The Lord of the Rings returns to the big screen

Middle-earth is returning to the big screen. Warner Bros. Discovery has deemed cinemagoers worthy of further tales in the shadow of Mount Doom.

”Following our recent acquisition of Middle-earth Enterprises, we’re thrilled to embark on this new collaborative journey with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, bringing the incomparable world of J.R.R. Tolkien back to the big screen in new and exciting ways. We understand how cherished these works are and working together with our partners at New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, we plan to honor the past, look to the future, and adhere to the strongest level of quality and production values.” said Lee Guinchard, CEO of Freemode.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King concluded Sir Peter Jackson's acclaimed adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy in 2003. The final movie debuted in the midst of a life-changing familial trauma and I've been unwilling to watch it since. A tragic association during the darkest of times and not an indictment. Perhaps one day I'll be able to revisit it.

”Twenty years ago, New Line took an unprecedented leap of faith to realize the incredible stories, characters and world of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ on the big screen. The result was a landmark series of films that have been embraced by generations of fans. But for all the scope and detail lovingly packed into the two trilogies, the vast, complex and dazzling universe dreamed up by J.R.R. Tolkien remains largely unexplored on film. The opportunity to invite fans deeper into the cinematic world of Middle-earth is an honor, and we are excited to partner with Middle-earth Enterprises and Embracer on this adventure,” said Warner Bros. Pictures Group Co-Chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy.

Jackson's The Hobbit was a tale stretched too thinly as a trilogy. However, I very much enjoyed The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime, which is the most expensive television series ever made.

Are you looking forward to further Middle-earth movies? Would you rather see something new in an era bereft of ideas and dominated by a few franchises? Let me know in the comments below.

The Rings of Power

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (affiliate link) has concluded on Amazon Prime. Is Tolkien's rich tapestry used to great effect or to boost sales in Alexa's walled garden on Black Friday?

Nick Smith, our US-based stellar scribe, travels back to Middle-earth to witness the forging of the rings of power in the shadow of Mordor.

Guest post by Nick Smith

There was a time long ago when orcs were in. Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy ruled movie theatres and everyone followed the adventures of Frodo Baggins and his furry-toed friends.

Although those moments are lost to all but memory and overpriced DVD box sets, there’s enough love for them and their Hobbit prequels to justify Amazon’s $1 billion series, The Rings of Power.

A reported sum of over $200 million secured the rights to the franchise, the rest goes towards the production of this (hopefully) five-year series.

It's good. It’s epic. The acting is excellent and the heroes are likeable – Robert Aramayo makes a perfect pointy-eared elf ambassador; Ismael Cruz Cordova is a superb, stoic warrior. Archetypes and cultures from the books are present, never looking down its nose at dwarves, depicting the orcs as ornery and formidable.

There was a time, 10,000 songs ago, when all that discerning Tolkien fans dreamed of was a conclusion to Ralph Bakshi’s animated adaptation of the saga. The pioneering, delightfully demented filmmaker used actors as templates for his cartoon characters, giving them hyper-real movement. This was an expensive, arduous process and Bakshi fell out with producer Saul Zaentz.

Bakshi was only able to film part of the saga and fans never thought they’d see The Return of the King at the movies, let alone a lavish prequel like The Rings of Power. Now we are spoiled with stories so long that the tellers can take their sweet time to introduce and develop characters and situations, unveil mysteries and foreshadow the events of the books.

There‘s a reason why television shows were 45 minutes in length for decades. Rings strives to hold our attention for over an hour with segments that eke out the narrative. Impatient people beware. The first episode, for example, opens with several minutes of exposition before we get to the central narrative.

Through it all, we’re led by Galadriel (performed with boldness and grace by Morfydd Clark). The focus on female characters never seems forced and the sense of scale and travel, abetted by maps, is adequately grand.

There was a time, long ago, when the gentle folk of the smokin’ 60s read Tolkien’s books and found that the theme of nature versus destructive progress resonated with them and made their beards bristle. Fortunately, that same theme – developed to great effect in the movies, as the orcs destroyed the landscape – is revisited here.

There was a time, far away in years, when a linguist and educator wrote fantasy novels.

The theme of war’s futility clicked with the veterans who read them. The battle scenes glimpsed in The Rings of Power are lavish and exciting with high stakes for the heroes – one lost skirmish and they could lose their lands, their family or friends.

Magic is used sparingly and shown to be so powerful that the characters can barely control it, let alone understand it.

With The Rings of Power, Jeff Bezos wants a piece of HBO’s action. Both Rings and House of the Dragon are prequels to high-profile fantasy sagas. We know what’s going to happen thanks to references in the original texts.

However, compared to the saucy Dragon, Rings is chaste and far more family-friendly. It’s none the worse for that. Dragon has a seam of betrayal and tragedy that has yet to be mined in Rings, although this is partly redressed with a glimpse of the dreaded Mordor. There’s enough difference between the two shows to make them both worth watching.

There were other times, other themes to explore, and other battles to be fought. But they would have to wait for future years and destined streams ahead.

