Why Gollum Looks Different in The Hobbit?

The character evolution of Gollum in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Peter Jackson's The Hobbit is a fascinating discussion for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. This article delves into the reasons behind Gollum's significant changes in appearance and role between these two film adaptations, examining the creative decisions made by the filmmakers.

Design and Motion Capture Challenges

According to the development notes and interviews, the Gollum of Fellowship of the Ring was initially an early design that required modifications to match the performance of Andy Serkis during motion capture. The first design was a rigid bunker that did not accurately reflect the subtlety and complexity of Serkis' performance. The changes were necessary to ensure that the character's movements would successfully correspond with the performances captured by Serkis.

When it was discovered that Andy Serkis would also play the original form of Gollum, Smeagol, even more significant changes were made. The features of the character were redefined to make Gollum resemble an exaggerated version of Serkis, ensuring that the transition from Smeagol to Gollum would be visually clear. This redesign was completed for The Two Towers, successfully blending the two forms of the character without disrupting the narrative flow.

Casting and Storytelling Considerations

The version of Gollum seen in The Hobbit casts him as a 79 years younger character than his older counterpart in The Lord of the Rings. This age difference is significant because, in the books, Gollum had only just lost the Ring, which prevented him from continuing to age. In the films, without the Ring's influence, Gollum is portrayed as being much older and more wizened. It is likely that Peter Jackson requested a younger Gollum for The Hobbit to better reflect his youthful appearance and the time that had passed since his last encounter with the Ring.

Additionally, any observable differences in Gollum's appearance can be attributed to advancements in computer graphics between the two film series. For instance, in The Hobbit, Gollum's eyes appear bluer, he has fewer wrinkles, is more transparent (not metaphorically but visually), and is smaller in size. These improvements contribute to a more nuanced and detailed character design, making Gollum a more convincing and captivating presence on screen.

Final Thoughts

The evolution of Gollum from his inception as a concept in the films to his development in The Hobbit showcases the meticulous attention to detail required in bringing a complex character to life. These changes not only highlight the advancements in CGI technology but also allow for a fuller, more engaging portrayal of Gollum. His transformations throughout the series underscore the immersive storytelling that defines both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.