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)
They’re taking the Hobbits across America to celebrate 25 years of movie fellowships, touring 10 cities in 10 months durring 2026.
Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Elijah Wood will reunite to spread the joy in An Evening with the Hobbits, which Fan Expo HQ is billing as “more than a reunion and so much more than a panel.” It will have storytelling, a variety show, and so much more. And each city they appear in will deliver this greatness for two nights. Behind the scenes memories, inside jokes, and more will make it feel like a great feast of joy.
The Fellowship is reuniting for The Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour: A Once-in-a-Generation Celebration. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd are journeying to 11 FAN EXPO shows in 2026 for An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years-because what’s better than second breakfast? Elevenses at 11 shows. From exclusive experiences to photo ops and autographs, fans can celebrate a quarter-century of Middle-earth magic with the hobbits who stole our hearts.
Tour Dates
FAN EXPO New Orleans: Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 7:30 PM
FAN EXPO Portland: Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM
FAN EXPO Boston: Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30 PM
FAN EXPO Chicago: Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM
FAN EXPO Canada Toronto: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 7:30 PM
FAN EXPO Dallas: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Curiously, there seems to be a break in July-July which aligns with the shooting schedule of THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM feature film shooting in NZ. Elijah is confirmed, but maybe all four have a role to play in the new spinoff movie set during the 17 years between Bilbo’s birthday and the Council of Elrond.
There are options for the variety hour stage show only, photo ops, autographs, and group meetups. Photo ops start at $80 in most cities and up, with the ultimate package called…
BACKSTAGE PASS WITH THE CAST
For $799, this once (tenth?) in a lifetime opportunity includes:
Gold Ticket priority seating to attend the special panel – An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years
A professional team-up photo op with all four hobbits: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and you
One guaranteed in-person autograph from all four hobbits: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd – BYOB Bring Your Own Barrel to sign.
Connect with other Tolkien fans in our convention channel on Discord!
We have one more trip around San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for you. In this episode of the Collecting The Precious Podcast Jim and I, along with very special guest Matt from Nerd of the Rings, talk about the fun that was SDCC 2025. We cover how cool it was, and that despite there wasn’t a film or show coming out this year, that there was awesome stuff to be seen from Weta Workshop, Vanderstelt Studio, Middle-earth Enterprises, and Cliff Cramp Illustrations. That’s not to mention how freaking awesome our booth was.
This amazing piece by Weta Workshop was revealed to the world during Comic-Con 2023. After much turmoil for yours truly, I finally had time to sit down, open, and to review this awesome piece.
This is the limited version of the Fountain Guard statue. In this version you also get the White Tree of Gondor as we see it during much of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The Fountain Guard of the White Tree is limited to 905 pieces and is sold out of course but if you’re willing you can snag this on the secondary market. It is, after having had time to stare at it, one of my new favourite pieces.
