The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions return to theaters in 2026, and we’ve put together the ultimate fan guide. From D-BOX to 4DX to collectible popcorn buckets, here’s everything you need to plan your big-screen journey back to Middle-earth.
Christmas came a bit early for Tolkien fandom as we learned about Fathom Entertainment bringing the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Trilogy back to theaters in early 2026. Yup – the real-deal Extended Editions that stole whole weekends from us for the last 25 years. (No complaints here!) The LOTR Theaters 2026 event gives us another chance to go there and back again!
Tickets are on sale now, and honestly, it feels like the perfect excuse to get back into a theater, turn off the rest of the world, and remember what it was like to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with fans who cheer when Gandalf arrives at dawn and cry when Sam says he can’t carry it for you, but he can carry you.
This isn’t just about seeing the films again; it’s about feeling the Fellowship again. And, honestly, after the last few years, that feels long overdue.
So here’s our ultimate TORn guide to what makes these screenings special and why you absolutely should not miss them.
1. It’s the 25th Anniversary – Crazy!
Twenty five years ago, The Fellowship of the Ring strolled into theaters with tons of hype and basically rearranged our emotional connection to film for an entire generation. A quarter century later (holy crud are we really that old now?!), we’re getting a chance to celebrate the moment that changed fantasy filmmaking forever.
If you saw it in 2001, maybe you get to relive that excitement and nostalgia. If you weren’t old enough or somehow missed it, this is your moment to join the rest of us and say: I finally saw it on the big screen!
2. D-BOX Motion Seats – You Will Literally Feel Middle-earth
If you haven’t tried D-BOX before… oh boy. We think some of these screenings will have this available…
Imagine this:
The Mines of Moria quake underneath you
The Balrog roar vibrates through your seat
The cavalry charge at Helm’s Deep moves your entire body
Troll hits actually jolt your chair
It’s ridiculous and fun and honestly the closest we’ll get to signing waivers saying Yes, please physically toss me around during the Battle of Pelennor Fields.”
If you want immersion, D-BOX is the deluxe tier. It is not for the faint of heart though – so fair warning!
One of the pieces I had been dying to get my order in for, since I saw it at SDCC 2024, was the classic series Boromir. The reason? Well, I fell in love with the choice of the pose and the look of the piece. This is a version I wasn’t sure we’d ever get but was blown away when it happened. When this statue went up for pre-order there were two versions like the recent Legolas statue. You could get the Boromir with 1:4 Horn of Gondor, which was limited to 400 pieces total or you could get the standard classic series. That version is still available for $399 and in-stock. I think this statue is just fantastic with great paint, details, and likeness. I could not be happier to have this in my collection and I hope you will do the same.
If prop replicas are your thing, and I know many a collector who that is their focus, then these awesome pieces by the folks at United Cutlery just might be what you’re looking for.
One of my favourite replica weapons I’ve owned was the original Anduril. Now almost 25 years later if you missed out on that version you can snag this beautiful Museum Collection version. This version of Anduril comes with a beautiful plaque, Gondorian banner, and a certificate of authenticity. This awesome piece by UC is in-stock and ready to ship! You can snag it for $599.
If you’re looking to add to your Legolas collection, you can now add his Lothlorien bow. This is very much one of those pieces I think needs to be in a Legolas themed collection and will really pop once it’s in yours. The Lothlorien bow of Legolas is also in-stock and can be snagged for $469.
Now, if bad guys are your thing. Especially a certain dark lord who may have a thing for one rings then this next piece is for you. This is another museum collection piece so you’re getting all the similar goodies you would get with the Andruil sword only themed for Sauron himself. Sauron’s helm is in-stock as well and ready to ship for $499. Fun note this helm is leather lined so you just might be able to wear it.
Today our friends at Weta Workshop launched another fantastic looking 1:6 statue from The Lord of the Rings. If you’re a fan of Legolas Greenleaf then today is your day, as he joins the classic series.
Fans have a chance to pre-order him two ways as of this post. The first is the first 800 orders get a 1:4 metal replica of his knives. This effectively makes the first 800 made a limited edition version. If you decide you just want the statue iteself that will go up for pre-order once these first 800 have sold.
Both versions are available for pre-order for $399, and will ship in the first quarter of next year.
If you’re a fan if the mini statue line we’ve also got two great announcements for you. Our friend Jed Brophy, who as you know has played many a Middle-earth role, has finally had a statue of one of his characters from The Lord of the Rings made. You can now pre-order the mini Sharku on Warg for $179.
If mini environments are your thing, then you will want to add the mini Zirakzigil to your collection for $99. Both of these are due to ship in the first quarter of 2026.
So… Netflix just bought Warner Bros. (Pending regulatory approval…) We all knew WB was up for sale, but Netflix coming out on top was a bit of a plot twist. [Press Release]
Like us, Ringers across the world are asking what this means for Middle-earth on film. Do the rights change? Does this affect ‘Hunt for Gollum?’ Will we be watching the Extended Editions on Netflix next week? We decided to put a little list together to help walk through the big questions fans are already asking and what we actually know.
Does Netflix now own Lord of the Rings?
Nope. That is unless they are buying Embracer… (Which they aren’t)
The core adaptation, merchandising, and related rights are with Embracer’s Middle‑earth Enterprises. WB has been the licensee making the films. Netflix is just buying the parent company that owns the studio which holds that license. Yes, that’s a big deal, but it doesn’t magically move the Tolkien IP to Netflix.
Think of it like Netflix now owns the workshop where Middle-earth movies get built, but not the blueprints.
Does this affect the movies Warner Bros/New Line already made?
Yes – but not in a scary way. The Peter Jackson trilogies, the Hobbit films, and the War of the Rohirrim anime all stay with the studio. Since Netflix is buying the studio, that whole library goes with it. So yes, Netflix now owns those. (Again, once the deal is complete)
Once contracts with other streaming services expire, Netflix will probably want LOTR on their own platform. It’s the Arkenstone, and Netflix likes shiny things.
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)
