Warner Bros. announces new film adaptations in Lord of the Rings franchise

The studio recently confirmed that new films based on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy universe are now in the works.

February 24, 2023 - 4:37 PM IST

Warner Bros. recently announced that new adaptations are currently in the works in Peter Jackson’s acclaimed Lord of the Rings franchise!

Warner Bros. announces new film adaptations in Lord of the Rings franchise

According to Entertainement Weekly, Warner Bros. Pictures announced on Thursday that it has signed a multiyear agreement with Embracer Group to produce more films based on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. New Line Cinema, which produced Peter Jackson's acclaimed Lord of the Rings film trilogy in the early 2000s, is also part of the deal as a film label of Warner Bros.

“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,” Warner Bros. Pictures executives said in a statement.

“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.”

Embracer executive Lee Guinchard also added in a statement, “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,” he added. Meanwhile, it is yet to be confirmed if the franchise director Jackson will return for these new adaptations.

In a joint statement to Variety, Jackson and his Lord of the Rings collaborators, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, shared Warner Bros and Embracer “have kept us in the loop every step of the way” about the new films in the works. “We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,” Jackson, Walsh and Boyens said.

Jackson’s successful first trilogy starred Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, and Cate Blanchett. The films went on to earn 30 Oscar nods and took home 17 trophies, including best picture for 2003’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

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