After "The Hobbit" trilogy got a mixed reception (despite being a commercial success) and "The Rings of Power" improved upon the feature films and even turned war from a cool source of thrills into the horror Tolkien described, the "Lord of the Rings" franchise is going back on the big screen where it belongs.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has been threatening new live-action "Lord of the Rings" movies in his quest to just mine every piece of intellectual property the studio owns, but in the meantime, we are getting a brand new story set in Tolkien's legendarium, and there are many reasons to be excited about it. "The War of the Rohirrim" is a brand-new story set in Middle-earth, and it's one of our most anticipated movies of the year. But what exactly is this movie? Here's your guide to everything we know about "The War of the Rohirrim,...
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has been threatening new live-action "Lord of the Rings" movies in his quest to just mine every piece of intellectual property the studio owns, but in the meantime, we are getting a brand new story set in Tolkien's legendarium, and there are many reasons to be excited about it. "The War of the Rohirrim" is a brand-new story set in Middle-earth, and it's one of our most anticipated movies of the year. But what exactly is this movie? Here's your guide to everything we know about "The War of the Rohirrim,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
“Oppenheimer” is the most nominated film at this year’s Oscars with 13 nominations. That’s one shy of the all-time record of 14 nominations so it missed out on Oscars history in the nomination phase.
However, Universal’s movie could match Academy Awards history in the awards phase by equalling the record of 11 Oscar wins overall. So far, three films have won 11 Academy Awards. They were “Ben-Hur” in 1960, “Titanic” in 1998, and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in 2004. Here’s the breakdown of what awards they won.
“Ben-Hur”
Best Picture — Sam Zimbalist Best Director — William Wyler Best Actor — Charlton Heston Best Supporting Actor — Hugh Griffith Best Film Editing Best Cinematography (Color) Best Music (Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) Best Costume Design (Color) Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Color) Best Sound Recording Best Visual Effects
*”Ben-Hur” was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for Karl Tunberg...
However, Universal’s movie could match Academy Awards history in the awards phase by equalling the record of 11 Oscar wins overall. So far, three films have won 11 Academy Awards. They were “Ben-Hur” in 1960, “Titanic” in 1998, and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in 2004. Here’s the breakdown of what awards they won.
“Ben-Hur”
Best Picture — Sam Zimbalist Best Director — William Wyler Best Actor — Charlton Heston Best Supporting Actor — Hugh Griffith Best Film Editing Best Cinematography (Color) Best Music (Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) Best Costume Design (Color) Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Color) Best Sound Recording Best Visual Effects
*”Ben-Hur” was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for Karl Tunberg...
- 3/8/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The films in contention for the 2024 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar are “American Fiction,” “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” and “The Zone of Interest.” Our odds currently indicate that “American Fiction” (7/2) will win the award, followed in order of likelihood by “Oppenheimer” (18/5), “Barbie” (4/1), “Poor Things” (9/2), and “The Zone of Interest” (9/2).
This marks only the 14th instance in 96 years of all five Best Adapted Screenplay-nominated films also being in the running for Best Picture. Prior to the last time in 2017 – the year “Moonlight” achieved dual victories – this had happened only twice during the 21st century (2011; 2013) and once during the latter half of the 20th (1965). The bulk of cases occurred almost annually from 1934 to 1943, with the only inapplicable year being 1937.
Respective “The Zone of Interest” and “Oppenheimer” writers Jonathan Glazer and Christopher Nolan are simultaneously nominated for Best Director, while Nolan is also set to face off against “American Fiction” scripter Cord Jefferson in the Best Picture race.
This marks only the 14th instance in 96 years of all five Best Adapted Screenplay-nominated films also being in the running for Best Picture. Prior to the last time in 2017 – the year “Moonlight” achieved dual victories – this had happened only twice during the 21st century (2011; 2013) and once during the latter half of the 20th (1965). The bulk of cases occurred almost annually from 1934 to 1943, with the only inapplicable year being 1937.
Respective “The Zone of Interest” and “Oppenheimer” writers Jonathan Glazer and Christopher Nolan are simultaneously nominated for Best Director, while Nolan is also set to face off against “American Fiction” scripter Cord Jefferson in the Best Picture race.
- 3/7/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
It’s been two decades since an epic fantasy film made history at the Oscars, winning every category in which it was nominated, and three women set new records. There weren’t many surprises at the 76th Academy Awards, but there were some memorable moments. Billy Crystal hosted for his eighth time on February 29, 2004. Read on for Gold Derby’s Oscars flashback 20 years ago to 2004.
It was finally Peter Jackson‘s time as the third installment of his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy earned him a trio of awards. Despite numerous nominations, the first two films failed to make big showings; however, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” not only claimed Best Picture, but won all 11 categories in which it was nominated. It tied with “Ben-Hur” (1960) and “Titanic” (1998) for most wins in one ceremony, and holds the record for biggest sweep. It was the 10th film...
It was finally Peter Jackson‘s time as the third installment of his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy earned him a trio of awards. Despite numerous nominations, the first two films failed to make big showings; however, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” not only claimed Best Picture, but won all 11 categories in which it was nominated. It tied with “Ben-Hur” (1960) and “Titanic” (1998) for most wins in one ceremony, and holds the record for biggest sweep. It was the 10th film...
- 3/3/2024
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
When adapting any great work of literature, or even one that is just mid, filmmakers and visual artists will be forced to make changes big and small for any myriad of reasons. Sometimes it is due to the economy of storytelling in a truncated form—such as the famous example of Scarlett O’Hara’s number of children shrinking from three to one in Gone with the Wind. Other times, the changes are made because the requirements of a visual medium shifts the structure of the story; like showing the massacre at Hardhome by ice zombies in Game of Thrones instead of simply reading about it in a letter. There are even times when the filmmaker wants to put a modern spin on the text. This would be how every Dracula now is a sexy rock star god.
But then, dear reader, there are times when the filmmaker or screenwriter sees...
But then, dear reader, there are times when the filmmaker or screenwriter sees...
- 12/12/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Fantasy is a genre that is often hard done by the awards groups, particularly the academy. Occasionally, the odd masterpiece such as Peter Jackson‘s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which won 17 Oscars, will break their barrier but, in general, the genre doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Even “Harry Potter” failed to earn an Oscar win and was never nominated in any above-the-line category.
However, Andrew Haigh‘s “All of Us Strangers” is poised to be the next fantastical film that makes the academy’s voters sit up and take notice. Part romance, part ghost story, the film is loosely based on Taichi Yamada‘s 1987 novel “Strangers.” The story follows Andrew Scott‘s Adam as a writer struggling with his latest project who forms a relationship with Paul Mescal‘s Harry. As their relationship progresses, Adam finds himself drawn to his past and visits his hometown only...
However, Andrew Haigh‘s “All of Us Strangers” is poised to be the next fantastical film that makes the academy’s voters sit up and take notice. Part romance, part ghost story, the film is loosely based on Taichi Yamada‘s 1987 novel “Strangers.” The story follows Andrew Scott‘s Adam as a writer struggling with his latest project who forms a relationship with Paul Mescal‘s Harry. As their relationship progresses, Adam finds himself drawn to his past and visits his hometown only...
