20 fascinating facts about Lord of The Rings movies you probably didn't know

Published Jan 27, 2025 10:21 ET

The Lord of the Rings (Image via New Line Cinema and WingNut Films)

19) Gollum’s facial capture changed CGI forever

Andy Serkis brought Gollum to life using early motion-capture technology that also captured facial expressions. His performance became the foundation for Gollum’s movements and emotions, blending acting with visual effects in groundbreaking ways. This technique changed how CGI characters were created in Hollywood. Gollum became one of the most iconic characters in the trilogy, both for his tragic duality and realistic appearance. The advancements made for Gollum paved the way for future motion-capture performances in films like Avatar and Planet of the Apes.