San Diego Comic Con returns next week with tons of The Lord of the Rings related fun! TheOneRing.net will be holding court at Booth 1934 near door C.
All the Tolkien related Panels
Amazon Prime Studios is bringing Season 3 of Rings of Power to Hall H on Friday, with a few other fun LOTR related panels from the fan community. Add them to your favorites on the official SDCC app.
Bringing Licensing to Tabletop Games w/ Asmodee – Thursday 11:00am LINK
Bear McCreary, Musical Worldbuilding – Thursday 11:45am LINK
Building Worlds: Creatures & Ecosystems w/ Weta Workshop – Thursday 1:00pm LINK
Building Worlds like Tolkien w/ Don Marshall – Thursday 4:00pm LINK
The Rings of Power Season 3 in Hall H – Friday, 10:00am LINK
Women Powering Pop Culture w/ Helen Shang – Friday 3:00pm LINK
Psychological Journey of The Lord of the Rings w/ Todd Stashwick – Friday 8:30pm LINK
Designing Games in Middle-earth w/ Asmodee – Saturday, 2:45pm LINK
TORN presents LOTR: New Age of Adaptations – Sunday, 2:15pm LINK
We are excited to bring a “State of The Rings” panel on Sunday with fan reactions from the Rings of Power SDCC reveal, updates from The Hunt for Gollum currently filming in NZ, previews of The Hobbit MTG cards, and who know what special guests may join!
Getting into Hall H is always a fun romp, and many fans are already organizing line ups & camp outs Thursday afternoon to be first in line for The Rings of Power Season 3 Hall H preview. It’s all happening in the TORN Discord channel for conventions – check the pinned comments for links.
Signings
TheOneRing.net Booth 1934 is hosting a few signings! First up is a small detour to the Weta Workshop booth 3613 where author Kellie Rice (aka TORn staffer and Happy Hobbit Kili) will be joined by Sir Richard Taylor to sign copies of the hardcover Middle-earth Script to Screen book, Wednesday Preview Night at 8pm.
ALL WEEKEND – Artist & founder of Kings Wild cards, Jackson Robinson, will be at the TORN booth with an EXCLUSIVE Tom Bombadil art print he will sign upon request. Details to get free poster below.
We’re very excited that Bear McCrearywill be joining us on Friday, to sign some recordings! He won’t be at the booth for very long – so if you want to be SURE to have a chance to meet him, here’s what you need to do:
Come to our booth any time before Friday 12.30 and purchase one of Bear’s recordings (The Singularity and/or Rings of Power soundtrack). We’ll give the first 50 purchasers a special ticket; then on Friday those 50 folks – with their tickets in hand! – will make one line to meet Bear. Anyone who doesn’t have a ticket will get in another line, and will meet Bear (time permitting) after the first 50 have gone through. So to GUARANTEE you’ll get to meet Bear, come and purchase some vinyl (or a CD) from us! (Also pro-tip: once you’ve bought it, leave the contents safely in the cool of your hotel room, and just bring the cover to the signing!) Maximum three items per person to be signed.
Signings
Richard Taylor & K.M. Rice – Wednesday 8pm – Weta booth 3613 – Script to Screen books available (highly limited)
Bear McCreary – Friday, 12:30pm – TORN booth 1934 – Rings of Power S2 soundtrack vinyls + CDs and Singularity vinyls available for purchase
Richard Taylor & K.M. Rice – Sunday 9am – Weta booth 3613 – Script to Screen books (if not already sold out)
Tea with Tolkien – Sunday 11am – TORN booth 1934 – Into the Heart of Middle-earth book available + free goodies
Other LOTR related signings we aren’t affiliated with but sound fun:
Unlike recent years, Jed Brophy will not be attending SDCC this year (does this mean he’s busy being a working actor on a certain new movie…?)
Offsites & Parties
There are currently no Rings of Power or The Lord of the Rings events open to the public which have been announced – of course we’ll let you know if we hear of any! But Guillermo del Toro is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pan’s Labyrinth with a Friday night party that requires completion of a scavenger hunt to get in.
