This week in The Lord of the Rings news with Bakshi, board games, film budgets, and the latest gossip for movies, TV shows and merch!
Quick recap
Justin and Clifford hosted their weekly Tolkien-focused show TORN Tuesday, discussing upcoming content and various Lord of the Rings-related projects including new films, board games, and animated adaptations. The hosts covered technical preparations for their broadcasts, shared updates on casting and production news for upcoming projects, and discussed the use of AI technology in de-aging actors and visual effects. The show concluded with personal updates from the hosts and a reminder for viewers to engage with the community, including a rewatch announcement for Rings of Power and discussions about potential anniversary screenings.
Summary
The Lord of the Rings new board game and Bakshi Blu-ray
Clifford and Justin discussed Ralph Bakshi’s animated Lord of the Rings film, which is being re-released on Blu-ray this week. Clifford ranked it as number 4 out of 10 Lord of the Rings movies, citing its impact as the first cinematic adaptation of the story. They also talked about the growing subreddit for the recent anime film, The War of the Rohirrim, which has reached 4,000 members six months after its release. Additionally, Justin announced a new board game called Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, designed by Matt Leacock.
Viggo Mortensen Wins a Writing award
After a lengthy discussion about a new board game called “Fate of the Fellowship,” which Clifford expressed excitement about and planned to purchase. They also talked about Viggo Mortensen’s recent success, including his directing debut and winning a Western screenplay award, which Justin suggested could lead to more involvement from Mortensen in future projects, particularly for Warner Brothers.
Justin and Clifford discussed the upcoming film “The Hunt for Gollum,” directed by Andy Serkis, which is set to be shot in New Zealand in early to mid-2024 and is expected to be a significant production. They debated whether the film would be as expensive as reported, considering its smaller narrative scope compared to previous large-scale productions like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Clifford suggested that the journalist’s description of it being one of the most expensive future films in New Zealand might be an exaggeration due to rising production costs. Additionally, they briefly discussed Andy Serkis’s upcoming projects, including “Animal Farm” and “Batman 2,” and Justin shared some personal news about a co-host leaving Torn Tuesday.
Clifford Denies Bilbo Role Rumors
Clifford Broadway, known for his role as a stage actor, humorously denied rumors that he would be taking over the role of Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming “Hunt for Gollum” movie, despite a playful costume test shared by Justin. Justin confirmed that the studio had approved the announcement, but Clifford insisted he was not involved in the production. The conversation included lighthearted banter about potential casting and a mock announcement of Clifford as a body double for Gollum, which he playfully embraced while denying any official involvement.
AI De-Aging in “Hunt for Gollum”
Clifford and Justin discussed the use of AI technology for de-aging actors in the potential “Hunt for Gollum” project, focusing on Orlando Bloom and Ian Holm. Clifford expressed approval for using AI for visual effects but opposed its use in creating new artwork, emphasizing the importance of respecting original artists’ work. They also considered recasting roles and the potential challenges of using AI for characters like Saruman, with Clifford suggesting that fans might have mixed reactions to fully CGI characters. The conversation highlighted the evolving technology and its implications for film production, with Justin noting Peter Jackson’s openness to using AI in his projects.
Prime Video’s “Rings of Power” Updates
Clifford and Justin discussed various updates and rumors about upcoming projects and casting. They shared news about Amazon’s secrecy regarding actor roles for their show, and Justin revealed that Jamie Campbell Bower, known as JCB, might be playing Bungo Baggins *sarcastically*. They also discussed the hiring of a new cinematographer, Gavin Finney, for “The Rings of Power” Season 3, highlighting his experience with video walls and natural lighting. Clifford shared excitement about Ryan Gosling’s upcoming role in a live-action adaptation of “Dragon’s Lair.” Lastly, Justin mentioned that Hugo Weaving, who worked on “The Matrix,” was brought to “The Lord of the Rings” project by Barry Osbourne.
Immersive 8K Movie Experience
Justin shared his experience of watching The Matrix at Cosm, a new dome-shaped cinema in Los Angeles that offers an immersive 8K movie experience with surround sound and interactive food service. The venue, which holds around 500 people, features a 360-degree screen that enhances the movie with additional CGI elements, and tickets cost $100 for the full experience including themed food and drinks. Justin highly recommended the unique cinematic experience, which is scheduled to run until August, and Clifford expressed interest in potentially seeing a Lord of the Rings film in the same format.
