If you want to dive into the cinematic world of Middle Earth, there are currently over 18 hours worth of viewing waiting for you thanks to Peter Jackson‘s “The Lord Of The Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Yet, even with all of that narrative, there is so much more in J.R.R. Tolkien‘s work that never made it to the big screen. Well, Amazon is hoping to capture the global phenomenon again, but this time, by luring audiences to the small screen.
The streaming service has officially ordered multiple seasons of “The Lord Of The Rings.” There’s no detail yet on the talent involved, but the plan is to tell new stories that precede ‘The Fellowship Of The Ring,’ and Amazon also has the rights to launch spinoffs if they choose to go down that path. The company has long been in search of their “Game Of Thrones” sized franchise, and it’s clear that they’re hoping “The Lord Of The Rings” can fit the bill.
This show will not come cheap. The rights alone for “The Lord Of The Rings” are rumored to be in the range of $200-$250 million — that’s before a single frame has been shot, a cast hired, or a word placed on a script. Now add to that a “Game Of Thrones” level production budget and Amazon will be spending $300-$400 million just to get the first season out the door. That’s kinda bonkers, but if it’s going to be a cornerstone of their programming, they will pay whatever it takes to make it work.
No word yet on when the first season might arrive, but I’d wager we’re looking at late 2019 at the earliest — Amazon will also want to take the time to make sure they get it right. [THR/Deadline]