Elijah Wood Insists No Actor Could Take Over His ‘Lord of the Rings’ Role

Elijah Wood has made it clear that no one else will be playing Frodo Baggins. The actor, who is currently promoting his new horror sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, talked to The Times about the possibility of returning to Middle-earth.

While Wood didn’t officially confirm his role, his words strongly hint that he’s ready to reprise Frodo for the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The news first gained attention last year when Wood’s longtime costar, Sir Ian McKellen, mentioned at a London convention that both Gandalf and Frodo would appear in the new project.

Wood echoed McKellen’s protectiveness over their iconic characters. “I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able,” he said. The actor also shared his excitement about the new film, which is being directed by Andy Serkis.

“Everyone gets a little protective and hopes it retains its level of integrity, but this story is fun, thrilling. There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together,” Wood explained.

He added that he’s still a big fan of the franchise and can’t wait for audiences to see Gandalf’s hat on the big screen again. The Hunt for Gollum is set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027. Serkis will both direct and return as Gollum, reprising the role he made famous in Peter Jackson’s original trilogy.

The film will explore the dangerous search for Gollum between the events of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, revealing crucial moments leading up to the story of the One Ring.

Meanwhile, Wood continues to mix mainstream and independent projects. His new movie, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, arrives in theaters on March 20. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film follows Grace, played by Samara Weaving, as she faces deadly new trials alongside her estranged sister Faith, portrayed by Kathryn Newton.

Wood plays a mysterious lawyer, joining a cast that includes Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Cronenberg. Beyond this release, Wood has stayed busy in both movies and television.

He appeared in the 2025 thriller The Monkey and starred in the third season of the hit series Yellowjackets. Known for choosing character-driven and unique projects, he balances big franchise work with smaller, independent films.

What other actor do you think could take the iconic role of Frodo Baggins? Share your thoughts in the comments.