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Quick LinksTolkien and Faramir Had Some of the Same PassionsTolkien Used Faramir to Communicate His Beliefs About WarFaramir's Role in The Lord of the Rings Came as a Surprise to Tolkien

J. R. R. Tolkien was adamant that The Lord of the Rings was not an allegory, but this did not preclude him from drawing upon his life experiences when writing his fantasy epics; he made a distinction between taking inspiration from the real world and directly copying it. Many of the characters in The Lord of the Rings and the rest of Tolkien's legendarium were inspired by people whom he personally knew. For example, Arwen and her ancestor, Lúthien, were modeled after Tolkien's wife, Edith. Like her, they had fair skin, gray eyes, and dark hair, and Tolkien wrote that Lúthien was the most beautiful of all Elves. Another example was Treebeard, whose booming voice was inspired by that...

Quick LinksMerry and Pippin Were Not Granted Access to the Undying LandsMerry and Pippin Grew Attached to Middle-earth

At the end of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo, and Bilbo Baggins join Gandalf and the Elves on their voyage to the Undying Lands, a beautiful utopia where they can live out the rest of their days in peace. It was a well-deserved respite after all that they had gone through. J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novel revealed that Samwise Gamgee eventually went to the Undying Lands as well; once his children grew up and his wife, Rosie Cotton, passed away, he joined Frodo and Bilbo on the other side of the Great Sea.

Yet the reunion was not complete, for The Lord of the Rings’ other main hobbits, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took never made the journey.

On Sunday March 23 2025, Discovery broadcasts Naked and Afraid!

Return of the King Season 18 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Naked and Afraid,” titled “Return of the King,” promises an exciting adventure for fans of the show. This episode features the legendary survivalist Steven Lee Hall Jr., known for his impressive skills in the wilderness. He will join two first-time survivalists as they face the challenges of surviving for 21 days in the tough backwoods of Kentucky.

The setting in Kentucky is known for its beauty, but it also presents many dangers. The presence of deadly copperhead snakes and the threat of violent storms will test the limits of all three survivalists. Even someone with the experience of Steven Lee Hall Jr. may find the conditions challenging. The episode is sure to showcase the struggle for survival and the mental and physical endurance required in such a harsh environment.

Viewers can...

Quick LinksÉowyn's Conversation With Aragorn Was Going to Occur Later in the FilmÉowyn's Conversation With Aragorn Deviated From the Novel

When creating The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Peter Jackson, and his team had the difficult task of introducing the Rohirrim and getting the audience invested in their stories while simultaneously continuing the plot from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It was crucial that the newly introduced characters had scenes to establish their motivations and personalities. Jackson clearly did an excellent job, as King Théoden, Éomer, and Éowyn quickly became fan favorites. One of how the film got viewers to care about the Rohirrim was by setting up character arcs that would not be paid off until the trilogy's final installment, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. For example, The Two Towers showcased Théoden's reluctance to work together with Gondor,...

When you think of The Lord of the Rings movies, you probably remember the big players, Frodo, Aragorn, Legolas dramatically flipping onto a horse, and, of course, Gollum arguing with himself. However, with a story as massive as Middle-earth, not everyone got the spotlight. Some characters showed up, did something kind of important, and then vanished into the background like they were never there.

Peter Jackson’s trilogy had over 11 hours of runtime, but even with all that time, some characters got the short end of the stick. Maybe they were meant to be more important but got their roles trimmed down, or maybe they were just there to move the plot along before being completely forgotten. You might remember a cool fight scene, a cryptic line, or a side character looking vaguely familiar, but can you name them? Probably not.

Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring...

Blockbusters rarely get as good as Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Not only did it accomplish the seemingly impossible in faithfully bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s saga to life, but it also legitimized the fantasy genre almost single-handedly and won critical acclaim, high box office returns, and countless industry awards. Yet even by those lofty standards, The Return of the King was an astonishing conclusion, giving viewers everything they could want in a massive tentpole: strong characters, epic spectacle, and emotion in spades. There’s a reason it still holds the record for the biggest sweep in Oscar history, winning every one of its 11 nominations.

Jackson’s films somehow got even richer upon release of the extended editions. Despite building upon the already-demanding runtimes (each extended edition clocks in at roughly three and a half to four and a half hours), they fly by in an instant and...

On Sunday March 16 2025, Discovery broadcasts Naked and Afraid!

Return of the King Season 18 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Naked and Afraid,” titled “Return of the King,” promises to deliver intense survival challenges. This episode features Steven Lee Hall Jr., a well-known figure in the survivalist community. Hall is not only a seasoned veteran but also a legend in the series, and his experience will be put to the test alongside two first-time survivalists.