The hosts discussed the upcoming 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring and its potential screening in domes, expressing hope that Warner Bros would organize such an event at COSM. They announced a rewatch of Rings of Power, with the next episode scheduled for Sunday at noon Pacific time, and encouraged viewers to join the Discord community for discussions every Sunday at 3pm ET.
This article uses A.I. to recap the hour-long TORN Tuesday podcast, embedded above from YouTube.
Later today, the TORn Discord will be embarking on a complete live rewatch/watchparty (and discussion) of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power — both Season 1 and, Season 2. All are welcome to join.
Starting with S1 E1: A Shadow of the Past at 3pm EST June 8, we will be group-watching one episode each week (with a double-header for each season finale) over the next 15 weeks. Participate in the text commentary on our server, then join us for a wrap-up voice discussion the following weekend. The full schedule is below.
If you’ve never used Discord before, it’s a very easy to use group-chat program that can be used on both PC, and phone. You can download the app and make an account here. It’s free. Then join TORn’s Discord server here. You can find the actual episode discussion thread here (or just ask one of our friendly moderators for help!).
Screenings, actors Q&A, costume displays, and a ring forge photo op aim to inspire Emmy voters to recognize Season 2 of the billion dollar TV series.
Hollywood, Ca – Prime Video has opened an invite-only The Rings of Power experience, just a few blocks from the world famous boulevard of stars. Select press outlets, influencers, and TV Academy voters were invited to get an up-close look at the craftsmanship put into the top-rated Prime Video series.
Season 2 of The Rings of Power focused on the dramatic working relationship between Sauron and Celebrimbor, so actors Charlie Vickers and Charles Edwards are currently on hand in Los Angeles to discuss their process. TORn’s Clifford Broadway snapped this photo from one of the many Q&As happening this week in LA.
Deadline has the exclusive interview with the actors — including Gandalf himself, Daniel Weyman — which you can read here.
There’s a walkthrough of The Rings of Power FYC (For Your Consideration) space thanks to Art of the Costume over on Instagram. Lots of costumes from all the different races on display! Attention to detail is unmatched, in an industry where entire casts of superheroes are often all CGI.
— Best of Charles Edwards (@cedwardsdaily) May 8, 2025
No word yet if Prime Video will open this space up to the general public (we think they should for a day!) but if you are accredited press, or a member of the voting academy for any TV awards, contact them at their awards website ConsiderAmazon.com.
Our first panel, âCelebrating Tolkien Reading Dayâ will be on Friday, March 28 at 6:00 pm in Room 207. We will be reading some selections from various Tolkien books, and there may be a few little surprises along the way. This panel, in particular, will be very family-friendly, we may even call a few children to the front to join us in storytelling. Follow the link below to see details.
Our second panel, âLord of the Rings: Previewing Upcoming Projectsâ will take place on Saturday, March 29 at 2:00 pm in room 211. This panel will be where we discuss all the recent and soon-to-come Middle-earth-themed shows, films, books, games, and more. The link below shows more details.
We were pretty sure it was coming, but today Prime Video have officially confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will return for a third season.
Of note – director Charlotte BrĂ€ndström is back for more; and the show has moved its production home, remaining in the UK but heading over to Shepperton Studios. No word on any new casting as yet. Prime Video did share this on X, re plotline: Jumping forward several years from the events of Season 2, Season 3 takes place at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, as the Dark Lord seeks to craft the One Ring that will give him the edge he needs to win the war and conquer all Middle-earth at last.
Here’s the official press release:
Prime Video Confirms Season Three Of The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power
Acclaimed directors Charlotte BrÀndström, Sanaa Hamri, and Stefan Schwartz set for upcoming season
Award-winning series is currently in pre-production at new production home,Shepperton Studios
CULVER CITY, California â February 13, 2025 â Today, Prime Video confirmed Season Three of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is in pre-production and will begin filming this spring in the seriesâ new production home at Shepperton Studios in the UK. Additionally, we are announcing three directors, two returning and one new, Charlotte BrĂ€ndström, Sanaa Hamri, and Stefan Schwartz will be a part of this season. The globally successful series, which has attracted over 170 million viewers worldwide, continues to be one of Amazon’s strongest drivers for new Prime membership sign-ups.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled that a third season is underway. The creative team has an extraordinary vision of whatâs to come with stories that have left us enchanted and enthralled,â said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. âWe look forward to continuing this epic journey, for our global customers, delving even deeper into the legendary tales that shaped Middle-earth.â
Charlotte BrÀndström, who served as co-executive producer and directed multiple episodes in Seasons One and Two, returns as executive producer and director for the third season. She is joined by returning director Sanaa Hamri, who helmed several episodes in season two, and veteran director Stefan Schwartz, marking his first involvement with the series. Each director will oversee multiple episodes in the upcoming season.