- 11/24/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
New Line’s new animated movie, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, is moving from its April 12, 2024 release date to Dec. 13 next year.
The move stems from a chain-reaction of Warner Bros re-dating today, spurred by Legendary Entertainment’s Dune: Part Two going from Nov. 3 this year to March 15, 2024, which then pushed that financier and producer’s other title, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire from that date to April 12, 2024. Dune: Part Two had to move had to shift on account of the unavailability of its cast to promote during the actors strike.
War of the Rohirrim will now face off on its new December date against Sony’s reboot of The Karate Kid.
The anime feature, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, is set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original New Line Lord of the Rings trilogy. Those Peter Jackson movies, in addition to his Hobbit trilogy,...
The move stems from a chain-reaction of Warner Bros re-dating today, spurred by Legendary Entertainment’s Dune: Part Two going from Nov. 3 this year to March 15, 2024, which then pushed that financier and producer’s other title, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire from that date to April 12, 2024. Dune: Part Two had to move had to shift on account of the unavailability of its cast to promote during the actors strike.
War of the Rohirrim will now face off on its new December date against Sony’s reboot of The Karate Kid.
The anime feature, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, is set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original New Line Lord of the Rings trilogy. Those Peter Jackson movies, in addition to his Hobbit trilogy,...
- 8/24/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
One franchise to rule them all. Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery revealed its plans to mine J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” for more material. The newly formed studio, a combination of WarnerMedia and Discovery, said it would make multiple films with the property over the next several years, ostensibly rebooting the beloved series of films that grossed almost $3 billion worldwide and won several Oscars. The previous franchise’s filmmaking team – Oscar winners Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens – will not be involved directly in the features, but said in a statement they were kept “in the loop” about the Warner Bros. Discovery plans. “We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,” Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens said.
That was good news for many “Lord of the Rings” fans and even some of the old cast members. Speaking to...
That was good news for many “Lord of the Rings” fans and even some of the old cast members. Speaking to...
- 4/14/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Elijah Wood has weighed in on Warner Bros. and New Line’s plan to develop more Lord of the Rings movies.
In a new interview with GQ, the 42-year-old actor said he was generally supportive of the idea, but admitted to having a concern.
“I’m fascinated and I’m excited,” he said. “I hope it’s good. I’m surprised—I don’t know why I’m surprised because, of course there would be more movies. Obviously at the core of that, is a desire to make a lot of money. It’s not that a bunch of executives are like, ‘Let’s make really awesome art.’ And, again, not begrudging anybody because, of course, it is commerce. But great art can come from commerce. So those two things are not mutually exclusive.”
“But Lord of the Rings didn’t come out of that place,” he added. “It came...
In a new interview with GQ, the 42-year-old actor said he was generally supportive of the idea, but admitted to having a concern.
“I’m fascinated and I’m excited,” he said. “I hope it’s good. I’m surprised—I don’t know why I’m surprised because, of course there would be more movies. Obviously at the core of that, is a desire to make a lot of money. It’s not that a bunch of executives are like, ‘Let’s make really awesome art.’ And, again, not begrudging anybody because, of course, it is commerce. But great art can come from commerce. So those two things are not mutually exclusive.”
“But Lord of the Rings didn’t come out of that place,” he added. “It came...
- 4/14/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elijah Wood is “fascinated” and “surprised” over Warner Bros. developing multiple new “Lord of the Rings” movies. The studio announced the plan in February. Wood, of course, played the hobbit Frodo in Peter Jackson’s original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which grossed $2.9 billion worldwide and remains one of cinema’s greatest fantasy achievements.
“I’m fascinated and I’m excited. I hope it’s good,” Wood recently told GQ magazine about the new films. “I’m surprised—I don’t know why I’m surprised because, of course there would be more movies.”
“Obviously at the core of that, is a desire to make a lot of money,” Wood continued. “It’s not that a bunch of executives are like, ‘Let’s make really awesome art.’ And, again, not begrudging anybody because, of course, it is commerce. But great art can come from commerce. So those two things are not mutually exclusive.
“I’m fascinated and I’m excited. I hope it’s good,” Wood recently told GQ magazine about the new films. “I’m surprised—I don’t know why I’m surprised because, of course there would be more movies.”
“Obviously at the core of that, is a desire to make a lot of money,” Wood continued. “It’s not that a bunch of executives are like, ‘Let’s make really awesome art.’ And, again, not begrudging anybody because, of course, it is commerce. But great art can come from commerce. So those two things are not mutually exclusive.
- 4/14/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
More and more screen adaptations of the works of Jrr Tolkien are in development these days. In addition to Amazon’s The Rings of Power, a prequel series set during the Second Age of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Warner Bros. Discovery announced in February that new films are also in development. The first will be an animated movie called The War of the Rohirrim, set 183 years before The Lord of the Rings and telling the story of a legendary king of Rohan called Helm Hammerhand, owner of the great horn at Helm’s Deep, which was named after him. We can only speculate on what else Wbd might have planned — the love story of Aragorn and Arwen, told in the Appendices to The Lord of the Rings, is surely ripe for a film adaptation and would probably be our first choice.
A blockbuster Tolkien franchise incorporating various different stories and characters...
A blockbuster Tolkien franchise incorporating various different stories and characters...
- 4/4/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Tolkien-inspired mythology has taken over our screens while a treasure chest of epic fantasy tales lies unused
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King will be back in North American cinemas next month, to celebrate 20 years since Peter Jackson first debuted his Oscar-winning film. Its return to the multiplexes comes at a time when we seem to have more Jrr Tolkien-inspired fantasies to choose from than a 1980s branch of Games Workshop. As well as Gollum and co returning to the big screen, we have the baffling, utterly superfluous yet sumptuously filmed and geekily delightful small screen The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV show. Then next year there will be The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an animated venture with Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand and Jackson alumnus Miranda Otto as Eowyn (who will take the narrator’s role...
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King will be back in North American cinemas next month, to celebrate 20 years since Peter Jackson first debuted his Oscar-winning film. Its return to the multiplexes comes at a time when we seem to have more Jrr Tolkien-inspired fantasies to choose from than a 1980s branch of Games Workshop. As well as Gollum and co returning to the big screen, we have the baffling, utterly superfluous yet sumptuously filmed and geekily delightful small screen The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV show. Then next year there will be The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an animated venture with Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand and Jackson alumnus Miranda Otto as Eowyn (who will take the narrator’s role...
- 3/24/2023
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Polish up that ring you've been keeping secret and safe because Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Pictures are re-releasing the extended edition of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" in theaters for a limited time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film, according to Deadline. I'll just pause here for a second to let you digest how old that makes you.
The 2003 film, the third in the trilogy based on the works of author J.R.R. Tolkien, was directed by Peter Jackson from a script from Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. It starred Elijah Wood as Frodo, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Sean Astin as Samwise, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, Billy Boyd as Pippin, Dominic Monaghan as Merry, John Rhys-Davies as Gimli, Orlando Bloom as Legolas, and Andy Serkis as Sméagol/Gollum. It won an Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as 10 others that year,...
