GUNS OF REDEMPTION Trailer (2025) Sean Astin, Western

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GUNS OF REDEMPTION Trailer (2025) Sean Astin, Casper Van Dien, Kaitlyn Kemp, Siena Bjornerud, James Logan, Western
© 2025 - Shout! Studios

"How are you still alive?!" "I don't know..." Does he have some kind of Wolverine healing powers? Shout Studios has revealed an official trailer for an action thriller titled Guns of Redemption, another of these junk dime-a-dozen action movies. It's being released in March and will be available on VOD if anyone wants to watch. A stranger known only as Luke is a mysterious man with a violent past. A past marked by the scars on his face and the nightmares he can't escape. He takes off his guns hoping to find a new life. But there is no escape from a violent past. Old enemies find him and shoot him down. Before he bleeds to death or dies from the bullet lodged against his spine, he straps his guns on one last time to get vengeance. With his life running out, he goes after the murderous General Bork to avenge the death of the Man of God who took him in, and save Charlotte and Anna. Starring Casper Van Dien, James Logan, Sean Astin, Jeff Fahey, Curtis Lyons, Jesse Gallegos, Kim DeLonghi. This looks as forgettable as any film can - nothing to see.

Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Brian Skiba's Guns of Redemption, direct from YouTube:

Guns of Redemption Poster

A stranger known only as Luke (Casper Van Dien) is a mysterious man with a violent past. A past marked by the scars on his face and the nightmares he can't escape. He takes off his guns to find a new life. But there is no escape... Old enemies find him & shoot him down. Before he bleeds to death, he straps his guns on one last time. He goes after the murderous General Bork (Jeff Fahey) to avenge the death of the Man of God (Sean Astin) who took him in, and saves Charlotte (Kaitlyn Kemp) and Anna (Siena Bjornerud), who are held captive in Bork's heinous web of evil. Guns of Redemption is directed by American filmmaker Brian Skiba, director of many, many junk action movies including Crushed Velvet, Dirty Little Trick, .357, Slaughter Creek, Merry Ex Mas, Beverly Hills Christmas, Chokehold, My Adventures with Santa, The 2nd, Pursuit, Killer Rivalry, Secret Society of Lies, Dead Man's Hand, Out of Hand, and Clear Cut previously. The screenplay is by Keith Merrill, from a story by Merrill and Jamie R. Thompson. Produced by Jamie R. Thompson. Shout debuts Guns of Redemption in select US theaters + on VOD starting March 7th, 2025.
Shout! Studios has shared a poster and trailer for Guns of Redemption, the Western thriller from director Brian Skiba.

Casper Van Dien stars as Luke, a mysterious man looking to leave his violent past behind until he is tracked down and shot by his old enemies. Close to death with a bullet lodged in his spine, Luke uses what time he has left to save two women held captive by a murderous general’s brothel operation.

Alongside Casper Van Dien, the cast also includes Jeff Fahey, Sean Astin, James Logan, and Kaitlyn Kemp, Siena Bjornerud. Watch the trailer below…

A stranger only known as Luke (Casper Van Dien) leaves his violent past behind, but when old enemies shoot him down, he straps on his guns one last time to save two sisters held by his enemies before he bleeds to death or dies from the bullet lodged in his spine.
Guns of Redemption is set for release on March 7th.
Shout! Studios has officially released the Guns of Redemption trailer, while also revealing when the upcoming Western starring Casper Van Dien will release.

What happens in the Guns of Redemption trailer?
The Guns of Redemption release date has been set for March 7, 2025. The upcoming movie follows the story of a Civil War veteran who, on a search for redemption, befriends a young woman and tries to rescue her from a group of men who run a brothel.

Check out the trailer for Guns of Redemption below (watch other trailers and clips):

Guns of Redemption is directed by Brian Skiba, from a script written by Kieth Merrill. Alongside Van Dien, Guns of Redemption also stars Jeff Fahey, Kaiylyn Kemp, Siene Bjornerud, and Sean Astin.

“A stranger known only as Luke (Casper Van Dien) is a mysterious man with a violent past,” reads the film’s official synopsis. “A past marked by the scars on his face and the nightmares he can’t escape. He takes off his guns to find a new life. But there is no escape from a violent past. Old enemies find him and shoot him down. Before he bleeds to death, he straps his guns on one last time. With his life running out, he goes after the murderous General Bork (Jeff Fahey) to avenge the death of the Man of God (Sean Astin) who took him in, and saves Charlotte (Kaitlyn Kemp) and Anna (Siena Bjornerud), who are held captive in Bork’s heinous web of evil.”
Shout! Studios is adding to its Western portfolio with “Guns of Redemption,” a gritty frontier drama featuring a cast led by Casper Van Dien, Jeff Fahey and Sean Astin.

The film, from director Brian Skiba (“The Gunslinger”), will ride into theaters and hit digital platforms on March 7.

The revenge-fueled tale centers on Luke (Van Dien), a scarred Civil War veteran seeking peace, who is forced to strap on his guns one final time after being left for dead. With his life ebbing away, Luke embarks on a desperate mission to take down the murderous General Bork (Fahey) while attempting to rescue two women (Kaitlyn Kemp, Siena Bjornerud) from Bork’s traveling brothel operation.

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The project represents a collaboration between Shout! Studios, Lighthouse Pictures, and SkibaVision Production, with Cinema Europa and Nevermore Entertainment also backing the venture. Industry veterans Kieth Merrill (“The Great American Cowboy”) and Jamie R. Thompson (“Old Henry”) crafted the original story, with Merrill penning the screenplay.

Popular on Variety
Behind the camera, Skiba pulls triple duty, also serving as editor and composer. The technical team includes Elliott Montello as director of photography and Bruce D. Mitchell as production designer.

