
Actor Andy Serkis has been appointed by Peter Jackson as second unit director for the upcoming films The Hobbit Parts 1 & 2. Serkis will reprise his role as Gollem for the film in addition to his new duties.
Andy Serkis, who played the iconic Gollum in Peter Jackson’sThe Lord of the Rings, is taking on a new role in The Hobbit 1 and 2. In addition to reprising his role as the tragic creature, Serkis also has been tapped by Jackson to serve as second unit director on the two films, which are now in production in New Zealand.
“I think I understand Peter’s sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle Earth,” Serkis told The Hollywood Reporter. “A lot of the crew from The Lord of the Rings was returning to work on The Hobbit. There is really a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic.”
Serkis has already done some directing, including performance capture on a couple video games including Heavenly Sword. But, he said, “When Peter asked me. There was this email out of the blue. It was a fantastic surprise.”
The fact that he’s being given this opportunity will open the doors for him in the future. Peter Jackson gave him an amazing upgrade here, talk about a dream role. Serkis is already planning to direct again in the future, good think Peter Jackson is giving him the keys to the kingdom!
Source: The Hollywood Reporter