The 2003 film, the third in the trilogy based on the works of author J.R.R. Tolkien, was directed by Peter Jackson from a script from Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. It starred Elijah Wood as Frodo, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Sean Astin as Samwise, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, Billy Boyd as Pippin, Dominic Monaghan as Merry, John Rhys-Davies as Gimli, Orlando Bloom as Legolas, and Andy Serkis as Sméagol/Gollum. It won an Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as 10 others that year,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy divides fans. While many were thrilled that Jackson and collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens returned to Middle Earth to film this adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s book, more than a few fans felt the movies didn’t live up to what had come before. Indeed, following up the Lord of the Rings trilogy would never be easy. Those films are regarded as modern classics, with the third movie, The Return of the King, even winning Best Picture and Director Academy Awards. How do you follow up a classic?
Indeed, there was never really supposed to be a Hobbit trilogy, with Guillermo del Toro initially attached to turn Tolkien’s tome into a 2-movie tale. Eventually, del Toro had to depart the project due to ongoing delays and Jackson, to the delight of fans, stepped in as a director, expanding the project’s scope to three films.
Indeed, there was never really supposed to be a Hobbit trilogy, with Guillermo del Toro initially attached to turn Tolkien’s tome into a 2-movie tale. Eventually, del Toro had to depart the project due to ongoing delays and Jackson, to the delight of fans, stepped in as a director, expanding the project’s scope to three films.
- 3/20/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
When writer-director Sarah Polley won her well-deserved Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 95th Academy Awards last night, her speech started with a clever callout. "I want to thank the Academy for not being mortally offended by the words 'women' and 'talking' put so close together like that!" she said, before speaking about the themes of democratic womanhood in Miriam Toews' novel. While the reference to "Women Talking" could easily apply to a half-dozen different areas of improvement the Oscars still has to work on when it comes to supporting women, it also gets to the truth of Polley's category: in over 90 years, Polley is only the 10th woman to receive the trophy. This is also the first time in Oscar history that it's gone to a woman two years in a row.
Past winners of what's currently known as the Best Adapted Screenplay race include plenty of writers...
Past winners of what's currently known as the Best Adapted Screenplay race include plenty of writers...
- 3/14/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
(Welcome to Best Action Scene Ever, a column dedicated to breaking down the best, most effective action sequences throughout the genre. In this edition, we revisit the last time a crowd-pleasing, action-heavy genre film swept the Academy Awards with "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.")
I'm not breaking any new ground here by pointing out that, traditionally, action movies haven't fared all that well at the Academy Awards. When "Mad Max: Fury Road," arguably the greatest of all time, could handily win most of the technical, below-the-line awards but be denied any of the more "prestigious" honors back in 2016, well, that kind of says it all. The fully-ingrained genre bias within the voting body might finally have started to melt away in recent history, as evidenced by "Everything Everywhere All At Once" and its delightfully strong performance at this year's awards, but certain films managed to...
I'm not breaking any new ground here by pointing out that, traditionally, action movies haven't fared all that well at the Academy Awards. When "Mad Max: Fury Road," arguably the greatest of all time, could handily win most of the technical, below-the-line awards but be denied any of the more "prestigious" honors back in 2016, well, that kind of says it all. The fully-ingrained genre bias within the voting body might finally have started to melt away in recent history, as evidenced by "Everything Everywhere All At Once" and its delightfully strong performance at this year's awards, but certain films managed to...
- 3/13/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Sarah Polley’s Oscar win gives Best Adapted Screenplay back-to-back female champs for the first time
“Women Talking”? More like women (are) winning. Sarah Polley took home the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar on Sunday, making her one of the category’s few female winners and giving the category back-to-back female champs for the first time.
With Polley’s victory, Best Adapted Screenplay has now gone to women nine times — and twice to the same person, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who triumphed for 1986’s “A Room with a View” and 1992’s “Howards End.” Polley joins Jhabvala as one of four women who’ve won as solo writers. The others are Emma Thompson (1995’s “Sense and Sensibility”) and last year’s winner, Sian Heder (“Coda”).
The category’s other female winners prevailed as part of writing teams. Sarah Y. Mason was the first woman to win adapted screenplay for co-writing 1933’s “Little Women” with her husband Victor Heerman. Claudine West shared her award for 1942’s “Mrs. Miniver” with George Froeschel,...
With Polley’s victory, Best Adapted Screenplay has now gone to women nine times — and twice to the same person, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who triumphed for 1986’s “A Room with a View” and 1992’s “Howards End.” Polley joins Jhabvala as one of four women who’ve won as solo writers. The others are Emma Thompson (1995’s “Sense and Sensibility”) and last year’s winner, Sian Heder (“Coda”).
The category’s other female winners prevailed as part of writing teams. Sarah Y. Mason was the first woman to win adapted screenplay for co-writing 1933’s “Little Women” with her husband Victor Heerman. Claudine West shared her award for 1942’s “Mrs. Miniver” with George Froeschel,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
The films in contention for the 2023 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar are “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Glass Onion,” “Living,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Women Talking.” Our odds currently indicate that “Women Talking” (10/3) will win the award, followed in order of likelihood by “All Quiet on the Western Front” (37/10), “Glass Onion” (9/2), “Top Gun: Maverick” (9/2), and “Living” (9/2).
“Glass Onion” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” which are, respectively, the first sequels to 2019’s “Knives Out” and 1986’s “Top Gun,” are the first pair of continuation films ever nominated against each other in this category. Included among the seven sequels that have contended here before are winners “The Godfather Part II” (1975) and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2004) and nominees “Before Sunset” (2005), “Toy Story 3” (2011), “Before Midnight” (2014), “Logan” (2018), and “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (2021).
Of the 11 individual writers in this year’s lineup, only Sarah Polley (“Women Talking”) has competed for this particular award before.
“Glass Onion” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” which are, respectively, the first sequels to 2019’s “Knives Out” and 1986’s “Top Gun,” are the first pair of continuation films ever nominated against each other in this category. Included among the seven sequels that have contended here before are winners “The Godfather Part II” (1975) and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2004) and nominees “Before Sunset” (2005), “Toy Story 3” (2011), “Before Midnight” (2014), “Logan” (2018), and “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (2021).
Of the 11 individual writers in this year’s lineup, only Sarah Polley (“Women Talking”) has competed for this particular award before.
- 3/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
New “Lord of the Rings” movies are officially on the way from Warner Bros., and Andy Serkis is the first original cast member to say he’s ready to return to Middle-earth. Serkis gave an iconic motion capture performance as Gollum in Peter Jackson’s original trilogy and reprised the role in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.”
“Look, [producers] Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens are sort of a second family that I have become part of and have gone on to make so many films with,” Serkis told BroBible’s Post-Credit Podcast. “And — let me tell you — they are the best and most incredible people to work with. I think that there are so many other potential Middle-earth projects which could come about, and if they’re doing them, I would, of course, jump at the chance to have that relationship rekindled.”
