Warner Bros. Announces Blockbuster Slate: Gollum Returns, Evil Dead Burns, and Shyamalan Remains
Warner Bros. has just dropped a bombshell of release dates, igniting excitement amongst fans of fantasy, horror, and suspense. The studio is betting big on established franchises and auteur filmmakers, promising a jam-packed few years for genre cinema enthusiasts. The biggest news undoubtedly revolves around a return to Middle-earth.
The Hunt for Gollum: A Precious Christmas in 2027
Prepare for a journey back to the fantastical realm of J.R.R. Tolkien, as Warner Bros. officially announced The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, slated for release on December 17, 2027. This news is a momentous occasion for fans who have longed to revisit the iconic world and characters that defined a generation of fantasy filmmaking.
The creative forces behind the original, critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy are reuniting for this new venture. Andy Serkis, the master of motion capture and the voice and soul of Gollum, will not only reprise his role as the titular character but also step into the director’s chair. This marks a significant step in Serkis’s directorial career, adding a tentpole franchise film to his already impressive resume.
The involvement of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, the architects of the original trilogy’s cinematic vision, as producers ensures a degree of fidelity to the source material and the established aesthetic. Philippa Boyens, another key creative figure from the original films, joins them as a producer and co-writer, alongside Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. This collaboration suggests a commitment to capturing the essence of Tolkien’s world and delivering a story that resonates with fans.
The release date itself carries significant weight. The original Lord of the Rings films all premiered in December, becoming synonymous with the holiday season. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King debuted on December 19, 18, and 17, respectively. The decision to release The Hunt for Gollum on December 17, 2027, is a deliberate nod to this tradition, signaling a grand return to the cinematic landscape.
However, the announcement also raises several questions. While Serkis’s return as Gollum is confirmed, the presence of other beloved characters, such as Aragorn and Gandalf, remains uncertain. Viggo Mortensen and Ian McKellen, the actors who portrayed these iconic roles, have expressed interest in reprising their characters, but no official announcements have been made. The potential absence of these familiar faces could impact the film’s reception, raising the question of whether recasting would be acceptable to the fanbase.
Furthermore, the December 17, 2027, release date already belongs to Disney, who has earmarked it for an untitled Star Wars movie. Warner Bros.’ decision to release The Hunt for Gollum on the same date suggests a confident stance, potentially indicating a shift in release plans for the Star Wars project or a willingness to engage in a box office showdown.
Evil Dead Burn: Groovy Horror Arrives in 2026
For horror aficionados, Warner Bros. has another treat in store. A new Evil Dead movie, rumored to be titled Evil Dead Burn, is set to hit theaters on July 24, 2026. This installment promises to deliver the franchise’s signature blend of gore, humor, and demonic mayhem.
Souheila Yacoub will star in the film, taking the reins in what is sure to be a physically demanding and emotionally taxing role. While details about the plot remain scarce, the involvement of franchise veterans Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell as producers ensures a level of authenticity and respect for the source material.
Interestingly, the official announcement omitted the rumored title, Evil Dead Burn. This discrepancy raises questions about the film’s final title and whether the creative team has undergone any changes since the title was initially leaked by director Sébastien Vaniček late last year.
Remain: Shyamalan and Sparks Collide
Rounding out the trio of announcements is Remain, the next film from the master of suspense, M. Night Shyamalan. This project is particularly intriguing due to its unique collaboration with Nicholas Sparks, the king of romance novels. The film, based on a story created by Shyamalan and Sparks, is scheduled to open on October 23, 2026.
Jake Gyllenhaal will star in Remain, bringing his talent for portraying complex and emotionally driven characters to Shyamalan’s suspenseful narrative. Adding another layer to this project, a novelization of the story is set to be released on October 7 of this year, a full year before the film’s premiere.
This unusual release strategy poses an interesting dilemma for Shyamalan fans. Will they choose to read the novelization and experience the story through Sparks’s prose, or will they wait to see Shyamalan’s cinematic interpretation? The success of the novelization could influence the film’s reception, adding another element of anticipation and intrigue to the project.
A Promising Future for Genre Cinema
Warner Bros.’ recent announcements signal a renewed commitment to genre filmmaking, tapping into established franchises and the creative visions of renowned filmmakers. The Hunt for Gollum, Evil Dead Burn, and Remain represent a diverse range of genres, promising something for every type of moviegoer. While questions and uncertainties surround each project, the excitement and anticipation generated by these announcements are undeniable. The next few years promise to be a thrilling time for fans of fantasy, horror, and suspense. It remains to be seen how these films will ultimately fare, but one thing is certain: Warner Bros. is betting big on the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of genre cinema.
