Orlando Bloom’s Passion for Legolas: Why He Won’t Let Anyone Else Play the Elf in The Hunt for Gollum

Orlando Bloom, the actor who brought the iconic elf Legolas to life in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films, has made it clear he’s not ready to pass the torch. With The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027, Bloom recently expressed his strong desire to reprise his role, stating he would “hate to see anyone else” play Legolas. This article explores Bloom’s comments, the context of the upcoming film, and what his potential return means for the beloved franchise.

Bloom’s Deep Connection to Legolas

Orlando Bloom’s journey as Legolas began with Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy (The Fellowship of the Ring [2001], The Two Towers [2002], and The Return of the King [2003]), where he portrayed the skilled Sindar Elf archer from the Woodland Realm. His performance, marked by grace, precision, and memorable action sequences, earned him accolades, including the 2002 MTV Movie Award for Best Male Breakthrough Performance. Bloom later returned as Legolas in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014), cementing the character as a cornerstone of his career.

In a recent appearance on the Today show on September 6, 2025, Bloom shared his protective stance on the role: “Listen, I’d hate to see anyone else play Legolas, you know what I mean? What are they going to do? Are they going to put somebody else in as Legolas? With A.I. they can do anything these days!”. He admitted he has “not heard a peep” about being cast in The Hunt for Gollum but emphasized the role’s significance, calling it “such an amazing part” and expressing gratitude for his time in Middle-earth. Bloom’s comments reflect a deep emotional attachment, with the actor noting in a June 2025 Newsweek interview that playing Legolas puts him in a “crazy, meditative state of being all-knowing and all-seeing,” helping him focus amidst his ADHD.

The Hunt for Gollum: A New Chapter in Middle-earth

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Andy Serkis, who also reprises his role as Gollum, marks the franchise’s return to live-action after a decade. Set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the film explores the search for Gollum, who holds critical knowledge about the One Ring. Announced by Warner Bros. in 2024, it is slated for release on December 17, 2027, following the successful release window of Jackson’s original trilogy.

The story, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s appendices, likely follows Aragorn’s mission to capture Gollum after Bilbo Baggins’ birthday party in The Fellowship of the Ring. At a 2025 London fan event, Ian McKellen confirmed that Gandalf and Frodo will appear in the film, though he remained coy about whether he and Elijah Wood would reprise their roles. Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, also expressed openness to returning but noted he hasn’t been approached, emphasizing that any return would depend on suitability given his current age.

Bloom’s status remains uncertain, as he told The Today Show and ITV’s This Morning in August 2025 that he’s heard nothing about Legolas’ involvement. However, he remains hopeful, stating, “If Legolas is a part of that, whatever chapter they’re doing, then I would hope that I’d get the call”. The film’s timeline leaves room for Legolas, as he was active in the Woodland Realm during this period, but his role—if any—remains unconfirmed.

Challenges of Returning as Legolas

Bloom, now 48, acknowledged the challenge of reprising a youthful, immortal elf. In a June 2025 MovieWeb interview, he suggested that digital de-aging technology, used for his Hobbit appearances, would be necessary: “I’d like to see [Legolas] the same age as he was [in the original trilogy]. So, AI would have to come into play”. This aligns with his Today show quip about AI enabling “anything these days”. The use of de-aging tech could address the 24-year gap since The Return of the King, but recasting Legolas, as Bloom fears, could spark fan backlash, especially after mixed reactions to new actors in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

The franchise’s shift to a Gollum-centric story also raises questions about Legolas’ narrative fit. While Gandalf and Aragorn’s involvement in tracking Gollum is well-documented in Tolkien’s lore, Legolas’ role during this period is less defined, potentially limiting his screen time unless the story expands beyond the appendices.

Fan and Industry Reactions

Bloom’s comments have sparked excitement and debate among fans. On platforms like Reddit, some praise his passion, with one user noting, “Orlando as Legolas is iconic; recasting would feel wrong.” Others question whether The Hunt for Gollum needs Legolas, given its focus on Gollum and other characters. Industry outlets like Collider and ScreenRant highlight Bloom’s enthusiasm as a sign of his commitment, but they note the uncertainty surrounding casting decisions.

The film’s creative team, including producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, brings credibility, but the absence of confirmed roles for legacy actors like Bloom and Mortensen fuels speculation. McKellen’s teasing of Gandalf and Frodo’s return suggests selective legacy involvement, which could mean a cameo or supporting role for Legolas if Bloom is cast.

Why Bloom’s Return Matters

Bloom’s potential return as Legolas would provide continuity for a franchise that has faced challenges recapturing the magic of Jackson’s trilogy. The original films earned critical acclaim, with The Return of the King sweeping 11 Oscars, while The Hobbit trilogy and The Rings of Power received mixed responses. Bringing back a fan-favorite like Legolas could bridge the gap between old and new audiences, especially with Serkis’ directorial vision promising “wild chase scenes” and a fresh exploration of Middle-earth.

Moreover, Bloom’s personal connection to the role adds authenticity. His comments about the meditative focus Legolas brings suggest a performance rooted in emotional depth, which could elevate the film’s stakes. However, the risk of relying on digital de-aging or forcing legacy characters into the narrative could alienate fans if not handled carefully.

Conclusion: Will Legolas Return?

Orlando Bloom’s heartfelt desire to reprise Legolas in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum underscores his enduring love for the character and the franchise. While he hasn’t received a call to return, his comments keep hope alive for fans eager to see the elf archer back in action. With filming set to begin in New Zealand in 2026 and a release planned for December 2027, there’s still time for Bloom to join the cast. Whether through a cameo or a larger role, his return could be a highlight of the film, blending nostalgia with Serkis’ bold new vision. For now, fans can only wait and speculate: will Legolas once again draw his bow in Middle-earth?

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