Serkis added, “Middle-earth has never left me.”
While...
“Look, [producers] Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens are sort of a second family that I have become part of and have gone on to make so many films with,” Serkis told BroBible’s Post-Credit Podcast. “And — let me tell you — they are the best and most incredible people to work with. I think that there are so many other potential Middle-earth projects which could come about, and if they’re doing them, I would, of course, jump at the chance to have that relationship rekindled.”
Serkis added, “Middle-earth has never left me.”
While...
- 3/10/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
When Amazon debuted its highly anticipated Most Expensive TV Series Ever Made — The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power last fall — the company had to contend with a bothersome rival from Warner Bros. Discovery: the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. Warners picked a debut date for its prestige TV drama 12 days before Amazon’s $1 billion gamble launched, ensuring nonstop media and fandom comparisons, many of which were less favorable to the family-friendly Rings. For Amazon, the head-to-head rivalry was all the more galling because Warners is a minority licensee stakeholder in Rings, so they’re ostensibly supposed to be on the same side. Team Rings’ public spin concerning the matchup went like this: None of this matters because these shows are totally different.
All of which made the Feb. 23 announcement by Warners almost Westeros-level brutal: Now the studio is going to make The Lord of the Rings content,...
All of which made the Feb. 23 announcement by Warners almost Westeros-level brutal: Now the studio is going to make The Lord of the Rings content,...
- 2/28/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"I think I'm quite ready for another adventure."
When an aged Bilbo Baggins spoke that wistful line at the end of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," it was meant as a bittersweet and definitively final note to put a capper on one of the most formative blockbuster trilogies to ever grace the silver screen. Not even Jackson or co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens could've anticipated that they'd once again be roped back into Middle-earth for an entire trilogy of "The Hobbit" movies, let alone watch from the sidelines as Prime Video swooped in to acquire the television rights for a $500+ million series called "The Rings of Power." But in an IP-fixated blockbuster landscape where we're likely to get a never-ending stream of Marvel movies and "Star Wars" installments until the heat death of the universe, it was probably inevitable that the...
When an aged Bilbo Baggins spoke that wistful line at the end of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," it was meant as a bittersweet and definitively final note to put a capper on one of the most formative blockbuster trilogies to ever grace the silver screen. Not even Jackson or co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens could've anticipated that they'd once again be roped back into Middle-earth for an entire trilogy of "The Hobbit" movies, let alone watch from the sidelines as Prime Video swooped in to acquire the television rights for a $500+ million series called "The Rings of Power." But in an IP-fixated blockbuster landscape where we're likely to get a never-ending stream of Marvel movies and "Star Wars" installments until the heat death of the universe, it was probably inevitable that the...
- 2/24/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Middle Earth is returning to the big screen.
On Thursday, during an earnings call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced the studio has landed the rights to produce new “Lord of the Rings” films.
Read More: James Corden Reveals The Role He Auditioned For In ‘Lord Of The Rings’
The deal to produce “multiple” new Middle Earth-set films was struck with Swedish gaming company Embracer Group, which owns the rights to the franchise, Variety reported.
Under Embracer’s Freemode division, the deal includes rights to both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books, with the films being produced under the banner Middle-earth Enterprises.
What those films will look like is still unknown, but while no filmmakers have been attached to the project, “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies director Peter Jackson and his collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are being kept in the loop by the studio.
On Thursday, during an earnings call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced the studio has landed the rights to produce new “Lord of the Rings” films.
Read More: James Corden Reveals The Role He Auditioned For In ‘Lord Of The Rings’
The deal to produce “multiple” new Middle Earth-set films was struck with Swedish gaming company Embracer Group, which owns the rights to the franchise, Variety reported.
Under Embracer’s Freemode division, the deal includes rights to both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books, with the films being produced under the banner Middle-earth Enterprises.
What those films will look like is still unknown, but while no filmmakers have been attached to the project, “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies director Peter Jackson and his collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are being kept in the loop by the studio.
- 2/24/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that new studio leaders Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy have made a deal to make “multiple” films based on the J.R.R. Tolkien books ‘Lord of the Rings’.
The projects will be developed through WB label New Line Cinema. The first ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide; Jackson’s follow-up trilogy based on Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ matched those grosses, reports Variety.
No filmmakers have been attached to the projects as yet, but in a statement to Variety, Jackson and his main ‘Lord of the Rings’ collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens said Warner Bros. and Embracer “have kept us in the loop every step of the way.”
“We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,” Jackson, Walsh and Boyens said.
Freemode, a division of Embracer Group,...
The projects will be developed through WB label New Line Cinema. The first ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide; Jackson’s follow-up trilogy based on Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ matched those grosses, reports Variety.
No filmmakers have been attached to the projects as yet, but in a statement to Variety, Jackson and his main ‘Lord of the Rings’ collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens said Warner Bros. and Embracer “have kept us in the loop every step of the way.”
“We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,” Jackson, Walsh and Boyens said.
Freemode, a division of Embracer Group,...
- 2/24/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
All said and done, Peter Jackson's two trilogies based on Jrr Tolkien's work made more than $6 billion worldwide for Warner Bros. So we perhaps should not be very surprised to learn that parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has hatched a deal to make more movies.
To be clear, these new planned films will be separate from The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim, the animated story of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. That one is already headed to screens next year on 12 April.
Given that the news has only just been revealed by Wbd CEO David Zaslav on an investors' call, there are naturally zero details as to where the new films might draw from, but we'd hope the company doesn't look to tread the same old ground. (The Second Age is also likely off limits thanks to Prime Video's mega budget TV series.
To be clear, these new planned films will be separate from The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim, the animated story of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. That one is already headed to screens next year on 12 April.
Given that the news has only just been revealed by Wbd CEO David Zaslav on an investors' call, there are naturally zero details as to where the new films might draw from, but we'd hope the company doesn't look to tread the same old ground. (The Second Age is also likely off limits thanks to Prime Video's mega budget TV series.
- 2/24/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
We may soon be returning to Middle-earth as New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures have signed a multi-year agreement with Embracer Group Ab’s Middle-earth Enterprises with the intention of making new Lord of the Rings movies.
“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,” Lee Guinchard, CEO of Embracer Group’s operative group Freemode, said. “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.“
Related The Lord of the Rings: Lego unveils massive Rivendell set with over 6000 pieces
Warner Bros. Pictures Group...
“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,” Lee Guinchard, CEO of Embracer Group’s operative group Freemode, said. “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.“
Related The Lord of the Rings: Lego unveils massive Rivendell set with over 6000 pieces
Warner Bros. Pictures Group...
- 2/23/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: The obvious question in David Zaslav’s reveal today that Warner Bros/New Line intend to to head back into Middle-earth with rights owner Embracer and expand the Lord of the Rings franchise is this: What do the Kiwi creatives who architected the Oscar-winning, billion-dollar-grossing franchise feel about the whole thing?
