Andy Serkis: Lord of the Rings’ Gollum actor to live-read The Hobbit for 12 hours

Actor-director to undertake mammoth task for charity

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 07 May 2020 10:38 BST
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Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the Lord of the Rings franchise, is set to read The Hobbit live for approximately 12 hours.

The actor-director is undertaking the task of reading the book from start to end with no breaks to raise money for NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings.

He told his followers: “So many of us are struggling in isolation during the lockdown.

“While times are tough, I want to take you on one of the greatest fantasy adventures ever written, a 12-hour armchair marathon across Middle Earth whilst raising money for two amazing charities, which are doing extraordinary work right now to help those most in need.”

Serkis told his fans to “stay tuned for more details”.

Serkis is encouraging fans to donate via this GoFundMe page ahead of the live-read, which will be available to stream live from 10am BST tomorrow (8 May).

NHS Charities together represents the UK health service, while Best Beginnings is a charity supporting babies and pregnant families.

Serkis, who returned to play Gollum in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit franchise, has directed the Tom Hardy-starring Venom sequel Let There Be Carnage, which will be released in 2021.

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