Executive producers include Jordan Fields, Julie Dansker, Garson Foos, Bob Emmer, Patrick Rizzotti, Joshua Huntsman, Skiba, Laurie Love, Michael Arata and Maureen Van Mourik, alongside stars Van Dien and Fahey. Co-executive producers are Tyler Eckels and Samantha Leigh. Jamie R. Thompson serves as producer.

Recent moves at Shout! Studios include nabbing worldwide rights (excluding select Asian territories) to the coveted Golden Princess movie library, a treasure trove of 156 Hong Kong cinema classics that’s been MIA from Western markets for decades; and an agreement with Mercury Studios Media Limited to license exclusive U.S. and Canadian distribution rights including AVOD, SVOD, broadcast, theatrical and non-theatrical distribution rights for a catalog of Monty Python films, specials and performances.

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Casper Van Dien, Jeff Fahey, Shout! Studios
"He has nothing to hide." "We'll see." Sovereign Film has revealed a new official US trailer for a Swiss WWII film titled A Forgotten Man, a very tense B&W thriller. This first premiered back in 2022 at the Zurich Film Festival, and it already opened in most of Europe last year, including in the UK in the fall. It will finally be opening in US theaters this April if anyone is interested. In spring of 1945, Heinrich Zwygart, the Swiss ambassador to Germany flees bombed-out Berlin after eight years of service in the capital of the Reich. This is the end of a terrible mandate, during which he had to make fatal compromises to preserve the neutrality and security of his country. Soon he gets caught up in past decisions. He went through the war, but will he survive the peace? Swiss actor Michael Neueschwander stars as Heinrich Zwygart, with a cast including Manuela Biedermann, Clea Eden, Yann Philipona, and Sabine Timoteo. This looks like a stylish retelling of a story about a guy who probably doesn't deserve much remorse, but of course it's a Swiss film made by a Swiss director starring a Swiss cast, so they're going to focus on neutrality above all. Have a look.

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🍿 › Posted March 19 in Indies, To Watch, Trailer | Comments
First Look Teaser at the 'Kaos' Series Featuring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus
By Alex Billington
Kaos Series Trailer
"Honor me... that's a command, not a request." Netflix has unveiled a first look teaser trailer for a series titled Kaos, described as a "modern day contemporary retelling of Greek mythology." Jeff Goldblum is Zeus, the King of the Gods. All-powerful, cruel, occasionally benevolent... he has no idea that the plot to take him down has begun. From the writer of "The End of the F*cking World" and the producers of Chernobyl. Kaos is a mythological dark-comedy series created by Charlie Covell. The series revolves around six humans as they discover their connection to each other and to a long standing ancient prophecy while they deal with corrupt and arrogant gods of the Greek mythology. The main cast includes Goldblum as Zeus (introduced below), Janet McTeer as Hera, Cliff Curtis as Poseidon, David Thewlis as Hades, Killian Scott as Orpheus, Debi Mazar as Medusa, and Nabhaan Rizwan as Dionysus. Plus four other mortals – Riddy (Aurora Perrineau), Orpheus (Killian Scott), Caneus (Misia Butler) & Ari (Leila Farzad) who come from different walks of life, all cosmically connected in the battle against Zeus. Each one has a very different role to play and any one of them may be destined to bring down the Gods. Stay tuned for more footage soon.