Well, the news is encouraging. Director Peter Jackson and his writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens have just weighed in. Nothing definitive but encouraging from the trio, who did not take part in the Amazon Studios series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Related Story More ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Movies In Works As Warner Bros & New Line Strike Rights Deal Related Story David Zaslav Praises CNN Adding More GOP Voices; "Balance Strategy" Is "Important," Warner Bros Discovery Boss Says Related Story 'Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Eyeing $35M Box Office Opening, But It's...
Well, the news is encouraging. Director Peter Jackson and his writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens have just weighed in. Nothing definitive but encouraging from the trio, who did not take part in the Amazon Studios series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Related Story More ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Movies In Works As Warner Bros & New Line Strike Rights Deal Related Story David Zaslav Praises CNN Adding More GOP Voices; "Balance Strategy" Is "Important," Warner Bros Discovery Boss Says Related Story 'Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Eyeing $35M Box Office Opening, But It's...
- 2/23/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Pictures is revamping the “Lord of the Rings” film franchise.
On a Thursday earnings call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that newly-installed studio leaders Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy have brokered a deal to make “multiple” films based on the beloved J. R. R. Tolkien books. The projects will be developed through WB label New Line Cinema. The first “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide; Jackson’s follow-up trilogy based on Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” matched those grosses.
No filmmakers have been attached to the projects as yet, but in a statement to Variety, Jackson and his main “Lord of the Rings” collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens said Warner Bros. and Embracer “have kept us in the loop every step of the way.”
“We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,...
On a Thursday earnings call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that newly-installed studio leaders Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy have brokered a deal to make “multiple” films based on the beloved J. R. R. Tolkien books. The projects will be developed through WB label New Line Cinema. The first “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide; Jackson’s follow-up trilogy based on Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” matched those grosses.
No filmmakers have been attached to the projects as yet, but in a statement to Variety, Jackson and his main “Lord of the Rings” collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens said Warner Bros. and Embracer “have kept us in the loop every step of the way.”
“We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. and New Line are going back to Middle-earth, with the studio making a deal that will allow it to develop more Lord of the Rings movies.
The multiyear pact with rights holders Embracer Group Ab allows Warners to develop features based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books and The Hobbit. Embracer Group, the Swedish gaming company, acquired the rights to produce Lotr films, games, merchandise, theme park attractions and live productions when it purchased rights holder Middle-earth Enterprises last year from The Saul Zaentz Company.
The move, announced during Warner Bros. Discovery’s investor call Thursday, comes as CEO David Zaslav seeks to assure Wall Street that Warners is very much in the franchise game, here harking back to the 2000s glory days when the studio was minting money with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. In November,...
The multiyear pact with rights holders Embracer Group Ab allows Warners to develop features based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books and The Hobbit. Embracer Group, the Swedish gaming company, acquired the rights to produce Lotr films, games, merchandise, theme park attractions and live productions when it purchased rights holder Middle-earth Enterprises last year from The Saul Zaentz Company.
The move, announced during Warner Bros. Discovery’s investor call Thursday, comes as CEO David Zaslav seeks to assure Wall Street that Warners is very much in the franchise game, here harking back to the 2000s glory days when the studio was minting money with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. In November,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Aaron Couch and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been a rocky road for “Women Talking,” having underperformed or been overlooked completely at various precursors, but it managed to earn two Oscar nominations: Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay for Sarah Polley. The latter category has long been predicted to be the one that the drama could win and it is currently out in front with 16/5 odds. If Polley does pull through, she’ll join a short list of not just female winners in the category but an even shorter list of female writers who’ve won individually.
As is the case with most non-gendered categories, female champs are rather infrequent in Best Adapted Screenplay. In the 94-year history of the Oscars, the award has gone to women just eight times — and twice to the same person, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who prevailed for 1986’s “A Room with a View” and 1992’s “Howards End.” Jhabvala is one of...
As is the case with most non-gendered categories, female champs are rather infrequent in Best Adapted Screenplay. In the 94-year history of the Oscars, the award has gone to women just eight times — and twice to the same person, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who prevailed for 1986’s “A Room with a View” and 1992’s “Howards End.” Jhabvala is one of...
- 1/30/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
In the wake of the breathtaking Avatar: The Way of Water soaring past the 2 billion global gross mark, the James Cameron-directed epic scored a best picture nomination, along with noms for production design, sound and visual effects. The snub of Cameron’s monumental achievement in the best director category continues the franchise’s complex relationship with Oscar.
Related Story Oscar Nominations: The Complete List Of Nominees Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick' Lands Best Picture Nom & Five Others; No Tom Cruise Acting Nom But A Nod For Bringing Moviegoing Back From Pandemic Related Story 'Avatar: The Way Of Water' Swims Past 2B Worldwide; Chinese New Year Kicks Off & 'Puss 2' Nears 300M Global – International Box Office
Cameron surely breathed a sigh of relief when the film performed as robustly as he hoped it would, clearing the way for three or four sequels as Avatar is set...
Related Story Oscar Nominations: The Complete List Of Nominees Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick' Lands Best Picture Nom & Five Others; No Tom Cruise Acting Nom But A Nod For Bringing Moviegoing Back From Pandemic Related Story 'Avatar: The Way Of Water' Swims Past 2B Worldwide; Chinese New Year Kicks Off & 'Puss 2' Nears 300M Global – International Box Office
Cameron surely breathed a sigh of relief when the film performed as robustly as he hoped it would, clearing the way for three or four sequels as Avatar is set...
- 1/24/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
This article contains The Lord of the Rings spoilers.
When The Two Towers was released in December 2002, it was fairly common knowledge among J.R.R. Tolkien fans that screenwriters Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens had initially planned on putting the character of Arwen at the Battle of Helm’s Deep. It would’ve been a major change to the books. And more than just consider the concept, Jackson even filmed scenes with actor Liv Tyler there in complete armored regalia. And even now, several eagle-eyed YouTubers have spotted moments in the final cuts of the film where Tyler can just about be seen on screen from a distance.
However, the filmmakers changed their minds, and Arwen was removed from the sequence while action scenes were reshot. In fact, Arwen’s entire character arc in the film was altered, a decision that was greeted very positively by a large number...
When The Two Towers was released in December 2002, it was fairly common knowledge among J.R.R. Tolkien fans that screenwriters Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens had initially planned on putting the character of Arwen at the Battle of Helm’s Deep. It would’ve been a major change to the books. And more than just consider the concept, Jackson even filmed scenes with actor Liv Tyler there in complete armored regalia. And even now, several eagle-eyed YouTubers have spotted moments in the final cuts of the film where Tyler can just about be seen on screen from a distance.
However, the filmmakers changed their minds, and Arwen was removed from the sequence while action scenes were reshot. In fact, Arwen’s entire character arc in the film was altered, a decision that was greeted very positively by a large number...
- 12/16/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Epic fantasy has been a popular genre in the movies for nearly a century. Classics like "The Wizard of Oz," "Jason and the Argonauts," and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" attracted hordes of moviegoers; they also won awards and drew rave reviews from critics. But not every fantasy film gets two thumbs up. For every "The Lord of the Rings," there's a "Hobbit"; for every "Labyrinth," an "Eragon."