Set in the rugged backwoods of Kentucky, the environment is expected to be both beautiful and dangerous. The area is known for its wildlife, including deadly copperhead snakes. The presence of these snakes adds an extra layer of risk for the participants as they navigate through the wilderness. Along with the wildlife, the unpredictable weather, including violent storms, is likely to create additional challenges for the survivalists.

Hall’s reputation as the “King of the...

Quick LinksÉowyn Felt Hopeless in The Lord of the RingsÉowyn's Dream Was a Vision of Númenor's DestructionJ. R. R. Tolkien Was Obsessed With the Great Wave

Among fans of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the extended editions are typically seen as the definitive way to experience the films. None of the scenes that were removed from the theatrical cuts of the trilogy were necessary to advance the plot, but many of them still made meaningful contributions to the narrative. Often, these scenes were quieter moments that further developed the characters' personalities and their dynamics with one another. In the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, there were several additional scenes devoted to exploring the relationship between Aragorn and Éowyn. Though viewers familiar with the source material knew that Aragorn and...

Quick LinksThe Lord of the Rings' Most Important Characters Lost FingersThe Loss of Fingers Had Symbolic Meaning in Middle-earthCelebrimbor Was Not the First Elf to Escape Unbreakable Chains

Much of the second season of Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power revolved around Sauron's manipulation of the Elven smith, Celebrimbor. Under the fair guise of Annatar, he convinced Celebrimbor to create more Rings of Power. Even as war descended upon Eregion, Sauron used illusions to alter Celebrimbor's perception of time and keep him unaware of the impending danger. Celebrimbor began to slip into madness as his work consumed his entire life. Celebrimbor eventually learned the truth about Sauron, but that mattered little to the Dark Lord; he simply resorted to threats of violence. He promised to spare Eregion only if Celebrimbor forged the Nine Rings for the race of Men, and he chained Celebrimbor to...

Quick LinksSean Astin Used Ralph Bakshi's Film to Learn About The Lord of the RingsSean Astin Hated Ralph Bakshi's Version of Samwise GamgeePeter Jackson's Films Treated Samwise Gamgee With Respect

Peter Jackson's live-action film adaptations of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings became pop-cultural icons upon their release in the early 2000s, and even two decades later, they are heralded by many as the greatest fantasy films of all time. Each of the trilogy's installments was a massive success both critically and commercially, cementing Jackson's Middle-earth as the definitive version for countless fans, but this was far from the first attempt at bringing Tolkien's seminal work to the big screen. Before the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, the most prominent The Lord of the Rings adaptation was Ralph Bakshi's animated film from 1978. In terms of quality,...

Quick LinksPippin Lit the Beacons of Gondor Against Denethor's WishesThe Beacons of Gondor Did Not Summon the Rohirrim in the NovelPeter Jackson's Film Combined the Beacons of Gondor With the Red Arrow

One of the most visually exciting moments in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King film was the lighting of the beacons of Gondor. These beacons were massive bonfires stationed along the peaks of the White Mountains, which separated the kingdoms of Gondor and Rohan. The first was located just outside the Gondorian capital of Minas Tirith, and the last was located just outside the Rohirrim capital of Edoras. Guards stationed at the beacons of Gondor would look out for the adjacent beacons to be lit and light their own in response, creating a signal that stretched for hundreds of miles. Gondor and Rohan used the beacons in case of emergency...

Quick LinksThe Elves Were Gandalf's Most Trusted Confidants in The Lord of the RingsGandalf's Identity Did Not Remain a Secret Forever

At first glance, Gandalf from J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings seemed to be an ordinary old man, but those who spent enough time around him learned that he was a being of great wisdom and power. Tolkien’s later writings, such as The Silmarillion, revealed that Gandalf was a divine spirit known as a Maia, making him older than the universe itself. Specifically, he and the other Wizards -- Saruman, Radagast, and the two mysterious Blue Wizards -- formed the Istari, a group of Maiar who had taken on the forms of mortal Men to guide the Free Peoples of Middle-earth in their fight against the Dark Lord Sauron.

Terms like “Maia” never appeared in The Lord of the Rings,...

There are a lot of crossovers and connections within Middle-earth media. Even with completely separate projects, like Prime Video's "The Rings of Power" series and Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies, you can see the throughlines. Some are obvious, like the similarities in Balrog design between Jackson's movies and Prime Video's show. Others are more subtle, like the ways "The Rings of Power" tries to recapture the magic of Jackson's Middle-earth movies. And then there is the human link.

