Warner Bros. has officially declared its venture back into the enchanting world of Middle-earth, with CEO David Zaslav revealing plans for new “Lord of the Rings” movies during the company’s first-quarter earnings call. The eagerly anticipated films, set for release in 2026, promise to explore fresh storylines in the expansive Tolkien universe.
The initial offering, titled “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” (a working title), will see Andy Serkis not only star as Gollum but also take the helm as director. Peter Jackson, along with his trusted collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, will play a crucial role in the development of these films, ensuring the preservation of Tolkien’s legacy. Walsh and Boyens are set to pen the screenplay for the first of the two planned movies.
This partnership marks a significant moment for Warner Bros., with Zaslav highlighting the franchise’s immense potential for their theatrical business. The original film trilogy, a critical and commercial success, will also make a return to theaters this summer in a remastered and extended format.
With Amazon simultaneously developing its own “Lord of the Rings” TV universe, the stage is set for competing interpretations of Tolkien’s legendary work. However, the involvement of Jackson, Boyens, and Walsh in the Warner Bros. project is expected to appease any concerns from the franchise’s dedicated fan base.
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