And yet, some of these films might make you sit up and cheer anyway. It's not just the swords and sorcery that make them fun; it's the diverse and complex characters, the bizarre and creative creatures, and the wild and innovative settings. Many fantasy films were lambasted by reviewers when they were released, but if you sit down to watch them today, you'll have a fantastic time.
Don't believe me? These 14 epic fantasy movies were panned by professional commentators, but they're still a blast to watch.
And yet, some of these films might make you sit up and cheer anyway. It's not just the swords and sorcery that make them fun; it's the diverse and complex characters, the bizarre and creative creatures, and the wild and innovative settings. Many fantasy films were lambasted by reviewers when they were released, but if you sit down to watch them today, you'll have a fantastic time.
Don't believe me? These 14 epic fantasy movies were panned by professional commentators, but they're still a blast to watch.
- 12/14/2022
- by Brendan Knapp
- Slash Film
This December, one of director Guillermo del Toro’s long-held passion projects, a stop-motion animated version of Pinocchio, will premiere on Netflix after a limited run in theaters. Del Toro has long wanted to adapt the original 1881 novel, previously saying, “No single character in history has had as deep of a personal connection to me as Pinocchio.”
We’re glad that the esteemed Mr. del Toro—not just one of our finest modern filmmakers, but one of our most influential proponents of all things fantastical—has finally gotten to make Pinocchio just the way he wanted. But the truth is that it’s just one of many, many projects that del Toro has developed or been attached to over the years that nevertheless eluded him. This one just has a happier ending than many of the other projects.
That’s of course the life of any filmmaker. The idea is...
We’re glad that the esteemed Mr. del Toro—not just one of our finest modern filmmakers, but one of our most influential proponents of all things fantastical—has finally gotten to make Pinocchio just the way he wanted. But the truth is that it’s just one of many, many projects that del Toro has developed or been attached to over the years that nevertheless eluded him. This one just has a happier ending than many of the other projects.
That’s of course the life of any filmmaker. The idea is...
- 11/3/2022
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
[Editor’s Note: The following article contains spoilers for “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Season 1 finale, “Alloyed.”]
There were a few cards that “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” hadn’t really played yet. It’s a show that has largely stayed strong on its own merits, even when tossing in some nods to the entry point that a majority of viewers are most familiar with.
On some level, the identities of Sauron and Stranger were going to consume everything else in this season finale like a supernova. That’s partly due to the slow-plays and misdirects that have been built into the season to this point, and it’s also a symptom of how genre TV gets absorbed now. Regardless of the reason, “Rings of Power” was a little less coy at the close of Season 1.
As anyone looking to dissect the finale has no doubt seen by now, “Alloyed” ripped...
There were a few cards that “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” hadn’t really played yet. It’s a show that has largely stayed strong on its own merits, even when tossing in some nods to the entry point that a majority of viewers are most familiar with.
On some level, the identities of Sauron and Stranger were going to consume everything else in this season finale like a supernova. That’s partly due to the slow-plays and misdirects that have been built into the season to this point, and it’s also a symptom of how genre TV gets absorbed now. Regardless of the reason, “Rings of Power” was a little less coy at the close of Season 1.
As anyone looking to dissect the finale has no doubt seen by now, “Alloyed” ripped...
- 10/14/2022
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
With The Rings of Power doing great numbers on Amazon, The Lord of the Rings is experiencing a resurgence. The mixed reaction to The Hobbit trilogy has largely faded and fans are ready to return to Middle-earth. While the first and best source for the enthusiasm garnered by the new series must be J.R.R. Tolkien‘s original books, there’s no denying that The Rings of Power would not enjoy its current level of prestige were it not for The Lord of the Rings trilogy from director Peter Jackson. The movies took a beloved but notoriously unfilmable series of books, filled with strange fantasy races, lost languages, epic battles, and an omnipotent singing hippie, and made them into crowd-pleasing adventures for audiences of all ages.
But it almost fell apart, right at a crucial moment. The studio initially showed remarkable confidence in Jackson’s talents, greenlighting three huge movies to be shot consecutively.
But it almost fell apart, right at a crucial moment. The studio initially showed remarkable confidence in Jackson’s talents, greenlighting three huge movies to be shot consecutively.
- 10/13/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Sian Heder‘s Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar win for “Coda” earlier this year marked the first time in 17 years that the award went to woman. But we may not have to wait that long for the next one. Sarah Polley currently leads the Best Adapted Screenplay odds for her adaptation of Miriam Toews‘ 2018 novel “Women Talking.” If she prevails, it’ll be the ninth time a woman has won and the first time the category has seen back-to-back female winners.
Even though the first woman to win adapted screenplay was Sarah Y. Mason for co-writing 1933’s “Little Women” with her husband Victor Heerman, it will not shock you to learn that, like most non-gendered categories, female winners are few and far in between here. There have been just eight instances total, with Ruth Prawer Jhabvala accounting for two of them. Jhabvala is also one of three women who’ve won as individuals,...
Even though the first woman to win adapted screenplay was Sarah Y. Mason for co-writing 1933’s “Little Women” with her husband Victor Heerman, it will not shock you to learn that, like most non-gendered categories, female winners are few and far in between here. There have been just eight instances total, with Ruth Prawer Jhabvala accounting for two of them. Jhabvala is also one of three women who’ve won as individuals,...
- 9/21/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” is only days away, and the Amazon Prime Video series has earned mostly rave reviews with a few mixed reactions (and one flat-out pan) as critics returned to Middle-earth.
As Variety chief TV critic Caroline Framke wrote in her review: “It’s safe to say that Amazon throwing the weight of its coffers at this property has resulted in a perfectly winning adaptation that unfolds swashbuckling adventures with clear reverence and affection for the considerable mythos behind it.”
Set during the Second Age of Middle-earth (thousands of years before the events of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Hobbit”), the prequel series reintroduces characters from Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, including a young Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo). The Second Age consists of the rise and fall of Númenor,...
As Variety chief TV critic Caroline Framke wrote in her review: “It’s safe to say that Amazon throwing the weight of its coffers at this property has resulted in a perfectly winning adaptation that unfolds swashbuckling adventures with clear reverence and affection for the considerable mythos behind it.”
Set during the Second Age of Middle-earth (thousands of years before the events of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Hobbit”), the prequel series reintroduces characters from Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, including a young Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo). The Second Age consists of the rise and fall of Númenor,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Several years (and several hundreds of millions of dollars) after Amazon bought the TV rights to “The Lord of the Rings” from the J.R.R. Tolkien estate, the mammoth effort to boost Prime Video’s profile with the same kind of phenomenon HBO found in “Game of Thrones” is upon us — and it’s just as grand, if not as downright surreal, as the occasion calls for. Sure, “Game of Thrones” might have solidified a television format for fantasy epics. But George R.R. Martin’s novels simply wouldn’t exist without Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” and bringing these stories to episodic life requires not just all the considerable money Amazon can provide, but a certain amount of guts from the TV writers taking it on now, some 85 years after “The Hobbit” changed the game.