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🍿 › Posted March 19 in Streaming, To Watch, Trailer | Comments
Featurettes for 'Monkey Man' Include Jordan Peele Raving About It
By Alex Billington
Monkey Man Featurette
"What I'm really drawn to in this film is theme of: revenger becoming an avenger." Let's rock!! Universal has debuted a promo featurette for Monkey Man, the badass action movie from Dev Patel. It's directed by Patel, and produced by Jordan Peele and his company Monkeypaw. The first trailer dropped in earlier in the year, it just premiered at the SXSW Film Festival to rave reviews, and hits theaters worldwide in April. Acclaimed British actor Dev Patel achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man's quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who killed his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor & powerless. Packed with thrilling & spectacular fight and chase scenes, Monkey Man is inspired by the legend of Hanuman. The cast includes Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Ashwini Kalsekar, Makarand Deshpande, Adithi Kalkunte, Sikandar Kher. This featurette includes Jordan Peele talking about how much this movie blew him away and how watching it in theaters kicks ass. Cannot wait for it! So excited! The hype is through the roof now.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in Featurette, Hype, To Watch, Trailer | Comments
Watch: Jim Cummings' Awkward New Comedy Short 'The Last Brunch'
By Alex Billington
The Last Brunch Short Film
"I will never not be myself for nobody." Is that some wisdom... or a threat? There's nothing like an awkward brunch with someone you don't like. Indie filmmaker Jim Cummings has unveiled his brand new short film called The Last Brunch online - it's available to watch now. The 11-minute short just premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival earlier this month, and he's launched it on the web without any delay after the fest. The short is about two couple getting brunch at a nice restaurant in Los Angeles, and their conversation gets more and more awkward as it goes on. Starring Bridge Stuart, Dustin Hahn, Taylor Misiak, Julia Bales, Hailey Rose, and Max Fillss. It's best to enjoy this film without knowing anything about where this conversation is going or what will be going down at this lovely brunch. This short quite similar to Julia Bales' short Followers, also about awkward moments. That line about "being thirsty" really does sum it up.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in Comedy, Short Film, To Watch | Comments
US Trailer for Peculiar Doc 'Art Talent Show' About a Prague Art School
By Alex Billington
Art Talent Show Doc Trailer
"We torture our students." Film Movement has revealed an official trailer for a documentary film titled Art Talent Show, a peculiar creation from the two Czech filmmakers Tomás Bojar & Adéla Komrzý. This first premiered at the 2022 Karlovy Vary Film Festival in Czechia, and it also stopped by the IDFA, Docs Against Gravity, and True/False Film Festivals last year as well. In the vein of Frederick Wiseman's work, Art Talent Show offers insightful commentary on the intergenerational cultural dissonance surrounding contemporary topics like identity politics and social justice in relation to art and its practice. A "documentary less about art or talent than about the Sisyphean task of assessing one and nurturing the other", the filmmakers take a sensitive and ultimately light-hearted approach to the examination of art school admission (to the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague). The film wonders: "How do you assess artistic talent? And what role can art play in today's world?" A layered, observational documentary which presents a portrait of an institution and a light generational statement in one. Seems like it gets crazy! Take a look below if you're curious to find out more.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in Documentaries, Foreign Films, To Watch, Trailer | Comments
Sarah Alexandra Marks in Bad Survival Thriller 'Escape' Official Trailer
By Alex Billington
Escape Trailer
Well Go USA is releasing this direct-to-video survival thriller titled Escape, which is not the most original or interesting title. It's already available on VOD now after premiering last year. After being taken from an island resort by a criminal gang, ten young women hatch an escape plan through the deset as they fight for survival against their ruthless kidnappers. They're caught off-guard when some of the women break free and fight back. his trash action thriller film stars Sarah Alexandra Marks, Sophie Rankin, Sean Cronin, Angela Dixon, Glenn Salvage, Jon-Paul Gates, Ksenia Islamova, Megan Lockhurst, and Tiffany Hannam-Daniels. "I really wanted the film to be a total blast and an epic journey... It's outlandish and larger than life. The action & violence are visceral and the landscapes striking. When the women fight back, they fight back hard," the director explains. This really looks as terrible as any movie can - avoid at all costs.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in To Watch, Trailer | Comments
First Look Teaser for 'Joy' Film with Thomasin McKenzie & Bill Nighy
By Alex Billington
Joy Teaser Trailer
"What we're doing... it matters." Netflix has unveiled a quick first look teaser promo for the film titled Joy, telling the story of the very first "test tube baby" born in 1978. Not to be confused with the 2015 Jennifer Lawrence movie also titled Joy or last year's Joy Ride, this is totally different. This upcoming Netflix films tells the story of three British trailblazers: a young nurse, a visionary scientist and an innovative surgeon – facing opposition from the church, state, media and medical establishment, in their pursuit of the world's first 'test tube baby' – Louise Joy Brown. An uplifting and emotional film based on the story of the birth of IVF. Starring Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton, and Bill Nighy as the three maverick visionaries who overcame tremendous odds & opposition to realize their dream. No release date confirmed yet, but it's expected to debut streaming in the next few months. A few nice clips of footage in this for an initial preview.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in To Watch, Trailer | Comments
Sony Announces 'Spider-Mondays' - All 8 'Spider-Man' Movies Back
By Alex Billington
Spider-Mondays
"Go get 'em, tiger." Spider-Man is back! Er, the Spider-Men are back! All the Spideys you can handle! Sony has announced as part of their 100 Years of Columbia Pictures celebration they're re-releasing all 8 of the live-action Spider-Man movies in theaters again this summer movie season. From the original Sam Raimi-directed Spider-Man from 2002 all the way through the most recent multiverse team-up movie Spider-Man: No Way Home from 2021. Each movie will be playing on Monday and ONLY on Monday starting in April all the way through June. Only in select theaters, so check your local listings. This seems like such a corporate "we don't have a new Spider-Man movie this year, so we'll just replay all of them" move. And none of the animated movies are included (unfortunately). If you love the original two Sam Raimi movies, like I do, this is a chance to enjoy them again on the big screen. Catch the fun preview below for Spider-Mondays.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in Hype, Marvel, Movie News, To Watch, Trailer | Comments
Full Trailer Lands for Snyder's 'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver'
By Alex Billington
Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver Trailer
"I have no choice... but to fight!" Here we go again. Netflix has launched the main official trailer for Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver, the finale of Zack Snyder's sci-fi saga. The first half, Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire, is now playing on Netflix worldwide after launching in December last year. There is also supposedly an R-rated "Director's Cut" arriving sometime soon (maybe better to wait for that). Rebel Moon is an original Zack Snyder creation, a Star Wars-esque sci-fi thriller about a ragtag team of rebels. In a universe controlled by a corrupt militaristic government, the moon of Veldt is threatened by the Imperium, the army of the Mother World controlled by "Regent Balisarius". Sofia Boutella stars as Kora, a former Imperium fighter who rallies warriors from across the galaxy to fight back. Part Two features an ensemble cast lead by Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Anthony Hopkins as the voice of "Jimmy", Staz Nair, Fra Fee, Cleopatra Coleman, Stuart Martin, Ingvar Sigurðsson, & Charlotte Maggi. Time to finish the fight! Looks like it will be an all-out, action bonanza finale with the "Scargiver" taking on the entire fleet. The robot looks badass! Not sure about the rest though.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in Sci-Fi, Streaming, To Watch, Trailer | Comments
Gillian Anderson & Rufus Sewell in Newsnight Film 'Scoop' Full Trailer
By Alex Billington
Scoop Trailer
"I've never been smuggled into a palace before." Netflix has unveiled the main official trailer for the film Scoop, a behind-the-scenes account of Prince Andrew's infamous Newsnight interview. This is debuting in early April on Netflix worldwide for everyone to enjoy (first teaser here). It tells the story of how the BBC obtained their bombshell interview with Prince Andrew bravely discussing his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview aired in 2019 just a few years ago - you can watch a BBC video about it here. Gillian Anderson (as Emily Maitlis), Keeley Hawes (as Amanda Thirsk), Billie Piper (as McAlister), and Rufus Sewell (as Prince Andrew) star in Scoop, which is directed by Philip Martin, who has been directing episodes of "The Crown", "Catherine the Great", & "Night Sky" most recently. The film is a tribute to the tenacity and bravery of journalists, showing how far they're willing to go for a major scoop. Might be good! The performances in this look tremendous, seems like it's going to be an invigorating watch.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in To Watch, Trailer | Comments
First Trailer for Mysterious 'The King Tide' Film About a Girl with Powers
By Alex Billington
The King Tide Trailer
"She was delivered to us..." VVS Films has revealed the full official trailer for a mysterious religious drama titled The King Tide, set in a struggling East Coast island community in Canada. This indie thriller first premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival last year, and it also played at the Atlantic & Cinéfest Sudbury Film Fests. After the mayor of an idyllic island village discovers a child with mysterious powers awash on their shores, the once peaceful community is divided by conflict, torn over the belief the child is the next savior. Isla's adoptive parents must decide whether her safety takes precedence over what the community believes. The cast features Frances Fisher, Clayne Crawford, Aden Young, Michael Greyeyes, Lara Jean Chorostecki, and Kathryn Greenwood, with Alix West Lefler starring as 10-year-old Isla. TIFF describes it further: "It’s a story about an insular community refusing to accept a much larger world beyond its shores, mirroring our specific cultural circumstance while serving as a timeless meditation on faith and fundamentalism." This looks like a clever, chilling, modern re-imagining of The Wicker Man. Worth a look.

