Andy Serkis Responds to Diversity Questions About New Lord of the Rings Film

Andy Serkis has addressed criticism that the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is currently all white.

Speaking to the BBC, Serkis said Tolkien's work was heavily inspired by Norse mythology and described the Shire as a place that feels "very white." He said the filmmakers would not cast actors simply to meet diversity goals, adding that casting would be based on what is relevant to the story.

Serkis acknowledged that similar criticism has been directed at previous Lord of the Rings books and films. He noted that the upcoming movie recognizes those discussions but will not change its casting approach for the sake of being "politically correct."

The Hunt for Gollum follows the story of Gollum and takes place around the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. Serkis will direct, produce, and reprise his role as Gollum.

The announced cast includes returning actors Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Andy Serkis, along with newcomers Anya Taylor-Joy, Kate Winslet, Leo Woodall, Jamie Dornan, and Lee Pace. Serkis has also confirmed that Aragorn will be recast, replacing Viggo Mortensen, who played the character in the original film trilogy.