It’s official – Amazon has secured TV rights for Lord Of The Rings, and plans to make a series around the stories told by J.R.R. Tolkien. However, with so much of the story’s mythology having already been explored in the epics presented by Peter Jackson, will audiences care?
To Amazon’s credit, they’re looking to create a prequel to the Lord Of The Rings saga, likely taking place between the events of The Hobbit and LotR. In the statement announcing the news, Amazon clarifies that the new show will “explore new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring,” with a potential spinoff series also included as part of the deal.
The deal included a multi-season commitment, and with room to create new characters and storylines not found in the original canon, Amazon’s efforts have more than a fighting chance.
Reports indicate that the rights to the Lord Of The Rings universe alone cost anywhere from $200 to $250 million.
Amazon Prime heads to Middle Earth. https://t.co/QowUmf8t3S pic.twitter.com/YVciEX3u2t
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) November 13, 2017
via Verge