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🍿 › Posted March 18 in Indies, To Watch, Trailer | Comments
Watch: Animated Short Doc 'My Parent, Neal' - A Heartfelt Conversation
By Alex Billington
My Parent, Neal Short Film
"I really wish I had done this sooner... As I get older, I'm a little more braver." This wholesome and honest short film features a heartfelt conversation turned into beautiful animation. My Parent, Neal is a 8-min short doc created by filmmaker Hannah Saidiner as a CalArts thesis project. It premiered in late 2021 / early 2022 and is available online now. Created for The New Yorker (here's the article), the film is about Hannah's conversation with her father - discussing his late-in-life transition to become who they really are. For most of his life, Neal, a man with a beard and tattoos now, was known as Nina, a schoolteacher and self-described 'mama' to two kids. Hannah explains: "Beginning on our shared birthday, my dad has always been a big and wonderful presence in my life - I'm so happy I get to share him, his story, and our relationship with the world through this film." I would like to see this doc with the real footage, but I like how intimate & personal it is, and all the animation also feels very personal as well. These stories are so important to share.
Sean Astin

Astin at the 2016 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest
Born Sean Patrick Duke
February 25, 1971 (age 53)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Alma mater University of California, Los Angeles (BA)
American University (MPAP)
Occupation
Actor
Years active 1980–present
Political party Democratic
Spouse Christine Harrell ​(m. 1992)​
Children 3
Parents
Patty Duke (mother)
John Astin (adoptive father)
Relatives Mackenzie Astin (brother)
Alexander Astin (adoptive uncle)
Allen V. Astin (adoptive grandfather)
Website seanastin.com
Sean Patrick Astin (né Duke; born February 25, 1971) is an American actor. His acting roles include Mikey Walsh in The Goonies (1985), Billy Tepper in Toy Soldiers (1991), Daniel Ruettiger in Rudy (1993), Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), Doug Whitmore in 50 First Dates (2004), Bill in Click (2006), Lynn McGill in the fifth season of 24 (2006), Oso in Special Agent Oso (2009–2012), Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–2017), Bob Newby in the second season of Netflix's Stranger Things (2017),[1] and Ed in No Good Nick (2019).

Astin's acting awards include a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Young Artist Awards. He was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1994 for the short film Kangaroo Court. He is the son of actress Patty Duke and was adopted in 1972 by her then-husband, actor John Astin.

Early life
Astin was born in Santa Monica, California, on February 25, 1971, the son of actress Patty Duke (1946–2016) and Michael Tell (born 1951[citation needed]).[2][3][4] At the time, it was incorrectly reported that entertainer Desi Arnaz Jr. was his biological father. Tell is a writer, music promoter, and publisher of the newspaper The Las Vegas Israelite. When Duke became pregnant, she was unsure whether Arnaz, Tell, or actor John Astin was the father, and Tell offered to marry her as a way out of the scandal.[5] The marriage lasted only 13 days in 1970, ending before Astin was born.[6][7][8]

In 1972, Duke married John Astin. When the wedding guests were invited to speak, 18-month-old Astin looked at John and cried, "Daddy!", to which the Episcopal priest performing the ceremony remarked, "Well, that about does it!"[9] John subsequently adopted Sean. In 1973, Duke gave birth to Astin's brother Mackenzie Astin, who also became an actor. Duke and John Astin divorced in 1985.[10] Duke married Mike Pearce in 1986,[6] and they adopted a son, Kevin, in 1989.[10] When Astin was 14, Duke told him that Arnaz was his biological father. Almost a decade later, in 1994, Astin met Tell's niece, who suggested that Astin get a paternity test. Tell was found to be his actual biological father.[11] Astin developed close relationships with all three, saying: "Desi Arnaz Jr. loves me, and I love him." Astin considers John his father, as John raised him. Astin is also close to his stepfather, Mike Pearce, saying, "I can call any of them on the phone any time I want to. John, Desi, Mike, or Papa Mike ... my four dads."[6]

Astin is of German and Irish ancestry through his mother, and Jewish ancestry through his biological father.[12][13][14] Astin attended Catholic school and later became a Protestant.[15]

Astin attended the Crossroads High School for the Arts and undertook master classes at the Stella Adler Conservatory in Los Angeles. He graduated cum laude from UCLA with a B.A. in History and English (American literature and culture). An alumnus of Los Angeles Valley College, Astin served on the school's board of directors of the Patrons Association and the Arts Council.[16]

Career
Early career

Astin in 1997
Astin's first acting role was in a 1981 television film titled Please Don't Hit Me, Mom,[17] in which he played an 8-year-old child with an abusive mother (portrayed by his real-life mother Patty Duke). Astin made his film debut at the age of 13 as Mikey in The Goonies (1985).

