Warners and New Line are teaming up to bring the Middle-earth to cinemas again as they have inked a multi-year agreement with rights holders Embracer Group AB.
- Feb 24, 2023
AceShowbiz - Warner Bros. and New Line are going to take moviegoers on a journey to Middle-earth again. The studios are teaming up to develop new "Lord of the Rings" movies by inking a multi-year agreement with rights holders Embracer Group AB.
On a Thursday, February 23 investor call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced the newly-installed studio leaders Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy have brokered a deal to make "multiple" films based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novels.
Embracer Group, the Swedish gaming company, acquired the rights to produce "LOTR" films, games, merchandise, theme park attractions and live productions when it purchased rights holder Middle-earth Enterprises from The Saul Zaentz Company last year.
Peter Jackson directed the original "LOTR" trilogy, which was kicked off with the first film, "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", in 2001. The series earned a combined $2.9 billion at the box office.
It was then followed by "The Hobbit" trilogy, a series of prequel movies which were released from 2012-2014. Jackson returned at the helm for "The Hobbit" films.
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power", a TV series based on the novels, is currently airing on Amazon. Jackson previously said that Amazon had asked him to be involved on the TV series, but then did not follow up.
No filmmakers are attached to the new "LOTR" films just yet, but Jackson has expressed his support. In a statement, Jackson and his "Lord of the Rings" partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens said, "Warner Bros. and Embracer have kept us in the loop every step of the way. We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward."
Warner Bros Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy said on Thursday, "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. The result was a landmark series of films that have been embraced by generations of fans. But for all the scope and detail lovingly packed into the two trilogies, the vast, complex and dazzling universe dreamed up by J.R.R. Tolkien remains largely unexplored on film. The opportunity to invite fans deeper into the cinematic world of Middle-earth is an honor, and we are excited to partner with Middle-earth Enterprises and Embracer on this adventure."
Meanwhile, Lee Guinchard, CEO of Embracer Group's operative group Freemode, said in statement about the partnership with WB and New Line, "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 J.R.R. 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."
