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.

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• "Tolkien" Movie
• Amazon Studios
• Amazon TV series
• Fans
• LotR Books
• LotR Movies
• Merchandise
• Middle-earth Enterprises
• Miscellaneous
• New Line Cinema
• Other Tolkien books
• Production
• Studios
• The Hobbit
• The Hunt for Gollum
• The Lord of the Rings
• The Rings of Power
• The War of the Rohirrim
• TheOneRing.net Community
• Tolkien
• Warner Bros.

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Middle-earth came to San Diego Comic-con once again this year.

TheOneRing.net booth was a hub of activity. Guests included actor Jed Brophy who was Nori in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit movies, as well he played multiple characters in The Lord of the Rings and The Rings of Power. He regaled us with many fascinating and funny tales about his on-set experiences as he signed autographs. Graham McTavish, Dwalin in The Hobbit movies, stopped by for a visit and a chat, as did multiple Oscar winner Sir Richard Taylor of WETA Workshop. Nerd of the Rings, also shared the booth along with some lore with all who were curious. A variety of Middle-earth cosplayers dropped by, displaying incredible talent and hard work.

TORN created several new T-shirts for the event: Bilbo from The Hobbit animated film smoking a pipe – the first official merchandise from that movie; “The Prancing Pony Club”, featuring a pink pony with a glittery silver mane and tail designed by TORN’s Green Dragon, and The Happy Hobbit’s “Seasons of the Shire”. In addition there were coins from The Shire Post, lovely fabric products from Oscha Slings, and stained glass window clings from Geek Orthodox Art.

Posted in:

• Andy Serkis
• ComicCon
• Conventions
• Director news
• LotR Movies
• Movie Fellowship of the Ring
• San Diego Comic-con
• The Hunt for Gollum
• The Lord of the Rings

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