After The Goonies, Astin appeared in several more films, including the Disney television film The B.R.A.T. Patrol, opposite Nia Long, Tim Thomerson, and Brian Keith; Like Father Like Son (1987); White Water Summer with Kevin Bacon (1987), The War of the Roses (1989); the World War II film Memphis Belle (1990); Toy Soldiers (1991); Encino Man (1992); and the college football biopic Rudy (1993), about the life-changing struggles and rewards of the titular character, Daniel Ruettiger.

In 1994, Astin directed and co-produced (with his wife, Christine Astin) the short film Kangaroo Court, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. Astin continued to appear in films throughout the 1990s, including the Showtime science fiction film Harrison Bergeron (1995), the Gulf War film Courage Under Fire (1996), and the Warren Beatty political satire Bulworth (1998).

The Lord of the Rings
In the early 2000s, Astin played Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, consisting of The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003). Many awards were bestowed upon the trilogy, particularly its final installment, which earned eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Astin received seven award nominations for his own performance, and won five, including the Saturn Award, the Sierra Award, the Seattle Film Critics Award, and the Utah Film Critics Award (all for Best Supporting Actor), and the Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male or Female in an Effects Film.[18] The Return of the King cast as an ensemble received awards from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, the Screen Actors Guild, the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and received a Gold Derby Award.[19] Throughout the filming process, Astin became close friends with several cast members, particularly Elijah Wood. Astin's daughter, Alexandra, is in the closing scene of The Return of the King, playing his onscreen daughter, Elanor.

While working on The Lord of the Rings, Astin persuaded a number of fellow cast and crew members, including director Peter Jackson, to assist him in making his second short film, The Long and Short of It. The film, which takes place on a street in Wellington, New Zealand, premiered at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and can be found on the DVD for The Two Towers, along with a "making of" video.

In 2004, Astin released There and Back Again (ISBN 0-312-33146-0), a memoir (co-written with Joe Layden) of his film career with emphasis on his experiences during production of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The title is derived from the title of J. R. R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit, as well as the fictional book written by Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings.

After The Lord of the Rings

Astin at UIUC, 2009
Since The Lord of the Rings, Astin has continued to work in film and television. His film roles have included the Adam Sandler comedies 50 First Dates and Click. Astin played the role of Malibu High School principal Mike Matthews in the film Smile.[20][better source needed]

In television, Astin guest-starred as Lynn McGill in ten episodes of the fifth season of the Fox drama 24. He also appeared in the made-for-TV films Hercules and The Colour of Magic and in episodes of Monk, Las Vegas, My Name Is Earl (in which he parodied his 1993 film Rudy with co-stars Charles S. Dutton and Chelcie Ross), and Law & Order, among other shows. Astin directed a 2003 episode of the TV series Angel, titled "Soulless". He played the enigmatic Mr. Smith on the second season of the Showtime series Jeremiah.[21][better source needed]

Astin's career has also expanded to include voice-over roles. He narrated the American version of the Animal Planet series Meerkat Manor, and voices the title character in Special Agent Oso which aired on Playhouse Disney from 2009 to 2011 and Disney Junior from 2011 to early 2014.[22] Astin's other voice work includes Balto III: Wings of Change, in which he voiced Kodi, a teenage husky who is the son of the titular character, and the video game Kingdom Hearts, in the latter of which he provided the voice of Hercules, replacing actor Tate Donovan, who was unavailable but would return for Kingdom Hearts II. Astin also voiced Raphael in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series on Nickelodeon, which premiered on September 29, 2012, running for five seasons and 124 episodes, and ending on November 12, 2017.

In 2010, Astin joined the Stella Adler Los Angeles Theatre Collective acting company.[23] Also as of 2010, Astin and his wife, Christine, were making a film based on Lois Lowry's Newbery Medal-winning novel Number the Stars.[24][25] They bought the film rights in 2008 and wrote a screenplay adaptation, with plans to direct and produce it themselves.[26]

In March 2012, Astin played a cosmetic surgeon named Takin Mastuhmik in a fake trailer entitled Boobathon which appeared on Funny or Die.[27] In March 2014, Astin played a soldier in Boys of Abu Ghraib, a military thriller inspired by the events that made worldwide news in 2004.[28][better source needed] In June of that year, he began playing the role of Jim Kent on the FX drama The Strain.[29]

In October 2015, Astin played Hank Erwin in Woodlawn, a story about how a high school football team overcame racism and hate, and found unity and success through following Jesus.[30]

In 2017, Astin played the role of Bob Newby in season two of the Netflix series Stranger Things. In 2019, Astin reprised the role of Newby in flashback scenes during the series' third season, played the role of Dr. Greg Pemberton on several episodes of The Big Bang Theory, and had a guest appearance on the fifth season of Supergirl. In 2019, he was in the Netflix dramedy No Good Nick in which he played Ed. That same year, he appeared in the sixth season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

In May 2020, Astin joined Josh Gad's YouTube series Reunited Apart, which reunites the casts of popular films through video-conferencing and promotes donations to non-profit charities. Others in the episode were fellow The Lord of the Rings castmates Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Karl Urban, and Elijah Wood, plus writer Philippa Boyens and director Peter Jackson.[31][32]

Astin narrated the 2023 comedy film Go West, the first theatrical film from the original cast of the sketch comedy show Studio C, produced by their own company, JK Studios.[33] Astin is making his Broadway debut as Santa Claus in a revival of Elf the Musical, which is scheduled to run at the Marquis Theatre from November 2024 to January 2025.[34][35]

Personal life
Astin married Christine Harrell on July 11, 1992. They have three daughters: Alexandra (born in November 1996), Elizabeth (born in August 2002), and Isabella (born in July 2005), all having the middle name Louise.[36] His wife held the Miss Indiana Teen USA title in 1984.[37] Alexandra had a small cameo role in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King as Elanor Gamgee, Astin's character's daughter, and appears in Bad Kids of Crestview Academy as Ethel Balducci.