Overall, there isn't too much personnel crossover between the Warner Bros. and Prime Video Middle-earth universes. However, there is one actor who has managed to pop up in both of them: Jed Brophy. Even more impressive? He managed to land full-blown character roles in all six of Jackson Middle-earth films and has since shown up on "The Rings of Power." He's even developed a...

George R.R. Martin is a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, but he never shied away from criticizing The Lord of the Rings and sharing what he thinks is wrong with its templates. A Song of Ice and Fire has always been placed side by side with the famed fantasy series, and while they are both set in the medieval world, their depictions are quite different.

George R.R. Martin via TIFF Originals / Credits: YouTube

Even the creators of Game of Thrones share the same sentiments that Martin holds. They believe that the violence in The Lord of the Rings is not as gruesome as what we’ve seen in the HBO show.

Game of Thrones showrunner didn’t want to portray Westeros the Tolkien way

Showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss took the massive responsibility of bringing to life George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Where Was Gondor When Westfold Fell In The Lord Of The Rings (Photo Credit – Facebook)

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is filled with unforgettable characters and grand moments. However, only a few storylines resonated with fans as much as King Théoden’s redemption and the fate of Rohan. His journey from a manipulated, broken ruler to a fearless warrior king was a highlight of The Two Towers and The Return of the King. One of the most iconic moments of his arc came when Aragorn urged him to seek aid from Gondor, only for Théoden to bitterly respond, “Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?”

Despite his personal animosity, Théoden answered Gondor’s call at Pelennor Fields, proving himself a noble and honorable king. But why was he so resentful? The tension stemmed from Rohan’s own tragedy of Saruman’s brutal assault on the Westfold.

As we prepare for the 97th Academy Awards this weekend, here’s a reminder of the Oscars Cheer Moment, and the weirdest year in the body’s history.

On Valentine’s Day 2022, the American Academy of Motion Pictures unveiled a pair of awards so prestigious they could only be accurately communicated via hashtag.

#OscarsFanFavorite and #OscarsCheerMoment were the latest in a string of attempts from the world’s most famous awards body to stay popular and relevant. The last was in 2018 when, in an attempt to reverse the ratings freefall the ceremony had found itself in over the last decade, Film Academy president John Bailey proposed an official Popular Film category – the first new competition since Best Animated Film in 2001.

Months later, the award was slipped quietly into the organisation’s back pocket, after Academy members and the public at large united to declare the idea a silly one. Making a popular film,...

Frodo went through so much to save Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings and although the outcome was successful, he experienced some horrendous events to get there. Leaving behind his tranquil life in the Shire was a big step for the Hobbit. He didn't really know what was ahead of him, which was probably for the best.

So much danger was lurking around each corner, particularly as Sauron's minions were on the hunt to find the ring bearer. Frodo had to contend with all kinds of evil, and find the stamina to get to Mordor. A lot of his journey was perilous, and he had to overcome unimaginable obstacles to get to Mordor.

Gandalf Sent Frodo to Bree With the Aim of Meeting Him There Image by New Line Cinema

The actual act of Gandalf telling Frodo to head for Bree wasn't the worst thing, but everything that...

When it comes to adaptations, Tolkien fans are used to waiting. There was a nine-year gap between the "The Return of the King" and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." Ten years passed between "The Hobbit" trilogy and last year's "The War of the Rohirrim" anime prequel. Even serialized Middle-earth moves slowly, with "The Rings of Power" taking nearly two years between each season of its Second Age show. I guess it's worth pointing out that none of this is quite as slow as Professor Tolkien himself, who took decades to produce new writing during his life and often didn't even publish things he wrote. Still, it's a fact that things in this fandom move slowly.

The sluggish nature of Tolkien adaptations means it was hardly a surprise when it was revealed that Warner Bros.' upcoming live-action Middle-earth prequel "The Hunt for Gollum" is going to take longer than expected to slink into theaters.

The live-action Lord of the Rings cinematic universe is still expanding as Warner Bros. has several upcoming movies in the pipeline, including Andy Serkis' The Hunt for Gollum. But, it seems we'll all have to wait a little bit longer for the next movie to arrive in theaters, asThe Hunt for Gollum has just been hit with a major delay. The film, which is being directed by Serkis, who will also reprize the role of Gollum, was originally slated for a Dec. 2026 release window. However, the actor/director recently gave fans some very bad news about the movie's release.

During an appearance at Fan Expo Vancouver, Andy Serkis was asked about The Hunt for Gollum's production, and gave the audience some disappointing news. "Yeah, it is not 2026," Serkis began. So how long will the release delay be? A month? Six months? Nope. Unfortunately, we'll all be waiting a full 12 months...