From first-time showrunners Patrick McKay and John D. Payne, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” — premiering Sept.
From first-time showrunners Patrick McKay and John D. Payne, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” — premiering Sept.
- 8/31/2022
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
Two decades after its release, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy remains a monumental achievement. Like "Star Wars," or "Jurassic Park" before it, Peter Jackson's trilogy adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary book was a blend of old-school cinematic techniques and new technological wizardry. The films used on-camera tricks like forced perspective and miniatures, but also state-of-the-art VFX and motion-capture technology in order to bring Middle-earth to life.
This is especially true of the fight scenes in the trilogy, which share a sense of scope with the epic movies of old like "Ben-Hur" or "Cleopatra" while still feeling modern.
While we wait for Prime Video to bring us the most expensive TV show ever with "The Rings of Power," it's time to revisit the #1 trilly and the golden standard for fantasy movie trilogies and what makes it great. There is one scene in particular which, even 20 years later,...
This is especially true of the fight scenes in the trilogy, which share a sense of scope with the epic movies of old like "Ben-Hur" or "Cleopatra" while still feeling modern.
While we wait for Prime Video to bring us the most expensive TV show ever with "The Rings of Power," it's time to revisit the #1 trilly and the golden standard for fantasy movie trilogies and what makes it great. There is one scene in particular which, even 20 years later,...
- 8/23/2022
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Movies like “Ready Player One” are becoming increasingly popular as the world becomes increasingly technologically advanced.
“Ready Player One” is a thrilling science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg that takes audiences on the journey of a virtual world. Set in 2045, the film follows Wade Watts as he tries to win a contest that will give him ownership of the Oasis, a virtual reality game world that has become a refuge for humanity.
With the help of his allies, Wade has to race against time to complete the contest before an evil corporation can get its hands on the Oasis. Full of excitement, suspense, and visual effects, “Ready Player One” is a must-see film for all fans of sci-fi movies.
If you’re looking for other movies like “Ready Player One,” you’ve come to the right place. There are no shortages of pop culture references in the film.
“Ready Player One” is a thrilling science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg that takes audiences on the journey of a virtual world. Set in 2045, the film follows Wade Watts as he tries to win a contest that will give him ownership of the Oasis, a virtual reality game world that has become a refuge for humanity.
With the help of his allies, Wade has to race against time to complete the contest before an evil corporation can get its hands on the Oasis. Full of excitement, suspense, and visual effects, “Ready Player One” is a must-see film for all fans of sci-fi movies.
If you’re looking for other movies like “Ready Player One,” you’ve come to the right place. There are no shortages of pop culture references in the film.
- 6/21/2022
- by Israr
- buddytv.com
With an anime movie and an Amazon series imminent, is Middle-earth about to be transformed into its own film and TV universe?
‘The road goes ever on”, wrote Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. But the esteemed Oxford don and creator of the high fantasy genre probably wasn’t expecting it to lead to a billion dollar multimedia franchise to rival Marvel and Star Wars.
But that, it seems, is what Tolkien’s Middle-earth tales are slowly morphing into, almost 70 years after he completed work on The Lord of the Rings, which was originally published in 1954 and 1955. This week, Deadline reports that a new anime movie, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, is moving into production – and it all looks surprisingly legit. Brian Cox will play Helm Hammerhand, legendary defender of the Rohirrim, with Miranda Otto returning from Peter Jackson’s turn-of-the-century...
‘The road goes ever on”, wrote Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. But the esteemed Oxford don and creator of the high fantasy genre probably wasn’t expecting it to lead to a billion dollar multimedia franchise to rival Marvel and Star Wars.
But that, it seems, is what Tolkien’s Middle-earth tales are slowly morphing into, almost 70 years after he completed work on The Lord of the Rings, which was originally published in 1954 and 1955. This week, Deadline reports that a new anime movie, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, is moving into production – and it all looks surprisingly legit. Brian Cox will play Helm Hammerhand, legendary defender of the Rohirrim, with Miranda Otto returning from Peter Jackson’s turn-of-the-century...
- 6/17/2022
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise and Miranda Otto are just some of the names in the voice cast for New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation’s upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.
The movie centers around the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the mighty King of Rohan, a character from the J.R.R. Tolkien book’s appendix. Succession actor Cox will provide the voice of that protagonist.
The anime feature, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, is set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films. A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg – a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation,...
The movie centers around the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the mighty King of Rohan, a character from the J.R.R. Tolkien book’s appendix. Succession actor Cox will provide the voice of that protagonist.
The anime feature, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, is set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films. A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg – a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Last year, Emerald Fennell won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for “Promising Young Woman,” becoming the first female champ in either writing category in 13 years. And an even longer drought has three chances to end this year.
For the first time, Best Adapted Screenplay features three individual female nominees representing three different films (read: no writing teams): Jane Campion for “The Power of the Dog,” Maggie Gyllenhaal for “The Lost Daughter” and Sian Heder for “Coda.” They are up against Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Takamasa Oe for “Drive My Car,” and Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth for “Dune.” If Campion, Gyllenhaal or Heder prevails, they’d be the category’s first female winner since Diana Ossana, co-writer of 2005’s “Brokeback Mountain” with Larry McMurtry, and the first solo female winner since Emma Thompson, who won for 1995’s “Sense and Sensibility.”
As is the case with nearly all non-gendered categories at the Oscars,...
For the first time, Best Adapted Screenplay features three individual female nominees representing three different films (read: no writing teams): Jane Campion for “The Power of the Dog,” Maggie Gyllenhaal for “The Lost Daughter” and Sian Heder for “Coda.” They are up against Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Takamasa Oe for “Drive My Car,” and Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth for “Dune.” If Campion, Gyllenhaal or Heder prevails, they’d be the category’s first female winner since Diana Ossana, co-writer of 2005’s “Brokeback Mountain” with Larry McMurtry, and the first solo female winner since Emma Thompson, who won for 1995’s “Sense and Sensibility.”
As is the case with nearly all non-gendered categories at the Oscars,...
- 3/8/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Warner Bros. has asserted that it still rules Middle-earth when it comes to film rights to “The Lord of the Rings.”
The studio has publicly stated its control over film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy trilogy amid rumblings in the industry that a clutch of “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” rights are being shopped by longtime owner, the Saul Zaentz Co.
The Zaentz Co. and Warner Bros. are in the middle of a private mediation process to help settle their differences about whether the studio has met its obligations to hold on to the license, according to multiple sources close to the situation. Warner Bros.’ New Line Cinema took “Lotr” to new heights with the success of its Oscar-winning trilogy directed by Peter Jackson: “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring” (2001), “The Two Towers” (2002) and “The Return of the King” (2003).
“New Line Cinema...
The studio has publicly stated its control over film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy trilogy amid rumblings in the industry that a clutch of “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” rights are being shopped by longtime owner, the Saul Zaentz Co.