Astin has a tattoo on his ankle of the word "nine" written with the Tengwar script, commemorating his Lord of the Rings involvement and his character's membership in the "Fellowship of the Ring". Seven of the eight other actors (Elijah Wood, Sean Bean, Billy Boyd, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen and Orlando Bloom) all have the same tattoo. John Rhys-Davies' stunt double, Brett Beattie, has the tattoo as well.[38]

In an August 2013 interview, Astin said that he is a Lutheran Christian, having been "baptized in my wife's Lutheran church".[15] "I don't know if I'm a very good [Christian] but I'm praying the forgiveness thing is legit," Astin said in an interview.[39]

In January 2015, Astin completed the Dopey Challenge at the Walt Disney World Resort which involves running a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and full marathon on four consecutive days.[40][41]

On October 10, 2015, Astin competed in the 2015 Ironman World Championship in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Wearing number 143, Astin finished the race in a time of 15:30:31.[42] In the 2020s, Astin enrolled as a Masters student in public administration and policy at American University;[43] he completed the degree in 2024.[44]

Political support
From 1995 to 2005, Astin served as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) and afterwards served on the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation for two years during the George W. Bush administration.[45][46] He was awarded the honorary Emeritus Civilian Aide designation in 2022.[43]

Astin is a lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party.[47] During the 2004 United States presidential election, Astin backed Senator John Kerry and participated in Kerry's campaign rally in Portland, Oregon, as the opening speaker.[48] In the 2008 presidential election, Astin lent his support to then-Senator Hillary Clinton for the first of her two Presidential campaigns and made multiple campaign appearances on her behalf, including joining Clinton's daughter Chelsea at some stops.[49] Astin served as the campaign manager for Democrat Dan Adler, a businessman friend in the entertainment industry, in California's 36th congressional district special election of 2011.[46] In the 2016 presidential election, Astin campaigned for Hillary Clinton in midwestern states such as Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin.[50] In a 2020 Twitter post, Astin voiced his support for Democratic nominee Joe Biden.[51] On July 29, 2024, Astin appeared in the White Dudes for Harris Zoom call expressing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.[52] Astin additionally appeared at the 2024 Democratic National Convention during the nominating roll call vote on August 20, 2024, representing Indiana.[53][54]

In September 2024, Astin urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign SB 1047, a bill that would require advanced AI models to undergo safety testing before deployment.[55]