The Lord of the Rings is inundated with a variety of creatures and races. Whilst some of these aren't particularly unusual, there are a number of them that have weird traits. Some have evolved much further than others, gaining the ability to speak and move like men.

Although it doesn't delve into the backstory of every character that's involved, the trilogy takes audiences on an adventure with exciting and often terrifying fictional creations. Some of these are part of Sauron's evil mission, whilst others are in support of defending Middle-earth. The mix of beings may make Tolkien's world surreal, but they also add to the depth and history of his design.

Shelob Was Evil But on No One's Side Image via New Line Cinema

Perhaps because she is in the form of something that viewers will come across in real life, Shelob is the kind of creature that nightmares are made of.

Gollum is an integral part of The Lord of the Rings. Played by Andy Serkis, his actions and motives influenced the direction of the films, specifically with Frodo's journey to destroy the One Ring. He was a visual representation of how strong the dark forces were, and what their corruption could do to someone.

Gollum, who was originally Smeagol, lived as a Stoor Hobbit but was disowned after his awful actions towards his cousin, Deagol. Gollum was complicated, falling between good and evil. Due to his interesting, albeit disturbing personality, there are a number of scenes that the character made iconic.

Updated on February 26, 2025 by Robert Vaux: Gollum is one of Tolkien's most complex characters, and practically every scene he's in informs his unique place in The Lord of the Rings. The article has been updated with five new entries, and the formatting has been adjusted to meet Cbr's current guidelines.

Quick LinksThe Great Beasts Carried the Orcs' Most Devastating WeaponThe Great Beasts Had Many Designs and Many Origins

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King showcased some of the fantasy animals employed by Sauron's army. Most notable were the oliphaunts, or mûmakil as they were known in their native land of Harad. They were similar to elephants, but they were far larger and sported two additional pairs of tusks. Haradrim warriors rode atop the oliphaunts, using them both to trample their enemies and to provide high ground for archers.

Just as significant as the physical threat they posed was the fear and confusion that they instilled in the Gondorians and Rohirrim, who had never seen such massive creatures before. The oliphaunts were more extreme versions of the war elephants used in real-world historical combat. Though oliphaunts received the most attention,...

Quick LinksJackson Originally Wanted Frodo to Kill GollumThey Re-shot the Sequence, But Didn't Think Tolkien's Version Suited the MovieIf Frodo Had Killed Gollum, It Would've Changed Viewers' Perspective on Him

Argued as one of the best trilogies of all time, The Lord of the Ringshas remained a superior piece of cinema since it aired. Fans know the story inside-out, but there was a point in which Frodo was heading for a much darker ending than the one that eventually came together. The process of getting the films made and made well was lengthy. Various actors' names were floated to take on certain roles before the decision was made to go with someone else. Russell Crowe, for example, was a sought-after actor to play Aragorn, but he turned it down because he didn't think Peter Jackson really wanted him. Then, there are the instances in which actors were given roles that they hadn't originally auditioned for.

Quick LinksGandalf Missed a Chance to Meet Aragorn During The HobbitGandalf Provided Aragorn With Wisdom and Guidance

Many members of The Lord of the Rings' Fellowship met for the first time during the Council of Elrond, but some had established relationships long before their quest to destroy the One Ring began. That included the Fellowship's leaders, Gandalf the Gray and Aragorn. Gandalf placed a great amount of trust in Aragorn, even telling him about Frodo's secret mission to destroy the One Ring; this is why Aragorn recognized the hobbits in Bree and escorted them to the Elven realm of Rivendell. But how did the Wizard and the Ranger come to know each other? J. R. R. Tolkien answered this in the novel version of The Lord of the Rings. One might expect that they met during Aragorn's youth in Rivendell, but that was not the case.

After the death...

The Lord of the Ringshas a cast of Elves, Orcs, and exceptional fighters. Yet, it is the small, reserved Hobbits who carry the weight of the war on Middle-earth. Samwise Gamgee was integral to the story and to Frodo's success at destroying the One Ring.

Sam enjoyed his life in the Shire. He liked his days of contentment but valued friends and family. As such, he was the perfect companion, protector, and advisor to Frodo. Sam always put his friend first and understood the importance of their mission. His acts of bravery proved that he would constantly risk his life to save Frodo, and his words exemplified how much he longed to consistently do the right thing in every situation.

This article was updated by Christopher Raley on February 14, 2025: Samwise Gamgee is on many fans' lists of favorite characters in The Lord of the Rings from both the books and the films.