The Zaentz Co. and Warner Bros. are in the middle of a private mediation process to help settle their differences about whether the studio has met its obligations to hold on to the license, according to multiple sources close to the situation. Warner Bros.’ New Line Cinema took “Lotr” to new heights with the success of its Oscar-winning trilogy directed by Peter Jackson: “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring” (2001), “The Two Towers” (2002) and “The Return of the King” (2003).
“New Line Cinema...
- 2/17/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Tolkien Fans are in for a packed year, and it’s starting earlier than expected. New Line and Warner Bros. announced Monday that “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” its upcoming animated film directed by Kenji Kamiyama, will land in theaters April 12.
The film, per the official announcement, “explores and expands the untold story behind the fortress of Helm’s Deep, delving into the life and bloodsoaked times of one of Middle-earth’s most legendary figures; the mighty King of Rohan – Helm Hammerhand.”
Animation is still underway on the film and the voice cast will be announced soon.
Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, co-screenwriter for the original “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, executive produced the film, which was produced by Joseph Chou (“Blade Runner: Black Lotus” TV series). It was written by Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, based on a script from Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews.
The film, per the official announcement, “explores and expands the untold story behind the fortress of Helm’s Deep, delving into the life and bloodsoaked times of one of Middle-earth’s most legendary figures; the mighty King of Rohan – Helm Hammerhand.”
Animation is still underway on the film and the voice cast will be announced soon.
Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, co-screenwriter for the original “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, executive produced the film, which was produced by Joseph Chou (“Blade Runner: Black Lotus” TV series). It was written by Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, based on a script from Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews.
- 2/15/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
For those who can’t have their fill of the Lord of the Rings in the upcoming Amazon series, there’s The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime movie from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation which the studio has set for release on April 12, 2024 (not April 21 as reported by others; that’s a Sunday). Warners already had the release date RSVPed for a New Line movie on the calendar.
The movie explores and expands the untold story behind the fortress of Helm’s Deep, delving into the life and bloodsoaked times of one of Middle-earth’s most legendary figures: the mighty King of Rohan – Helm Hammerhand.
The release comes 21 years after the culmination of the Lord of the Rings trilogy based on the iconic books by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Kenji Kamiyama directs with Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, from the screenwriting team behind The Lord of the Rings...
The movie explores and expands the untold story behind the fortress of Helm’s Deep, delving into the life and bloodsoaked times of one of Middle-earth’s most legendary figures: the mighty King of Rohan – Helm Hammerhand.
The release comes 21 years after the culmination of the Lord of the Rings trilogy based on the iconic books by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Kenji Kamiyama directs with Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, from the screenwriting team behind The Lord of the Rings...
- 2/14/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” — the original anime feature from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation — is set for release on April 21, 2024 from Warner Bros. Pictures, Variety can report exclusively.
Set roughly two centuries before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” “The War of the Rohirrim” will explore the exploits of Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and the creation of Helm’s Deep, the stronghold featured in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.”
Kenji Kamiyama (the TV series “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” and “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex”) is directing with “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” producer Joseph Chou through his anime studio Sola Entertainment, which has been working on the film since it was announced in June 2021.
As can be seen in this exclusive first look at conceptual art from the film,...
Set roughly two centuries before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” “The War of the Rohirrim” will explore the exploits of Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and the creation of Helm’s Deep, the stronghold featured in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.”
Kenji Kamiyama (the TV series “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” and “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex”) is directing with “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” producer Joseph Chou through his anime studio Sola Entertainment, which has been working on the film since it was announced in June 2021.
As can be seen in this exclusive first look at conceptual art from the film,...
- 2/14/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
The fight for women to be recognized for their directorial achievements stretches back for decades, but, too often, the screenwriters aren’t given that same spotlight. However, this year presents a unique situation where female filmmakers have also penned the top awards contenders for adapted screenplay. These leading contenders include Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”), Maggie Gyllenhaal (“The Lost Daughter”), Rebecca Hall (“Passing”) and Siân Heder (“Coda”).
If three of the writer-directors are nominated for best adapted screenplay, it’ll be the most female-written films recognized since 1991, which included “Europa Europa” (Agnieszka Holland), “Fried Green Tomatoes” (Fannie Flagg and Carol Sobieski) and “The Prince of Tides”. If all four manage to receive noms, it would be the most in Academy history, as well as the most that have been directed by women.
Three of the women were recognized by the USC Scripter Awards, whose previous nominees have a solid translation to Academy attention.
If three of the writer-directors are nominated for best adapted screenplay, it’ll be the most female-written films recognized since 1991, which included “Europa Europa” (Agnieszka Holland), “Fried Green Tomatoes” (Fannie Flagg and Carol Sobieski) and “The Prince of Tides”. If all four manage to receive noms, it would be the most in Academy history, as well as the most that have been directed by women.
Three of the women were recognized by the USC Scripter Awards, whose previous nominees have a solid translation to Academy attention.
- 1/23/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
It’s hard to believe that “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” was released 20 years ago, but actor Sean Astin — who played Samwise Gamgee in the trilogy — can remember the production experience like it was yesterday.
Astin recently spoke with TheWrap to mark the 20th anniversary of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” and while reflecting on the process of filming all three “Lord of the Rings” films at the same time, he recalled how the now-iconic ending of “The Fellowship of the Ring” was a late addition to the shoot.
“I honestly couldn’t remember – and it may have been because it changed – where one film stopped and another film started,” Astin told TheWrap. “When Frodo and Sam go off on their own at the end of the first film, that scene wasn’t written until well into the production. Like well, well, well into the production.
Astin recently spoke with TheWrap to mark the 20th anniversary of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” and while reflecting on the process of filming all three “Lord of the Rings” films at the same time, he recalled how the now-iconic ending of “The Fellowship of the Ring” was a late addition to the shoot.
“I honestly couldn’t remember – and it may have been because it changed – where one film stopped and another film started,” Astin told TheWrap. “When Frodo and Sam go off on their own at the end of the first film, that scene wasn’t written until well into the production. Like well, well, well into the production.
- 1/4/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The National Film Registry — known as the preservation arm of the Library of Congress — has added 25 new films to its 825 titles of culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant movies. But that’s just a small portion of the Library’s whopping 1.7 million titles.
Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, the movies must be at least 10 years old, and this year’s additions feature many film fan favorites. As reported by Variety, among them are “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” from 2001, “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” from 1983, Pixar’s “Wall-e” from 2008, 1997’s beloved musical biopic “Selena,” pioneering Black lesbian drama “The Watermelon Woman” from 1996, the cult classic original “A Nightmare on Elm Street” from 1984, and even a few canonical classics like “The Long Goodbye,” “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” and “Strangers on a Train.” See the full list below in chronological order.
Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, the movies must be at least 10 years old, and this year’s additions feature many film fan favorites. As reported by Variety, among them are “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” from 2001, “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” from 1983, Pixar’s “Wall-e” from 2008, 1997’s beloved musical biopic “Selena,” pioneering Black lesbian drama “The Watermelon Woman” from 1996, the cult classic original “A Nightmare on Elm Street” from 1984, and even a few canonical classics like “The Long Goodbye,” “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” and “Strangers on a Train.” See the full list below in chronological order.
- 12/14/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.