Filmography
Film
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1985 The Goonies Michael "Mikey" Walsh Film debut
1986 The B.R.A.T. Patrol Leonard Kinsey [56]
1987 Like Father Like Son Clarence / Trigger
White Water Summer Alan
1989 The War of the Roses Josh Rose (age 17)
Staying Together Duncan McDermott
1990 Memphis Belle Sergeant Richard "Rascal" Moore
1991 Toy Soldiers William Tepper
The Willies Michael
1992 Where the Day Takes You Greg
Encino Man Dave Morgan
1993 Rudy Daniel Ruettiger
1994 Teresa's Tattoo Step Brother Uncredited [57]
Safe Passage Izzy Singer
1995 The Low Life Andrew
1996 Courage Under Fire Patella
1998 Boy Meets Girl Mike
Bulworth Gary
1999 Deterrence Ralph
Kimberly Bob
2000 Dish Dogs Morgan
The Last Producer Bo Pomerantz
Icebreaker Matt Foster
The Sky Is Falling Mr. Schwartz
2001 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Samwise Gamgee
2002 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2004 Balto III: Wings of Change Kodi Voice[58]
Elvis Has Left the Building Aaron
50 First Dates Doug Whitmore
2005 Smile Mike Matthews
Bigger Than the Sky Ken Zorbell
Slipstream Stuart Conway Direct-to-DVD
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School Kip Kipling
Borderland Randall
Love & Debate Coach Amal Direct-to-DVD
2006 What Love Is George Direct-to-VOD
Asterix and the Vikings Justforkix Voice, English dub[58]
Click Bill
2007 The Final Season Kent Stock
My Wife Is Retarded Jeff Short film
2008 Forever Strong Marcus
Spirit of the Forest Furi Voice[58]
2009 Stay Cool Big Girl Direct-to-VOD
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Meerkat Manor Narrator Voice[58]
2011 Demoted Mike Direct-to-VOD
2012 Boobathon Takin Mastuhmik Trailer [27]
Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea Stuart Direct-to-DVD
2013 The Freemason Leon Weed Direct-to-DVD
2014 Justice League: War Shazam Voice[58]
Boys of Abu Ghraib Staff Sergeant Tanner Direct-to-VOD
Cabin Fever: Patient Zero Porter Direct-to-DVD [59][60]
Moms' Night Out Sean [61][62]
Video Games: The Movie Narrator Documentary
Ribbit Ribbit Voice[58]
The Hero of Color City Horatio Voice[58]
The Surface Mitch Direct-to-VOD
Stan Lee's Mighty 7 Kid Kinergy Voice[58]
2015 Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Shazam Voice[58]
Do You Believe? Dr. Farell
Woodlawn Hank
Checkmate Dyson
2016 The Do-Over Ted-O
Range 15 Grigsby
Unleashed Carl
2017 Bad Kids of Crestview Academy Headmaster Nash
Dead Ant Art
Espionage Tonight Sam Jacobson
The Lears Tom Cornwall
2018 Gloria Bell Jeremy
2020 Adverse Frankie
Lego DC: Shazam!: Magic and Monsters Shazam Voice[58]
2021 Hero Mode Jimmy
Charming the Hearts of Men George
2023 The AD-X2 Controversy Himself Documentary short
iMordecai Marvin
Go West Narrator [33]
Hard Miles Speedy
The Shift Gabriel
Holiday Twist Whitmer
The Man in the White Van William [63]
2024 Man and Witch: The Dance of a Thousand Steps Dog
2025 Love Hurts TBA Post-production
Television
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1981 Please Don't Hit Me, Mom Brian Reynolds
1982 The Rules of Marriage Charlie Hagen
1985 The O'Briens The Son
1986 The B.R.A.T. Patrol Leonard Kinsey
1995 Harrison Bergeron Harrison Bergeron Television film
2003 Angel N/A Director (episode: "Soulless")
2003–2004 Jeremiah Mister Smith Main role (season 2)
2004 Higglytown Heroes Pix the Elf Voice (1 episode) [64]
2004 Party Wagon Randall McDuff, Josiah Voice, television film[58]
2005 Hercules Linus Main role
Into The West Martin Jarrett Miniseries
2005–2007 Meerkat Manor Narrator Seasons 1–3
2006 24 Lynn McGill Main role (Season 5)
2007 Masters of Science Fiction Charlie Kramer Episode: "Watchbird"
Monk Paul Buchanan Episode: "Mr. Monk Is At Your Service"
My Name Is Earl Salesman Episode: "Get a Real Job"
2008 Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic Twoflower Television film
Law & Order Pastor Hensley Episode: "Angelgrove"
2009–2012 Special Agent Oso Agent Oso Main role (60 episodes)[58]
2011 Love's Christmas Journey Mayor Wayne Television film
2012 NCIS Tyler Elliot Episode: "The Tell"
Adopting Terror Tim Television film
Dorothy and the Witches of Oz Frack Miniseries
Hollywood Treasure Himself Episode: "Riddler Rudy and the Ruby Slippers"
Franklin & Bash Viper Episode: "Viper"
Alphas Mitchell 2 episodes
2012–2017 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael Voice[58]
2013 Santa Switch Eddie Television film [65]
2014 The Strain Jim Kent Main role
2015, 2017 Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero Blaze Voice, 4 episodes[58][66][67]
2015 Sofia the First Benngee Voice, 2 episodes[58]
2016 The Loud House Loni Voice, episode: "One of the Boys" [68]
The Librarians Kirby Goulding Episode: "And the Tears of a Clown"
2016–2018 Justice League Action Shazam Voice, 5 episodes[58]
Bunnicula Chester Voice[58]
2017–2019 Stranger Things Bob Newby 10 episodes
2018–2020 The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants Narrator
2019 The Big Bang Theory Dr. Pemberton 3 episodes
No Good Nick Ed Main role
Brooklyn Nine-Nine Sergeant Knox Episode: "Ticking Clocks"
2019–2020 Supergirl Pete Andrews 2 episodes
2020 New Looney Tunes Himself 3 episodes
2021 Jungledyret Hugo Hugo
Playing with Power: The Nintendo Story Narrator
Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? Himself Voice, episode: "Returning of the Key Ring!"[58]
2023 Perry Mason Sunny Gryce Season 2 (8 episodes) [69]
2023–present The Conners Tyler 3 episodes [70]
2023 Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Master Sloth Voice, 2 episodes
2024 A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter Himself/Santa Claus Netflix Holiday Special [71]
Web series
Year Title Role
2020 Wayward Guide for the Untrained Eye Lesly Stone
2023 Third Eye[72] Frank
Video games
Year Title Role Notes
2002 Kingdom Hearts Hercules English version
2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Samwise Gamgee
2004 Men of Valor Pat 'Mouth' Hodges
2006 The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king Samwise Gamgee
2010 The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest
2012 Lego The Lord of the Rings Archive recordings
2013 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael
2015 Lego Dimensions Samwise Gamgee
2016 Minecraft: Story Mode Reginald [58]
2024 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Wrath of the Mutants Raphael [73]
Awards and nominations
Year Association Category Work Result Ref.
1985 Young Artist Awards Best Starring Performance by a Young Actor – Motion Picture The Goonies Won
1989 Young Artist Awards Best Young Actor Starring in a Motion Picture Staying Together Won
1991 Young Artist Awards Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture Toy Soldiers Nominated
1994 Academy Awards Best Live Action Short Film Kangaroo Court Nominated
2001 Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Nominated
2002 MTV Movie Awards MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team (shared with Elijah Wood and Gollum/Andy Serkis) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Won
Visual Effects Society Best Performance by an Actor in an Effects Film (shared with Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Won
Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Nominated
2003 Chicago Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actor The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Nominated
National Board of Review Best Cast The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actor The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Visual Effects Society Outstanding Male or Female Actor The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Best Ensemble The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Nominated
2014 Utah Film Awards Best Actor The Freemason Won [74]
2017 Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Stranger Things Nominated
References
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Further reading
Dye, David (1988). Child and Youth Actors: Filmography of Their Entire Careers, 1914–1985. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co. p. 7. ISBN 978-0899502472.
Holmstrom, John (1996). The Moving Picture Boy: An International Encyclopaedia from 1895 to 1995. Norwich: Michael Russell. pp. 385–386. ISBN 978-0859551786.
External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sean Astin.
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Sean Astin at the American Film Institute Catalog
Sean Astin at IMDb Edit this at Wikidata
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Categories: 1971 births20th-century American male actors21st-century American male actorsAmerican child modelsAmerican LutheransAmerican male child actorsAmerican male film actorsAmerican male television actorsAmerican male video game actorsAmerican male voice actorsAmerican people of German-Jewish descentAmerican people of Irish-Jewish descentCalifornia DemocratsCrossroads School alumniFilm directors from Los AngelesFilm producers from CaliforniaJewish American male actorsJewish film peopleLiving peopleLos Angeles Valley College peopleMale actors from Santa Monica, CaliforniaOutstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winnersUniversity of California, Los Angeles alumni
The Lord of the Rings