Exclusive: Elijah Wood signs with Gersh for representation.

Wood is best known for playing the beloved hobbit Frodo Baggins in the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy of films The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. He will next be seen in Season 3 of the hit series Yellowjackets, which premieres tomorrow on Showtime. He will also appear in Osgood Perkins’ next film The Monkey for Black Bear and Neon releasing in theaters next weekend.

With a career spanning 30 years, Wood has continuously evolved his body of work with notable films including the Academy Award winning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Sin City, The Faculty the Damien Chazelle penned Grand Piano, Celeste and Jesse Forever opposite Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg, Green Street Hooligans, Macon Blair’s The Toxic Avenger opposite Taylour Paige,...

The complex and intricate world of The Lord of the Ringsfeatures characters of different statuses and morals. The conflict in Middle-earth brought out the best in some characters. Aragorn, Gandalf, and the rest of the Fellowship took it upon themselves to defend all that was good, refusing to hand over land, homes, and the lives of good beings just because one force of evil wanted to be in as much control as possible.

The wicked characters were vast in the fantasy narratives and were a difficult enemy to contend with. The armies formed from such characters had an unnerving impact on those fighting for good. From Orcs to Saruman and the main antagonist, Sauron, guarding Middle-earth was no easy task. The villains were scary to both the heroes and audiences alike, with the scariest leading the dark narrative of The Lord of the Rings.

Updated February 12, 2025, by Anthony Jeanetta. The Lord of the Rings...

There are plenty of prolonged cinematic experiences out there these days, but few of them have maintained their enduring appeal quite as long as Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Available in both long theatrical and extreme extended edition formats, binging through "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers," and "The Return of the King" from sundown to sunset has become a favorite past-time for Tolkien fans everywhere (including yours truly).

If you're planning on a marathon soon, you may be wondering just how long the experience will be. How many meals do you have to account for? How many bathroom breaks will you need? How early should you start?

Let's start with the big picture. If you binge the theatrical version of the Middle-earth trilogy back to back, the full runtime is a butt-numbing 558 minutes long. That's nine hours and 17 minutes, for those of you counting at home.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerpurported to tell the story of the Second Age. With Sauron returning to forge the Rings and to wreak havoc on Middle-earth, the show features an expansive cast, stunning scenery, and ample Tolkien references. All the while, it also hoped to pay homage to Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movies.

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to honor two major stories, while telling a third. All the while, the creators needed to balance expectations and introduce new elements to keep viewers on their toes. As much as it attempted to remain faithful, there are major points where the show failed to honor The Silmarillion.

Galadriel's Character Was Severely Changed Her Entire Personality Differs

Morfydd Clark's portrayal of Galadriel is a drastic divergence from previous depictions of the character. Both Tolkien's Galadriel and Cate Blanchett's versions showed her as a far more spiritual,...

The tale of The Lord of the Rings set the precedent for modern high fantasy. Peter Jackson’s live-action trilogy revolutionized cinematic adaptations. And Sir Ian McKellen lived up to the name and reputation of Gandalf the White. J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginative universe never felt more realized than in the hands of Peter Jackson and his merry band of hobbits, trolls, men, and elves.

The Shire in Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]

However, despite the colorful and honest rendition of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, there was a somewhat troublesome aspect in Jackson’s vision of the Lotr trilogy. This not only irked the young actors in the film but Sir Ian McKellen, too, regardless of how brilliant he was in film and theater.

Sir Ian McKellen’s love-hate relationship with Lotr Sir Ian McKellen with Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]

Despite having a long, enduring, and flourishing career in theater,...

Sir Ian McKellen has played some of the most legendary characters in his decades-long career. From theatre to film, the actor has brought several characters to life with his extraordinary acting prowess. However, one of his most famous characters will forever remain the wizard Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and later The Hobbit.

Ian McKellen as Gandalf | Credit: New Line Cinema

While fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world continue to love and cherish the actor’s portrayal, McKellen himself has kept iconic tokens from the franchise. Here is a glimpse into what treasures of the Middle-earth did he keep as souvenirs.

The iconic souvenirs that Sir Ian McKellen took from the Lord of the Rings set Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf | Credit: New Line Cinema

When actors wrap up filming, it is usual for them to nick pieces from the sets as a remembrance of their time spent on the project.

Kate Winslet is one of the most iconic actresses in the industry, having worked in some truly revolutionary movies. From Revolutionary Road, Eternal Sunshine, and arguably the most famous romantic movie of all time, Titanic, Winslet is a worker who has consistently been lauded for her roles.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in a still from Titanic (1997)

However, not many will know, that she was once considered for the role of Éowyn in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Following her breakout success in Titanic (1997), Winslet was at the peak of her career, and her name came up when Jackson was casting for the epic fantasy saga. However, despite her past collaboration with the director, she ultimately turned down the opportunity.