Have you watched The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power? Let me know in the comments below.

Howard Shore returns to The Lord of the Rings

My journey into Middle-earth began in childhood when scholarly neighbour friends gifted me a copy of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. This was shortly before a screening of Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings at the local Odeon (I still have a copy of the free promotional brochure handed out to audiences).

A few years later, Brian Sibley's audio adaptation for BBC Radio 4 and The Hobbit video game for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum cemented a love of all things Tolkien.

The latest live-action adaptation of Tolkien's fantasy epic was announced in 2017 and then seemingly lost, like the one ring to rule them all, to the mists of time. All the while new competitors entered the streaming space as a pandemic engulfed the world.

On 2nd September, Amazon Prime subscribers (myself included) will be able to watch the first season of a billion-dollar prequel series entitled The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Read the official synopsis:

"Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone."

SlashFilm reports via Deadline that Hollywood composer Howard Shore (The Lord of the Rings) is returning to the franchise. The award-winning composer will be joined by Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica).

“With their deep understanding of the Tolkien legendarium, coupled with two of the greatest musical talents of our age, we’re thrilled that Howard and Bear are joining us on this epic journey to Middle-earth,” said Bob Bowen, Worldwide Head of Music for Amazon Studios.

McCreary said:

"As I set out to compose the score for this series, I strove to honor Howard Shore's musical legacy. When I heard his majestic main title, I was struck by how perfectly his theme and my original score, though crafted separately, fit together so beautifully. I am excited for audiences to join us on this new musical journey to Middle-earth."

McCreary has released themes for Galadriel and Sauron on Amazon Music (affiliate link).

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Prime Video brought a new trailer along.



Are you excited to return to Middle-earth for the first time since Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy? Let me know in the comments below.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

"In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie." Amazon Studios has announced the title of its billion-dollar The Lord of the Rings prequel series.

This September, fans (myself included) can venture forth into The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power exclusively on Amazon Prime (affiliate link).



“This is a title that we imagine could live on the spine of a book next to J.R.R. Tolkien’s other classics. The Rings of Power unites all the major stories of Middle-earth’s Second Age: the forging of the rings, the rise of the Dark Lord, the epic tale of Numenor, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men,” series showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay said in a joint statement. “Until now, audiences have only seen onscreen the story of the One Ring — but before there was one, there were many … and we’re excited to share the epic story of them all.”

The latest live-action adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic was announced in 2017 and then seemingly lost, like the one ring, to the mists of time. All the while new competitors entered the streaming space including Apple TV+ and Disney+ and a pandemic engulfed the world.

With The Witcher's smash hit second season on Netflix and a Game of Thrones prequel series coming soon on HBO Max, it's an exciting time for us fantasy fans.

Are you excited to return to Middle-earth for the first time since Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy? Let me know in the comments below.

Amazon's The Lord of the Rings in 2022

Amazon Studios has shared an enigmatic teaser image and announced a release date for its ambitious billion-dollar adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.

“The journey begins September 2, 2022 with the premiere of our original ‘The Lord of the Rings’ series on Prime Video,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “I can’t express enough just how excited we all are to take our global audience on a new and epic journey through Middle-earth! Our talented producers, cast, creative, and production teams have worked tirelessly in New Zealand to bring this untold and awe-inspiring vision to life.”

The latest live-action adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic was announced in 2017 and then seemingly lost, like the one ring, to the mists of time. All the while new competitors entered the streaming space including Apple TV+ and Disney+ and a pandemic engulfed the world.

TheOneRing.net exclusively shared the official synopsis:

"Amazon Studios’ forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone."

“As Bilbo says, ‘Now I think I am quite ready to go on another journey,’” said showrunners J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. “Living and breathing Middle-earth these many months has been the adventure of a lifetime. We cannot wait for fans to have the chance to do so as well.”

Principal photography for the first season has finished in New Zealand with a year of postproduction to follow.

“I can’t express enough just how excited we all are to take our global audience on a new and epic journey through Middle-earth!” added Salke. “Our talented producers, cast, creative, and production teams have worked tirelessly in New Zealand to bring this untold and awe-inspiring vision to life.”

The ensemble cast includes Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Joseph Mawle, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman and Sara Zwangobani.

Are you excited to return to Middle-earth for the first time since Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy? Let me know in the comments below.

Amazon announces prequel to The Lord of the Rings

In the wake of Disney announcing a live-action Star Wars series for its upcoming streaming service. Amazon has inked a deal to create a $250 million dollar prequel series to The Lord of the Rings with the option of a further spin-off.

“The Lord of the Rings is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the imagination of generations of fans through literature and the big screen,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, head of scripted series at Amazon Studios. “We are ... thrilled to be taking The Lord of the Rings fans on a new epic journey in Middle Earth.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is searching for the next Game of Thrones. The Lord of the Rings is a good fit and mitigates risk with a pre-existing storied franchise.

“We are delighted that Amazon, with its longstanding commitment to literature, is the home of the first-ever multi-season television series for The Lord of the Rings,” said Matt Galsor, a representative for the Tolkien Estate and Trust and HarperCollins.

