After more than a decade without directing a major feature film, Peter Jackson has sparked curiosity among his fans regarding his potential retirement from filmmaking. Fortunately, dedicated followers of the acclaimed Lord of the Rings director can breathe a sigh of relief, as Jackson recently shared exciting news about his ongoing projects. In an engaging conversation with ScreenRant, he revealed that he has not stepped away from directing; instead, he is actively immersed in the creation of three distinct screenplays.
“No, no. I’m certainly not retired,” Jackson confidently stated, dispelling any doubts about his future in cinema. “We are currently working on three different screenplays. I’m at the moment writing three different scripts.” His commitment to storytelling remains strong, and his fans can look forward to his unique vision gracing the big screen once more.
Jackson elaborated on his current endeavors, saying, “We are producing and have been writing The Hunt for Gollum, which Andy Serkis is going to direct next year. I’ve enjoyed working on documentaries, whether they show I’ve grown old or not, and obviously the Get Back The Beatles project. I’ve enjoyed doing various things with The Beatles, which is great, and that’ll probably carry on.” His passion for storytelling remains vibrant, whether through the lens of documentary filmmaking or narrative cinema, highlighting his versatile talents.
It’s been quite some time since Jackson’s last feature film, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, which premiered back in 2014. His absence from the director’s chair has left a noticeable gap in the film industry, but his return promises to reignite the cinematic magic that fans cherish.
In addition to his filmmaking pursuits, Jackson has also made significant investments in innovative projects, particularly in Colossal Biosciences. This groundbreaking company aims to “de-extinct” the Giant Moa, a remarkable species of flightless bird that vanished from existence several centuries ago. “But to me, de-extincting the Moa would be just as exciting, if not more exciting, than any film I could possibly make,” Jackson expressed with enthusiasm. “I’ve made a lot of movies, but to see the Giant Moa brought back would be a level of excitement that I think would supersede anything at this point in time.” His forward-thinking approach reflects not only his creativity but his desire to make a lasting impact beyond traditional cinema.
As Jackson mentioned, his current focus is on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, although fans may need to exercise patience. The release date for the film has been pushed back to December 17, 2027, which may change again, especially since Disney has scheduled Avengers: Secret Wars for the same day. This overlapping schedule raises questions about potential adjustments in release timelines for both highly anticipated films.
The Hunt for Gollum is set in the same timeframe as The Fellowship of the Ring, with co-writer Philippa Boyens revealing that it takes place shortly before Frodo departs from the Shire to travel to Rivendell. The narrative begins with Gandalf assigning Aragorn the critical task of locating Gollum before he can divulge vital information about the One Ring to Sauron. While both Aragorn and Gandalf play pivotal roles in this story, it remains uncertain whether actors Viggo Mortensen and Ian McKellen will reprise their iconic roles. Both stars have shown interest in returning, but the 86-year-old McKellen humorously remarked that they’d “better be quick” if they want him back.
As fans await news of Jackson’s next cinematic venture, what type of film would you like him to tackle? Personally, I’d love to see him revisit the unique styles of Braindead or The Frighteners, as these films showcase his extraordinary talent for blending genres and creating memorable experiences.
