Middle Earth Returns: New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Films Announced

Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced “multiple” Lord of the Rings films brokered on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

He told new studio leaders Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy would return to Middle Earth for more films inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga.

Zaslav said WB studio’s New Line Cinema would develop these LOTR projects. It is the same group that produced the original trilogy.

What we know about the new Lord of the Rings movies

New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Set at Warner Bros. https://t.co/zBjuF8NzxL

— Variety (@Variety) February 23, 2023

Amazon owns the TV rights to Tolkien’s work. Yet, Swedish company Embracer Group acquired the rights to other media related to Lord of the Rings and The Hobbits.

These include shows, movies, theme parks, merchandise, and live productions. Consequently, CEO Lee Guinchard had a few words regarding the upcoming LOTR films:

“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 JRR 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.”

Moreover, WB studio leaders Abdy and De Luca teased a breakaway story from the original trilogy’s plot:

“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.” 

“But for all the scope and detail lovingly packed into the two trilogies, the vast, complex and dazzling universe dreamed up by JRR Tolkien remains largely unexplored on film.” 

“The opportunity to invite fans deeper into the cinematic world of Middle-earth is an honor. We are excited to partner with Middle-earth Enterprises and Embracer on this adventure.”

Also, Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson and his collaborators Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh have released a statement regarding the announcement.

They assured Variety that both studios “have kept us in the loop every step of the way.” 

They added, “We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward.”