Despite not directing a narrative feature since 2014’s The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson insists he’s far from retired. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, the Lord of the Rings visionary revealed he’s currently writing three original screenplays while producing Warner Bros.’ The Hunt for Gollum (2027), to be directed by Andy Serkis.
Jackson has spent the past decade focused on documentaries (They Shall Not Grow Old, The Beatles: Get Back) and an unexpected passion project: de-extincting New Zealand’s 12-foot-tall Giant Moa through bioscience company Colossal. “To see the Moa brought back would supersede any film excitement for me right now,” said Jackson, who has committed $15 million to the genetic restoration effort alongside partner Fran Walsh and the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre.
The director confirmed his continued creative output:
- Actively developing three original film scripts
- Producing The Hunt for Gollum (2027), the next LOTR cinematic installment
- Expanding his Beatles archival work following Get Back‘s success
While Jackson’s cinematic return remains uncertain, his production schedule proves he’s merely shifted focus. “I’ve enjoyed exploring different creative avenues,” he noted, emphasizing that his work with Colossal represents “a new kind of world-building.” Industry observers speculate his undisclosed scripts could mark a return to original filmmaking post-Gollum.
As for the Moa project? “It’s the ultimate special effect,” Jackson told the AP. “Instead of creating creatures for screens, we’re helping science rewrite natural history.” The ambitious de-extinction effort aims to have its first hybrid birds within decades.
The Hunt for Gollum hits theaters December 17, 2027, with Jackson, Walsh and Philippa Boyens producing. Until then, the filmmaker continues balancing screenplay work with his unprecedented scientific venture – proving retirement isn’t in his vocabulary.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.