Kate Winslet turned down the role of Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings Credits: Kate Winslet in Heavenly Creatures / Miramax

Peter Jackson and Kate Winslet...

"The Lord of the Rings" is a franchise that is beloved by critics and fans alike. Films set in Middle-earth tend to do well at the box office, gather streaming steam without trouble, and are considered top rewatching material by many. However, a recent addition to the cinematic Tolkienian canon has officially ranked on Rotten Tomatoes as a blight on the otherwise impressive "Lord of the Rings" track record.

"The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" has set a new "Lord of the Rings" franchise record low with a 48% on the Tomatometer. This is the critical consensus, and it has a lot to say for a Warner Bros. project that had the makings of greatness but couldn't quite stick the landing.

"The War of the Rohirrim" was the first foray into the anime format for a Middle-earth film. The story takes place centuries before "The Lord of the Rings...

Every solid fan of The Lord of the Rings will know that the most significant event that never made it to the screen adaptation was the Scouring of the Shire. This was purposely excluded by director Peter Jackson for a very simple reason: to have a happy ending. No one likes the scouring part, anyway.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King / Credits: New Line Cinema

Truth be told, this dreaded scene is the real ending of the story, and it takes place after Sauron’s defeat. It’s a small battle, but it carries so much weight, and for Jackson, it only gives an anticlimactic effect to an otherwise peaceful conclusion.

Why Peter Jackson removed the Scouring of the Shire

The ending we saw in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was what we all expected to witness from a fantasy movie.

Lord of the Rings fans who are sick of checking to see if their favorite movies are on one of the many streaming services they may or may not be subscribed to can now own all six Peter Jackson films in one box set. Per IGN, the new 4K Middle-earth 6-film Collection is now available for preorder on Amazon.

The set includes the extended and theatrical versions of all three Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films on 4K Uhd Blu-ray and digital. The set will be released on March 18 and is priced at $209.99. Fans of physical media will need to have a 4K Uhd TV with Hdr, an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, and a high-speed Hdmi cable to get the full experience of the 4K Uhd Blu-rays.

While the new Middle-earth collection is quite an investment, those wanting to just pick up the Lord of the Rings trilogy...

While the live-action entries in the Lord of the Rings franchise have been (mostly) incredible, the franchise has struggled in the medium of animation. It's latest attempt, War of the Rohirrim, failed to capture the hearts of critics, or draw in audiences at the box office. Now, it is looking to redeem its underwhelming box office performance with its long-awaited debut on streaming. Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim will debut on Max this February, it has now been revealed. The movie's streaming debut was announced in a new promo for the Max streaming service's February slate, which also includes Season 3 of The White Lotus, and the new animated series from Scavengers Reign creator, Joseph Bennett, titled Common Side Effects. War of the Rohirrim hasn't been given an exact streaming release date, yet, but is expected to release on the platform towards the end of the month.

The...

The creative genius behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson surprised fans when he shared his favorite film from the epic saga. It wasn’t the grand finale or the celebrated start of the journey that captured his heart, but one that didn’t always sit at the top of fan rankings.

Peter Jackson and the Lord of the Rings cast | Credits: New Line Cinema

Despite its mixed reception compared to the others, this installment held a special place for Jackson, stirring deep emotions and leaving quite an impact.

Peter Jackson’s emotional pick: Why The Return of the King stood out Peter Jackson in The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee | Credit: Canal Cat Films

Peter Jackson didn’t mince words when he declared The Return of the King his favorite film from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Surprisingly, it’s also the one fans were least thrilled about,...

After threatening to quit acting if Denis Villeneuve didn’t get Oscar nominated for Best Director, Josh Brolin is having words.

Denis Villeneuve did not get nominated for a Best Director gong for this year’s Oscars and Josh Brolin isn’t happy. Our own Maria Lattila has written here about why this year’s nominations are already a little depressing. But we imagine that the hard stare Josh Brolin is aiming at the Academy must be something to behold right now given that he went to bat for a Villeneuve director nom, and in very public fashion too.

After vowing to retire if Villeneuve was once again overlooked for his directingof a Dune movie, Brolin took to social media to have a bit of a moan and question if he should now ever work again.:

“Apparently, I am going to quit acting because Denis Villeneuve didn’t get nominated.

Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy honored J.R.R. Tolkien's legacy, bringing to life several of the high fantasy world's memorable characters. Middle-earth is home to many powerful races and formidable creatures, but the way the power of man fits into this fantastical world is often overlooked.

The Wizards, Dwarves, Hobbits, Elves, and Orcs are a celebrated part of the trilogy but there are several humans able to hold their own when up against these other races, whether verbally or on the battlefield. There were even numerous instances of mighty humans taking their place at the top within the lore of the Lotr, before the events of the movie trilogy.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on January 23, 2025: The world of Men rises to the occasion during the War of the Ring, staving off the dark forces of Sauron and rescuing Middle-earth from sure destruction. This article has...

The 2025 Academy Award nominations have been announced after delays caused by the devastating fires in Los Angeles, and the numerous nods got us thinking about how the Star Trek movies have fared at the Oscars. And the answer is… terribly. Not counting Section 31, which can be classified as a telemovie, there are 13 features spanning from The Motion Picture in 1979 to Beyond in 2016. Together, they have been nominated for a grand total of 16 Oscars, all in tech or makeup categories. And they've won exactly one Oscar. You read that right. One Oscar.

And the Oscar went to Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, and Joel Harlow, who triumphed in the Best Makeup category for their work on Star Trek (2009). Interestingly, Star Trek (2009) accounted for a full quarter of all of the Star Trek franchise’s Oscar nominations, as it was also up for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Sound Editing.

The...

Quick Links But Let's Be Honest: Did Villeneuve Deserve the Best Director Nomination? Villeneuve Joins a List of Unbelievable Oscar Snubs

It has happened. What I, star Josh Brolin, and millions of other sci-fi fans thought to be a joke has become true: The Academy has decided that Denis Villeneuve does not even deserve to get a nomination for his directorial effort in the 2024 science fiction epic Dune: Part Two. The Academy Award nominations were recently announced, and as expected, there were a few surprises. No Best Original Score for Challengers, Sebastian Stan was nominated for The Apprentice and not for A Different Man, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste was left out for Hard Truths. But the one that hurt the most is Denis Villeneuve's name being absent among the Best Director nominees.

During the weeks leading up to the nominations, I began thinking that my worst fear would come true. The...

The production of back-to-back Lord of the Rings films required a massive amount of crew and cast members. The casting team not only had to recruit the lead roles, but also thousands of extras. Due to the lengthy commitment of three films and the long time away from home in remote New Zealand, many actors were wary about signing on.

Like many searches for the ideal actor to play certain roles, there were many complications along the way that even sent some people home. For example, Stuart Townsend was supposed to play Aragorn but was fired in favor of someone older. However, the recruitment of the perfect Aragorn wasn't the only hard casting decision.

This article was updated on January 20, 2025, by Christopher Raley: The Lord of the Rings films are iconic adaptations in part because of their perfect casting. But those choices didn't come easy, and some of the most iconic roles,...

The Lord of the Rings trilogy kicked off with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, and fans fell immediately in love with Middle-earth and its wonderful characters. Peter Jackson's films adapted the story from J.R.R. Tolkien's books, as well as introducing a perfect cast and fantastic musical score.

The Lord of the Rings saddened and shocked fans, just as much as it immersed them into Tolkien's world. By the end of the trilogy, it's hard not to fall in love with the Fellowship and feel heartbroken over what everybody lost. From The Fellowship of the Ring, to The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, The Lord of the Rings is as brilliant as it is heartbreaking.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on January 21, 2025: The Lord of the Rings franchise reaches all regions in the emotional spectrum, delivering some terrific moments throughout the trilogy. Sometimes, fans can't...

Quick Links The One Ring Corrupted Those Who Crossed its Path The Arkenstone Was the Dwarves' Most Prized Possession The Silmarils Caused Untold Amounts of Bloodshed The Theme of Greed Permeated Tolkien's Stories

J. R. R. Tolkien's three main Middle-earth novels were very different from one another. His most famous, The Lord of the Rings, was a sprawling fantasy adventure that drew inspiration from epic poetry. Frodo Baggins underwent a harrowing journey that transformed him from an innocent inhabitant of the Shire into a triumphant hero but also deeply traumatized him. Tolkien's previous work, The Hobbit, was instead a children's story more akin to a fairy tale. Bilbo Baggins' adventure had a lighter tone and simpler lore. Last but certainly not least was The Silmarillion, which Tolkien's son published after his death. The majority of the novel took place long before The Lord of the Rings or even The Hobbit,...

Turns out, we’ve been cheering for the wrong heroes in The Lord of the Rings all along. Sure Frodo and Aragorn stole the ultimate limelight, J.R.R. Tolkien himself pointed to a less glam, but far more heroic, character.

