‘Dune’ Star Anya Taylor-Joy Says Playing an Elf in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ Feels Like Destiny

Anya Taylor-Joy has finally shared her thoughts about joining the world of Middle-earth, and it is clear she is thrilled to be part of the upcoming film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Speaking in a video shared by Rotten Tomatoes on X, the actress opened up about her new role and explained why the project means so much to her.

Taylor-Joy will play Seren, a brand-new Elven character created specifically for the film. Unlike many of the characters fans already know from J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, Seren is an original addition to the story. She is described as a Sindar Elf from the Woodland Realm who serves as a trusted agent of King Thranduil.

During the interview, Taylor-Joy admitted that stepping into the role felt surprisingly natural. She joked that playing an elf was something she had been waiting for her whole life. “I feel like I’ve been an elf my whole life, so it feels very validating to go and actually be able to do it as a job,” she said.

The actress also spoke warmly about returning to such a famous fantasy universe. She revealed that she has been a longtime fan of The Lord of the Rings and could not hide her excitement about working with director Andy Serkis, who is leading the project while also returning as Gollum.

Taylor-Joy praised Serkis throughout the interview, calling him one of the people she has admired for years.

“I’m a huge fan of Lord of the Rings. I’m a huge fan of Andy Serkis,” she said. “He’s a wonderful man and a wonderful, innovative creator.”

For Taylor-Joy, joining the film is more than just another acting job. She described it as one of the biggest moments of her career and said becoming part of Middle-earth is something she has dreamed about for a long time. “Being able to be a part of this world and to inhabit this character is a dream come true,” she added.

Warner Bros. officially announced Taylor-Joy’s casting in June 2026 through a motion poster introducing her character. While many details about Seren remain secret, the character is expected to play an important role in the story. Reports suggest she will become an ally to Aragorn during the hunt for Gollum, adding a fresh perspective to the events that take place before The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

The film brings together both familiar faces and new additions to the franchise. Ian McKellen is returning as Gandalf, while Andy Serkis once again takes on the role of Gollum. Jamie Dornan has been cast as Aragorn, with Lee Pace returning as Thranduil. The cast also includes Elijah Wood, Kate Winslet, and Leo Woodall.

The Hunt for Gollum is one of the most anticipated fantasy films currently in development because it expands Tolkien’s world with a new story while bringing back many of the characters fans have loved for years. At the same time, introducing original characters like Seren gives the filmmakers a chance to explore parts of Middle-earth that have not been seen on screen before.

For Taylor-Joy, that opportunity is clearly special. Her excitement about joining the franchise comes across in every interview, and fans now have an even better idea of how much the role means to her. If her enthusiasm is any indication, Seren could become one of the film’s most memorable new characters when The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum arrives in theaters.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!