillingness to let anyone else play the role underscores the enduring legacy of the 'Lord of the Rings' films and the deep personal connection the actors have to their iconic characters.