Key facts
- Andy Serkis is directing and starring in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film, 'The Hunt for Gollum'.
- The film's narrative will explore Gollum's psychology before he became the character known in the trilogies.
- Serkis acknowledged criticisms about the lack of diversity in the cast of 'The Hunt for Gollum'.
- He explained the casting decisions are influenced by Tolkien's source material and the setting of The Shire.
- Serkis also directed an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', which received a polarizing reception.
- He stated that his 'Animal Farm' adaptation was not funded by the CIA and would likely be approved by George Orwell's estate.
Andy Serkis, known for his motion-capture roles and directing 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,' has defended the casting choices for the new film, which currently features an all-white cast.
Speaking from New Zealand, where he is directing and starring in 'The Hunt for Gollum,' Serkis explained that the film's setting and Tolkien's influences contribute to the casting. He noted that Tolkien himself was heavily influenced by Norse mythology, and that The Shire, the film's primary setting, is depicted as a very white community with a degree of insularity.
Serkis acknowledged the criticisms regarding the lack of diversity, which echo debates from previous Lord of the Rings films made before color-blind casting became prevalent. However, he stated that the new film aims to be relevant to the story and characters, rather than simply ticking boxes for the sake of political correctness. He confirmed that further casting announcements are expected.
In addition to 'The Hunt for Gollum,' Serkis also discussed his recently released animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm.' He revealed that the project was inspired by his experience playing Caesar in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' and that he aimed to create a modern animated version of the classic novel. Serkis also clarified that his 'Animal Farm' was not funded by the CIA, unlike the 1954 film adaptation, and expressed confidence that George Orwell himself would approve of his version due to its connection with the audience.
The animated 'Animal Farm' has faced polarizing reviews and a modest box office performance in the US, which Serkis attributed partly to audiences forming opinions based on trailers. He defended the film's artistic choices, including its anti-capitalist allegory and a happy ending, stating that it was designed to provoke thought and discussion, in line with Orwell's own style.