The Lord of the Rings has held me in its thrall since seeing Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation in 1978. This was followed by Brian Sibley's lauded audio adaptation for BBC Radio 4 and most recently Peter Jackson's live-action trilogy. The Hobbit was, frankly, stretched too thinly and I've no interest in rewatching. If anything, I hope Amazon will retain the services of composer Howard Shore for its upcoming series.

Are you excited to see a prequel to The Lord of the Rings? Let me know in the comments below.

Has Peter Jackson confirmed directing Doctor Who?

From directing one lord to another. Director Peter Jackson posted this hilarious video on his Facebook page, which shows Peter Capaldi urging the director of The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit to direct Doctor Who.



Series showrunner Steven Moffat has wanted Jackson to direct for sometime. The Oscar-winner is a fan of the series. Wonder how he'll adapt to uprooting from New Zealand for a 12-day shoot in Cardiff?

Excited to see Peter Jackson direct Doctor Who? Let me know in the comments below.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

This retro review, originally published in SFX and Starburst magazines, harks back to a time before director Peter Jackson favoured bloated spectacle as evidenced by The Hobbit trilogy...

In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie

The diluted darkness of the Star Wars prequels is eclipsed by Sauron’s shadow in The Two Towers!

Director Peter Jackson reprises the narrative cue of Irvin Kershner (The Empire Strikes Back) and, forsaking any introduction, embarks on a deeper, introspective and urgent deconstruction of the psychology that underpins the now fragmented fellowship; the Ring’s seduction of Frodo, the tragedy of Gollum (a true synthespian) and the heroics of Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen a revelation), Gimli and Legolas.

Visually. Rivendell’s redolent beauty is replaced by nightfall, ruin and decay. The Elves, in their haste to elude Sauron, accelerated the corruption of the landscape. This aesthetic is maintained throughout most of the film and recapitulates the theme of darkness falling, but light is not entirely driven into shadow.

The battle at Helm’s Deep delivers in ways that no Clone War could ever emulate - an epic confrontation from a very human perspective. In between the moments of dark reflection there are those that are life-affirming. None has more poignancy than that of Gandalf’s return.

If there is a fly in the ointment; it is the Balrog! This ‘mythical’ beast appears to have escaped from a console game and should have evoked memories of the T-Rex attack from Jurassic Park.

Despite my serious reservations surrounding this project. Peter Jackson has surprised and delighted with both Fellowship and Towers. Will it be three times the charm or will the trials of the trilogy be insurmountable even for this master of the ring?

Peter Jackson to direct Doctor Who

After years of speculation Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit director Peter Jackson will direct Doctor Who. Probably.

Steven Moffat told SFX in the magazine’s new issue:

“He can do what the hell he likes – he owns New Zealand! I think he’s sincere in his Doctor Who fandom, to say the least. He’s a nice guy, he quite often drops me a line after a show goes out. He’s into it – it’s just ‘Can you make it work?’ I think he would also like us to go and make it in New Zealand! And I'm like ‘Okaaay… I’d rather we just flew you to Cardiff!’”

Are you excited for epic episodes? Let me know in the comments below.

The Hobbits discover LEGOLAND

This summer LEGO will launch official tie-ins for Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and forthcoming The Hobbit. Imagine sets depicting Mirkwood or Mordor?

Given the success of the LEGO franchise in the video game space...

The Bonfire of the Vanities

It's Bonfire Night in the UK. A celebration of Guy Fawkes' abortive Gunpowder Plot, which would have culminated in the destruction of the Houses of Parliament. This morning, somewhat aptly, I've had the opportunity to view THAT teaser trailer...



Last evening’s online debut of the Episode III teaser teaser lead to Lucasfilm’s servers overloading and their licensing division issuing cease and desist orders left, right and centre to sites posting images and links to the trailer (only available to paying Hyperspace and AOL members at time of writing).

Clearly a work in progress, as evinced by incomplete CGI shots, the trailer inspires obvious elemental comparison with The Return of the King (yet fails to evoke the same sense of scope). Much has now been made of the ANH/TPM/AOTC montage at the start (32 seconds) and Obi Wan’s voice over. From a subjective standpoint it reinforces the patchiness of the Star Wars saga since the prequels were unleashed from the hallowed halls of Skywalker Ranch (the current DVD release typifies this and lacks the cohesiveness of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings).



Highlights include Darth Vader’s awakening a la Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a screaming Darth Sidious (genuinely unnerving) and an enraged Anakin Skywalker. The attendant space battles are incumbered by too many elements on screen at once - ROTJ Death Star battle magnified to the extreme.



Overall the teaser affords insight into the dark core of the story and coupled with John Williams’ score, so long as Lucas’ incessant tinkering is minimised, Revenge may yet stand alongside Empire as a darling of both critics and fans.

As a footnote. The Episode III banner was composited in Photoshop Elements 3.0 and the screen grabs were captured in QuickTime 6.x Pro (with a light dusting of Photoshop magic).