Elijah Wood wants the new ‘Lord of the Rings’ films to prioritize art over money

‘Lord of the Rings’ is one of the most well-known and successful franchises in pop culture and, in February of this year, Warner Bros. announced multiple films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s books are currently in the works.

Elijah Wood, best known for playing Frodo Baggins throughout the franchise, was “surprised” and “fascinated” by the news and told GQ magazine that he hopes these new films prioritize art and passion over money.

“I’m fascinated and excited. I hope it’s good,” he said. “I’m surprised – I don’t know why I’m surprised because, of course there would be more movies.”

Art over money

It’s no secret that the entertainment industry runs on money, not art.

“Obviously at the core of that, is a desire to make a lot of money,” he continued. “It’s not that a bunch of executives are like, ‘Let’s make really awesome art.’

“And, again, not begrudging anybody because, of course, it is commerce. But great art can come from commerce. So those two things are not mutually exclusive.”

Wood went on to express that the original ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy was built on passion and, as a result, became wildly successful.

“It came out of a passion for these books and wanting to see them realized,” Wood said. “And I hope that that is ultimately what will drive everything forward with whatever these subsequent movies are.

“I just hope that it’s the same motivating factor at its core, whenever they hire a screenwriter and a filmmaker – that it is with reverence for Tolkien’s material and enthusiasm to explore it.”

Andy Serkis is willing to return

Since the original announcement in February, no additional details have been released. As such, it’s unknown as to what names will be attached to these projects and if these new films will take place before or after the original trilogy.

However, some cast members, like Andy Serkis, who played Gollum, have expressed an interest in returning to the franchise.

“Peter Jackson, Fran and Phillipa are sort of a second family that I have become part of and have gone on to make so many films with,” Serkis told BroBible’s Post-Credit Podcast. “And – let me tell you – they are the best and most incredible people to work with.

“I think there are so many other potential Middle-earth projects which could come about, and if they’re doing them, I would, of course, jump at the chance to have that relationship rekindled.”