Elijah Wood in Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line Cinema

Tolkien’s revelation broke the mold on who truly deserved the very title. The quiet endurance of this unsung figure didn’t just support the Fellowship; it saved the day.

Samwise Gamgee: The unsung hero J.R.R. Tolkien always knew deserved the spotlight J.R.R. Tolkien | Credits: YouTube/@BBC Global

Folks, we’ve all been watching The Lord of the Rings with the wrong hero in mind. J.R.R. Tolkien had a different champ – Samwise Gamgee. Tolkien, who served in the British military during World War I, based Sam on a figure he deeply admired: his batmen.

There’s no obvious 2025 Oscars frontrunner like last year’s “Oppenheimer” (Universal). This year, that studio’s blockbuster stage-to-screen musical “Wicked” will be one of 10 lauded frontrunners duking it out for Best Picture.

Another musical, the Spanish-language French Oscar entry “Emilia Pérez” (Netflix), is poised to dominate the delayed Oscar nominations announcement on January 23 with 12 nods, by my estimation, followed by papal thriller “Conclave” (Focus Features) with 10, and “The Brutalist” (A24), a post-World War II drama about an émigré architect (Adrien Brody) produced for under $10 million, with nine. All display the scale, scope, and ambition of a potential Oscar winner.

Based on the hit stage musical, “Wicked” should nab eight nominations and boasts more stateside support and a SAG Ensemble nod, as does “Emilia Pérez,” which also won five European Film Awards (including Best Film) and four Golden Globes including Best Comedy/Musical, and scored 11 BAFTA nominations to “Wicked’s” seven.

The battle scenes in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy are among some of the greatest in cinema history. The Battle of Helm's Deep in The Two Towers and the Ride of the Rohirrim and the final Battle of the Pelennor Fields from Return of the King are fan favorites due to their grand scale, brilliant visual effects, and standout performances from the entire cast. But, you might be surprised to learn that the battles in J.R.R. Tolkien's seminal fantasy world are historically accurate.

Ancient historian, Roel Konijnendijk, sat down with Insider to rate battle scenes from movies, including The Lord of the Rings. He was shown several battles from The Return of the King, and surprisingly had high praise for them in terms of accuracy. He began with the endlessly quoted "Ride Now" scene from the Ride of the Rohirrim. "Him slapping the lances with his sword,...

Few works have left as indelible a mark on the high fantasy genre as Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s seminal books, the adventures of the hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) not only redefined epic filmmaking but brought Tolkien's richly detailed world of Middle-earth to life. As Frodo and his loyal friend Sam (Sean Astin) embark on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring with the help the Fellowship, the award-winning trilogy set the gold standard for adaptations of fantasy literature as one of the greatest film series ever made.

The Lord of the Rings series has since grown into a multimedia franchise which continues to revisit Tolkien's timeless world full of friendship, courage, and hope. Prime Video’s prequel series The Rings of Power takes viewers back to the Second Age of Middle-earth, exploring the forging of the Rings and the rise of their maker,...

The Lord of the Rings is rich with detail that sets a credible scene for the fantasy world. J.R.R. Tolkien's work was deserving of movie-makers who took his writings seriously. Peter Jackson made three extensive movies with theatrical cuts and extended versions to incorporate as much from the books as possible.

From the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring and until the credits roll for The Return of the King, viewers are presented with a new world that is full of intricacies, making it easy to believe. Whilst there is a lot to take in, even on multiple rewatches, there are plenty of details that get missed along the way, but are all part of making Middle-earth an incredible setting for an epic franchise.

There’s More to Gandalf the Grey’s Staff Than First Thought

Image via New Line Cinema

Ian McKellen's interpretation of Gandalf encompasses his power,...

The Lord of the Rings video imagines the Fellowship becoming addicted to social media as they over-share on their adventure to Mordor. The characters in The Lord of the Rings all share a common goal, that being getting the One Ring to Mount Doom so they can toss it in, making it so Sauron cannot take power in Middle-earth again. However, the series includes plenty of other stories and trials everyone goes through, such as Merry and Pippin meeting the Ents, and Aragorn accepting his role as heir to Gondor.

Now, Technical_Ideal9 on r/MidJourney has created a video imagining The Lord of the Rings Fellowship using Snapchat, oversharing their journey on social media. Highlights include Legolas referencing the "taking the Hobbits to Isengard" line, Bilbo finding the One Ring during his journey in The Hobbit, Galadriel bragging about giving Gimli a lock of her hair, and Gollum eating a fish.