Peter Jackson Explains Why He Won’t Direct ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’
Peter Jackson has expressed that he has no issues with the use of artificial intelligence in films. However, he believes that the ongoing discussions surrounding AI have made it more challenging for actors like Andy Serkis to receive the recognition they deserve for their motion-capture performances.
During a masterclass at the Cannes Film Festival, Jackson candidly discussed the impact of AI on Hollywood and shared his thoughts on how motion-capture acting is often misunderstood. He views AI as just another tool in filmmaking rather than something entirely separate.
“I mean, to me, it’s just a special effect,” Jackson remarked. “It’s no different from other special effects.”
While he humorously noted that AI is “going to destroy the world,” he clarified that he doesn’t have a personal aversion to its use in movies. Nonetheless, he emphasized that actors should maintain control over their own image and likeness.
Jackson pointed out that issues arise when studios or companies utilize someone’s face or voice without their consent.
“If you’re doing an AI duplicate of somebody, like Indiana Jones or anyone else, as long as you’ve licensed the rights off the person who you’re showing, I don’t see the issue,” he explained. “It’s when people’s likenesses get stolen and usurped.”
The director also discussed Andy Serkis and his iconic portrayal of Gollum in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ trilogy. Jackson feels that Serkis has not received sufficient awards recognition because many people do not fully grasp the nuances of motion-capture acting.
According to Jackson, the current anxiety surrounding AI and digital performances has exacerbated this problem.
“A lot of the current environment, everyone’s so worried about AI … I don’t think a Gollum-type character or a generated character has any hope for winning any awards,” he stated. “Which is a bit unfair, especially in the Andy Serkis case where it’s not an AI-generated performance, it’s a human-generated performance 100% of the way.”
Jackson also shared insights about the upcoming film ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,’ which Serkis will direct and star in. He revealed that he chose not to direct the film himself because he believes Serkis understands the character better than anyone else.
“The film is about Gollum’s psychological and addiction,” Jackson said. “I thought, ‘Andy knows this guy better than anybody.’ So I actually didn’t think much of me directing the new movie. I thought the most exciting version of this movie is if Andy Serkis makes it.”
The new film is anticipated to hit theaters in December 2027, with filming set to commence in 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand.
Jackson was honored at the Cannes opening ceremony with an Honorary Palme d’Or, presented by actor Elijah Wood, who portrayed Frodo in the original trilogy. Wood praised Jackson for revolutionizing modern filmmaking.
“You showed the world something it had never seen before, and nothing was ever the same,” Wood remarked during the ceremony.
Jackson reflected on the initial risks associated with the original ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, recalling how early footage from the first movie shown at Cannes in 2001 transformed public perception of the project.
The filmmaker is also working on additional stories set in Middle-earth. In March, Jackson announced that television host and devoted Tolkien fan Stephen Colbert is collaborating on another upcoming ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie, currently titled “Shadow of the Past.”
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