Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum casts Kate Winslet as female lead, with Ian McKellen's Gandalf and Elijah Wood's Frodo seemingly confirmed

The Hunt for Gollum has gained a new cast member, as Kate Winslet has joined the ranks of the Lord of the Rings movie's cast.

Deadline broke the news and says its sources indicate the role is the female lead, though whom exactly that refers to is a mystery for now. Interestingly, the report also says Winslet will star opposite Ian McKellen's Gandalf and Elijah Wood's Frodo Baggins, though neither cast member has been officially confirmed.

According to the report, Peter Jackson himself and Andy Serkis – who will return as Gollum and direct the film – "spent most of last year coaxing Winslet to appear in the film," and she will shoot in New Zealand from late May to October.

Wood has previously indicated that he doesn't want anyone else to play his iconic role while he's "alive and able."

"There is a good chance," he said of his possible return. "I'm not able to officially say anything until it's announced, but I will say I'm thrilled with the prospect of another film."

The movie will follow the, well, hunt for Gollum, and it's set in between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. While other cast members are unclear for now, Orlando Bloom has said he hasn't been asked back.

"I have not heard a peep, actually. I don't know. I know it's focusing on Gollum, so anything's possible," said Bloom. "Listen, I'd hate to see anyone else play Legolas, you know what I mean? What are they going to do? Are they going to put somebody else in as Legolas? With AI they can do anything these days!"

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum arrives on December 17, 2027. In the meantime, check out our guide to all the most exciting upcoming movies of the year.