Weta Workshop has returned to one of the most iconic locations in Middle-earth with the reveal of an all-new Weathertop Environment, and it is an incredible evolution of a fan-favorite collectible. While longtime collectors will remember the original Sideshow/Weta environment, this brand-new edition takes everything to the next level with a larger scale, dramatically enhanced sculpting, and an impressive level of detail that truly captures the ruined watchtower of Amon Sûl. Whether displayed on its own or paired with your favorite Weta figures, this environment is designed to bring one of The Lord of the Rings‘ most unforgettable locations to life.
Exciting news – just revealed today at CinemaCon, some information about Hunt for Gollum casting.
Ian McKellen and Kate Winslet confirmed – Winslet’s character is rumoured to be Smeagol’s mother, named here as Marigol. This is the first we’ve heard anything at all about Jamie Dornan – there was no hint of his casting as Strider! Plus, it’s interesting to note that the character is – accurately – here called Strider, not Aragorn; at this point in the history, King Elessar is pretty much only known as Strider.
So Leo Woodall, whom we suspected to be Strider/Aragorn, is in fact a character named Halvard. Is this a member of the Dúnedain? Perhaps based on the leader of the Grey Company, Halbarad? But then, why not just use the name from Tolkien, instead of adjusting it to Halvard? (Could this be to avoid confusion with the name used in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Halbrand?)
And can we assume that the ‘working title’ of The Hunt for Gollum has now become the definite title? So much to think about and discuss!
Release date of Dec 17 2027 was also confirmed. Can’t wait! Expect thoughts and reactions from TORn staffers; and you can join the chat on Discord to share the excitement of this breaking news!
With the announcement of a second upcoming Lord of the Rings movie in the works written by Stephen Colbert, Philippa Boyens, and Peter McGee,and the release of its synopsis, speculation about what the movie will be about is only just beginning.
Stephen Colbert in his “Lord of the Rings” fan film “Darrylgorn“
The synopsis in the Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema press release about The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past is: “Fourteen years after the passing of Frodo – Sam, Merry, and Pippin set out to retrace the first steps of their adventure. Meanwhile, Sam’s daughter, Elanor, has discovered a long-buried secret and is determined to uncover why the War of the Ring was very nearly lost before it even began.”
For reference, let’s take a look at the timeline that is mentioned.
3rd Age 3021/Shire Reckoning 1421, September 29: “Frodo and and Bilbo depart over Sea with the Three Keepers. The end of the Third Age.”
Fourteen years after Frodo’s departure means the movie takes place in S.R. 1435/Fourth Age Year 14.
Elanor the Fair is born March 13, S.R. 1421, the same year that Frodo sets sail for the Undying Lands. Her birth day is also the start of the Fourth Age of Gondor.
In book canon, Elanor will be fourteen years old at the time Shadow of the Past will take place, giving the film a young female Hobbit lead.
Our friends at Weta Workshop have unveiled their latest amazing statue fans can pre-order for their collections. If you’re like me and love The Battle of the Last Alliance sequence from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring then you’re going to want to add this to your collection.
Elrond as we see him during the battle is now available for pre-order in 1:6 scale. He joins Elendil, Sauron, and Gil-Galad to create an amazing 4 statue setup of this sequence. Elrond comes in with a price tag of $699 USD, 1350 piece edition size, and will be shipping towards the end of this year. If you’re a fan of The Hobbit Trilogy then you have a chance to add the re-opened open edition of the Smaug Bust or the limited version of Smaug the Golden with an edition size of 900. The open edition of Smaug is $499 USD while the limited edition is coming in at $599 USD, with both due to ship in quarter 2 of this year.
The Grey Pilgrim continues to be the best source of new info on the new LOTR film.
Ian Mckellen visited Stephen Colbert’s Late Show this week for a very fun interview. The newest information he leaked is that filming on the new solo movie begins in…
“July, which is unfortunate, because it’s winter down there in New Zealand, and I’m not sure I want to be out there in the wind and the rain… And yes, I put on the pointy hat and the beard and the nose and the eyebrows and the mustache.”
Andy Serkis is directing the live action prequel, set between The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring.
Watch to the end to see Ian Mckellen recite his speech from the Shakespeare character he originated. You can also see Mckellen on Broadway in a new Augmented Reality AR glasses theatre experience called An Ark.
What happens when you say ‘I do’ under the Party Tree and Frodo Baggins strolls into your ceremony? Jess and Sharik Burgess‑Stride found out last week when Elijah Wood – yes, our Frodo himself – casually crashed their wedding at the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, New Zealand (www.1news.co.nz). According to 1News, the couple were in the middle of signing their marriage certificate when Wood came down the aisle, shook hands, congratulated them, and posed for a few photos. He was there for the Armageddon Expo, but apparently couldn’t resist the opportunity to check out his old stomping grounds. (If there was any clearer indication that the cast of these movies truly loved their work, I’m not sure what it could be!)
In true Middle‑earth fashion, this wedding wasn’t just a ceremony – it was a meticulously crafted cosplay. The ring bearer (Sharik’s sister) delivered the rings dressed as Gollum, guests sported elf ears and furry feet, and the vows were peppered with Tolkien references. After the ceremony, the pair set off on a South Island road‑trip honeymoon to hunt down more filming locations. Talk about One Ring to tour them all. 🤩 As he posed for photos, Elijah grinned and told the wedding party, “This is amazing, everyone is dressed as hobbits!”
As someone who’s been around this fandom longer than I care to admit, I’ve seen my fair share of LOTR‑themed proposals, Halloween costumes, and even tattooed quotes. But this? Frodo literally showing up at your wedding? That’s the stuff of fandom legend. It also speaks volumes about how the cast still embraces the community. Elijah didn’t have to stop – he could have taken the tourist route through the Shire and left the newlyweds in peace – but he didn’t. He made their day, and ours, just a little more magical. Thanks Elijah!
I’m pretty sure I got this link right, but we would be remiss if we didn’t at least link up the company that made this possible – Hobbiton Movie Set. Check out their wedding experiences here. Nope, they have not paid for advertising for this post!
Congrats to the happy couple for a wedding of special magnificence to be remembered for an age! (If you happen to want to share more about your experience, photos, or video, hit us up at spymaster@theonering.net)
Weta Workshop has returned to one of the most iconic locations in Middle-earth with the reveal of an all-new Weathertop Environment, and it is an incredible evolution of a fan-favorite collectible. While longtime collectors will remember the original Sideshow/Weta environment, this brand-new edition takes everything to the next level with a larger scale, dramatically enhanced sculpting, and an impressive level of detail that truly captures the ruined watchtower of Amon Sûl. Whether displayed on its own or paired with your favorite Weta figures, this environment is designed to bring one of The Lord of the Rings‘ most unforgettable locations to life.