Directed by Peter Jackson
Screenplay by
Fran Walsh
Philippa Boyens
Peter Jackson
Stephen SinclairTT
Based on The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Produced by
Barrie M. Osborne
Peter Jackson
Fran Walsh
Tim SandersFOTR
Starring
Elijah Wood
Ian McKellen
Viggo Mortensen
Sean Astin
Liv Tyler
Bernard Hill
Cate Blanchett
John Rhys-Davies
Andy Serkis
Billy Boyd
Dominic Monaghan
Orlando Bloom
Christopher Lee
Hugo Weaving
Sean Bean
Cinematography Andrew Lesnie
Edited by
John GilbertFOTR
Michael HortonTT
Jamie SelkirkROTK
Music by Howard Shore
Production
companies
New Line Cinema
WingNut Films
Distributed by New Line Cinema
Release date 2001–2003
Running time Total (3 films):
558 minutes (theatrical)
683 minutes (extended)
Countries
New Zealand
United States
Language English
Budget Total (3 films):
$281 million
Box office Total (3 films):
$2.964 billion
The Lord of the Rings is a trilogy of epic fantasy adventure films directed by Peter Jackson, based on the novel The Lord of the Rings by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. The films are titled identically to the three volumes of the novel: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003). Produced and distributed by New Line Cinema with the co-production of WingNut Films, the films feature an ensemble cast including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Christopher Lee, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, and Sean Bean.

Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and the Company of the Ring embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring to defeat its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron. The Company eventually splits up and Frodo continues the quest with his loyal companion Sam and, eventually, the treacherous Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, heir in exile to the throne of Gondor, along with the elf Legolas, the dwarf Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Boromir, and the wizard Gandalf, unite to save the Free Peoples of Middle-earth from the forces of Sauron and rally them in the War of the Ring to aid Frodo by distracting Sauron's attention.

The three films were shot simultaneously in Jackson's native New Zealand from 11 October 1999 until 22 December 2000, with pick-up shots from 2001 to 2003. It was one of the biggest and most ambitious film projects ever undertaken, with a budget of $281 million (equivalent to $514 million in 2023). The first film in the series premiered at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on 10 December 2001; the second film premiered at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on 5 December 2002; the third film premiered at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington on 1 December 2003. An extended edition of each film was released on home video a year after its release in cinemas.

The Lord of the Rings is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential film series ever made. It was a major financial success and is among the highest-grossing film series of all time, having grossed over $2.9 billion worldwide. Their faithfulness to the source material was a subject of discussion. The series received numerous accolades, winning 17 Academy Awards out of 30 total nominations, including Best Picture for The Return of the King. In 2021, the Library of Congress selected The Fellowship of the Ring for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".[1]

Films
The Fellowship of the Ring
Main article: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
In the Second Age of Middle-earth, the lords of Elves, Dwarves, and Men are given Rings of Power. Unbeknownst to them, the Dark Lord Sauron forges the One Ring in Mount Doom, instilling into it a great part of his power to dominate the other Rings and conquer Middle-earth. A final alliance of Men and Elves battles Sauron's forces in Mordor. Isildur of Gondor severs Sauron's finger and the Ring with it, thereby vanquishing Sauron and returning him to spirit form. With Sauron's first defeat, the Third Age of Middle-earth begins. The Ring's influence corrupts Isildur, who takes it for himself and is later killed by Orcs. The Ring is lost in a river for 2,500 years until it is found by Gollum, who owns it for over four and a half centuries. The Ring abandons Gollum and is subsequently found by a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who is unaware of its history.

Sixty years later, Bilbo celebrates his 111th birthday in the Shire, reuniting with his old friend, the wizard Gandalf the Grey. Bilbo departs the Shire for one last adventure and leaves his inheritance, including the Ring, to his nephew Frodo. Gandalf investigates the Ring, discovers its true nature, and learns that Gollum was captured and tortured by Sauron's Orcs, revealing two words during his interrogation: "Shire" and "Baggins". Gandalf returns and warns Frodo to leave the Shire. As Frodo departs with his friend, gardener Samwise Gamgee, Gandalf rides to Isengard to meet with the wizard Saruman but discovers his betrayal and alliance with Sauron, who has dispatched his nine undead Nazgûl servants to find Frodo.

Frodo and Sam are joined by fellow hobbits Merry and Pippin, and they evade the Nazgûl before arriving in Bree, where they are meant to meet Gandalf. However, Gandalf never arrives, having been taken prisoner by Saruman. The hobbits are then aided by a Ranger named Strider, who promises to escort them to Rivendell; however, they are ambushed by the Nazgûl on Weathertop, and their leader, the Witch-King, stabs Frodo with a Morgul blade. Arwen, an Elf and Strider's beloved, locates Strider and rescues Frodo, taking him to Rivendell where he is healed by the Elves and reunited with