BrĂ€ndström’s extensive directing credits include ShĆgun (FX), Scarpetta (Prime Video), The Outsider (HBO), The Witcher (Netflix), and The Man in the High Castle (Prime Video). Hamri, an acclaimed director known for her work on The Wheel of Time (Prime Video) and Empire (Fox), brings extensive experience spanning television, music videos, and feature films, having recently directed The Bondsman (Prime Video) pilot while continuing her creative relationship with Amazon MGM Studios through an overall deal. Schwartz, whose credits include The Boys (Prime Video), The Walking Dead (AMC), Luther (BBC), and The Americans (FX), rounds out the talented directorial team.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been an unprecedented success, with a broad, highly engaged, global fan base. Critics have praised the series for its epic scope and production values, and Seasons One and Two are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Season One remains the biggest TV premiere in the history of Prime Video and Season Two the most-watched returning season by hours watched.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, Kate Hazell, and executive producer-director Charlotte BrĂ€ndström. Matthew Penry-Davey is producer and Ally OâLeary, Tim Keene, and Andrew Lee are co-producers.
Charlotte BrĂ€ndström is an award-winning director and graduate of the directing program at the American Film Institute. Recent projects include ShĆgun for FX, The Continental with Mel Gibson for Starz, the upcoming Scarpetta with Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis for Prime Video, and a pilot for Netflix Sweden titled The Unlikely Murderer. Her other directing credits for television include The Outsider for HBO; Jupiterâs Legacy, The Witcher, and Away for Netflix; The Consultant and The Man in the High Castle for Prime Video; and Outlander and Counterpart for Starz. BrĂ€ndström also directed the entirety of two European limited series: Conspiracy of Silence for Viaplay and Disparue for FR2, and has also directed over 30 feature films, miniseries, and movies-of-the-week. Additionally, BrĂ€ndström is an international Emmy award nominee for Julie, Chevalier de Maupin.
Sanaa Hamri is a renowned film, television, music video, and commercial director from Tangier, Morocco. She is currently in an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios. She recently directed the pilot and episode 2 of Prime Videoâs The Bondsman starring Kevin Bacon, as well as episodes from Seasons 2 and 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Previously she was EP/Director of Season 2 of Prime Videoâs The Wheel of Time. Hamri was also EP/Director of the blockbuster series Empire on Fox from 2015 to 2020. As an acclaimed music video director, Hamri’s prolific career boasts collaborations with high profile hip hop/R&B musicians including Prince, Common, Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, and Mary J. Blige. Hamri has been awarded the NAACP Image Award for India Arie’s 2003 and an MTV VMA for Nicki Minaj’s 2010 blockbuster hit “Super Bassâ. Hamri also directed Mariah Carey’s sold-out live arena concert documentary, The Adventures of Mimi. Hamri’s past episodic work includes Shameless, Rectify, Nashville, Elementary, Glee, Hit The Floor, and Desperate Housewives. Some of her feature film credits include Something New, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Just Wright.
Stefan Schwartz is an award winning British/Canadian film and television director, writer, and producer. He has directed episodes of The Boys and My Lady Jane for Amazon MGM Studios, as well as The Americans, The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Dexter,White Collar, Those Who Kill, Black Sails, and the BBCâs Luther and Spooks. He served as executive producer and directed episodes of Apple TVâs The Mosquito Coast, the Starz series Camelot, and the pilot of the CBC Television series Fortunate Son. His feature film directing debut was Soft Top Hard Shoulder, which starred Peter Capaldi and won two BAFTA Awards in Scotland and the prestigious audience prize at the London Film Festival. He also directed the films Shooting Fish (which he also wrote), The Abduction Club, and The Best Man, starring Stuart Townsend, Amy Smart, and Seth Green.
About Prime Video
Prime Video is a first-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one app available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can customize their viewing experience and find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports â including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Red One, Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, Cross, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries including Bye Bye Barry and Kelce; and programming from partners such as Apple TV+, Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+ via Prime Video add-on subscriptions, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titlesvia the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy even more content for free with ads. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.
It’s that time of year again… awards season has begun! Many craft guilds and other award organizations have been busy honoring the best in film and television of 2024.
