Andy Serkis confirms limited AI use in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

Andy Serkis has reassured fans that artificial intelligence will play only a limited role in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, confirming the technology is being used solely to assist with de-ageing certain characters rather than generating scenes or performances.

Speaking while promoting his upcoming animated adaptation of Animal Farm, Serkis explained that the production is relying on traditional filmmaking techniques, with AI only supporting visual effects where appropriate. He said there is “a little bit of de-ageing” for some characters and that machine learning forms part of that process, but stressed that every shot in the film is being created conventionally.

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The filmmaker also defended the use of AI as another tool available to artists, pointing to Peter Jackson‘s ground-breaking MASSIVE software, which helped create thousands of individually behaving Orcs during the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Serkis argued that technological innovation has always been part of filmmaking and should be viewed in that context.

Instead of leaning heavily on digital technology, Serkis revealed that one of his priorities for The Hunt for Gollum has been to revive the practical craftsmanship that defined Jackson’s Middle-earth films. He said the production is embracing miniatures, prosthetics and other practical effects alongside modern visual effects, describing the combination of old and new techniques as his preferred approach.

The comments come just weeks after producer Peter Jackson said he does not oppose AI being used in filmmaking when it serves the creative process, fuelling discussion over how emerging technologies will shape future blockbusters.

Serkis is directing the long-awaited return to live-action Middle-earth while reprising his iconic role as Gollum. The film is currently shooting and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in December 2027.

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Megan Hilborne

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Megan is a freelance writer and film critic based in Portsmouth. She graduated with a degree in Film in 2020 and has continued her study of the medium in her day-to-day life. She takes particular interest in indie, horror, feminist and queer cinema. Some of her writing credits include an interview with Academy Award winner Sean Baker and Time’s 2025 Most Influential People inductee Mo Abudu.

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