Kate Winslet is officially joining the world of Middle-earth.
The Oscar-winning actor has been confirmed as part of the cast for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, the upcoming film directed by Andy Serkis.
While details about Winslet’s character remain under wraps, sources told Deadline she will play the film’s female lead.
Serkis and producer Peter Jackson reportedly spent months persuading the Titanic star to join the project, which is scheduled to film in New Zealand.
Winslet is already familiar with the country. She previously shot the 1994 film Heavenly Creatures there early in her career.
The new movie will reunite several iconic figures from the Lord of the Rings franchise. Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen are expected to return as Frodo Baggins and Gandalf.
The script was written by Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, with Jackson, Walsh, Boyens and Zane Weiner producing.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will explore a story referenced in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings. The plot centers on Aragorn’s dangerous mission to capture Gollum before the creature reveals the location of the One Ring to Sauron.
The story takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring.
