In a recent discussion, John Rhys-Davies expressed his willingness to reprise his iconic role as Gimli in the next The Lord of the Rings film, which is titled The Hunt for Gollum. This exciting continuation of the beloved franchise will be directed by Andy Serkis, who is set to return as the complex character Gollum. Additionally, Ian McKellen will once again embody the wise wizard Gandalf. With the return of these celebrated actors, there is a palpable buzz around the possibility of other fan-favorite characters making a comeback, including Rhys-Davies as the beloved dwarf, Gimli, adding depth and nostalgia to the storyline.

While speaking with Collider, Rhys-Davies candidly shared his conditions for considering a return to the franchise. He stated that he “might indeed” reprise his role as Gimli, but only if CGI technology is utilized to enhance his appearance. The actor conveyed his reluctance to undergo the extensive and often exhausting process of applying the heavy Gimli prosthetics and makeup that characterized his role in the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He also highlighted the physical demands that come with embodying such a character, which have become increasingly challenging over the years. Here are his insights on the matter:

“Well, I’m known to not want to put that prosthetic on again, but out of deference to Andy, whom I love and admire and again who has grown so much, if they invited me…oh god could I dare to put on that make-up again and lose my skin? Maybe with CGI. Before when they asked me to do ‘The Hobbit’, for instance, I said no. No, not at all. Times have moved on and technology has moved on, if I don’t have to spend eight hours a day for three years of my life in a make-up chair, I might indeed do it. The other thing is physically I am no longer capable of putting eighty pounds of extra armor and stuff on and climbing up mountains.”

Exploring the Potential for Gimli’s Return in The Hunt for Gollum

Gimli’s Potential Comeback: Opportunities and Barriers

Currently, the full cast of The Hunt for Gollum has not been confirmed, aside from Serkis and McKellen, yet Rhys-Davies remains open to the idea of joining the project, provided that CGI enhancements can be utilized to recreate Gimli’s physical characteristics. Rhys-Davies delivered one of the most memorable performances in The Lord of the Rings franchise, and his portrayal of Gimli was pivotal to the success of the trilogy. Reviving Gimli alongside established characters like Gollum and Gandalf could not only reignite fan enthusiasm but also pave the way for the film’s commercial success, creating a rich tapestry of familiar and beloved figures in the upcoming narrative.

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From a narrative perspective, it is important to consider that Gimli’s character may not seamlessly fit into the storyline of The Hunt for Gollum as naturally as iconic figures like Gandalf or Aragorn do. These characters are directly involved in the pursuit of Gollum, creating a tighter narrative focus. However, the precedent has been set with the inclusion of Legolas, portrayed by Orlando Bloom, in the The Hobbit film series, suggesting that familiar characters can indeed be woven into new storylines, even if they were not present in the original texts. Rhys-Davies’ previous reluctance to participate in The Hobbit indicates that there was potential for Gimli’s involvement, despite him not being a character in Tolkien’s original novel, and a similar creative approach could easily be embraced for The Hunt for Gollum.

Gimli’s Return: Exploring the Possibility of a Minor Role

Rhys-Davies’ conditions for returning as Gimli underscore the realities of aging, particularly as it has been over twenty years since his last portrayal of the character. Should Gimli return, there is no requirement for him to be a main character, and his involvement in the hunt for Gollum would not necessarily align with the established plot from The Fellowship of the Ring. Moreover, depending on the narrative direction of another live-action The Lord of the Rings project currently in development, it is entirely feasible that Rhys-Davies could reprise his role for that film rather than The Hunt for Gollum. This flexibility opens the door for creative storytelling that respects both the character’s legacy and the actor’s current capabilities.

Source: Collider

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is an upcoming fantasy adventure film that delves into the story of Gollum’s obsession with the One Ring. The film takes place during the events of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, exploring Gollum’s tumultuous past and his relentless pursuit of the Ring. Set in Middle-earth, the story navigates the treacherous landscapes and dark forces that threaten the fate of the Ring.

Director

Andy Serkis

Writers

Fran Walsh , Philippa Boyens , Phoebe Gittins , Art Papageorgiou

Cast

Andy Serkis