Comic Con 2026 EXCLUSIVE Limited Edition Prancing Pony Mug
It comes in pints! TheOneRing.net is proud to offer the official Prancing Pony wooden tankard & shot glass bundle. Designed & manufactured by Burgschneider and Lumengrave with full licensed support from Middle-earth Enterprises, these were the most requested items from last year’s incredible Prancing Pony booth experience.
These food safe drinking cups are hobbit-scaled – large enought to make you feel like a halfling. Made from mango wood, natural food safe polish, genuine leather bands, with a pure jute bag for storage, the tankard measures 6″ tall, capable of holding 27 oz of libations. It pairs with an oversized 7oz shot glass, featuring laser etched dwarves runes encircling the Prancing Pony logo -which was designed by Daniel Falconer. Did we mention these are officially licensed?
SDCC 2026 Exclusive Mug & Glass Set
Due to the very limited run of only 500 units, and to give all attendees the opportunity to get it, the Tankard & Glass combo is up for pre-order online. FOR PICKUP ONLY AT SDCC. We are not shipping these. Select the day you’ll be at SDCC, and we will hold one set guaranteed for you at Booth 1934. AND if you pre-order, you get an exclusive pin, only available as part of the pre-order, at no extra cost! LINK
Exclusive LOTR Merch
We have some incredible new merch available at booth 1934 this year! Following up on the love & support fans gave our Prancing Pony Club shirt last year (nominated for best merch 2025!) we are happy to announce that shirt is coming back this year, complete with glitter ink, women’s cuts, and the same dance hall attitude.
SDCC Unofficial Blog got the scoop on our brand new shirt inspired by one of the greatest albums in rock history – introducing Merry Dol, River-daughter! These artist designed & hand silkscreened shirts will be available in both unisex Bella Canvas premium cotton/poly blend and in Women’s dolman scoop neck. The RUMORS are true: there will be an 🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨 Preview Night limited edition variant, only available Wednesday night, featuring the classic tan-colored album artwork in black & white.
Jackson Robinson and Kings Wild are joining us IN PERSON in the booth for the first time, bringing their successful $2 million kickstarter LOTR playing cards with lots of extra goodies. Available EXCLUSIVELY at TORn booth 1934 are these letterpress gold foil original art prints of the Tom Bombadil playing card artwork. Jackson is at the booth all weekend to sign these free prints – available by simply signing up to his anticipated Hobbit playing card deck preview list. Details on site at the booth.
… and more The Lord of the Rings stuff we love at SDCC
Middle-earth Enterprises is bringing the oversized hobbit-scaled Prancing Pony experience back to the convention floor at Dark Horse booth 2615 – don’t miss it!
Acclaimed artist SHAG is offering a LOTR inspired SDCC exclusive art print at his booth 3920
Weta Workshop return to the show floor, right in front of Hall E at booth 3613
There also seems to be a scavenger hunt involved with the cryptic LOTR.com... What could it be, precioussss…?
Can’t wait to see folks there! Now for a merry meeting!
Weta Workshop has officially released the incredible Classic Series Legolas Greenleaf: Hunter of the Plains statue, and fans of The Lord of the Rings won’t want to miss this special edition. Capturing the Prince of Mirkwood during the unforgettable pursuit of the Uruk-hai across the plains of Rohan, this beautifully sculpted 1:6 scale collectible showcases Legolas in one of his most iconic moments from The Two Towers. With incredible attention to detail and Weta Workshop’s signature craftsmanship, it’s a centerpiece worthy of any Middle-earth collection. The statue is available now for $399.
Recently we brought you news of a planned short film, to be made in New Zealand, celebrating Tolkien fandom and the friendships found therein. Now we can share that you could be IN the movie!
Starring Bruce Hopkins (Gamling in The Lord of the Rings movies), the film will tell the tale of a father’s grief, and of the unexpected solace found in a community of fans. Exciting news for fans is that they hope to cast the four fan roles with actual fans from within the community – so this is YOUR chance to fly to New Zealand for a once in a lifetime opportunity to appear on film with Gamling himself!
The team behind ‘Wise Sam Gangees’, with lead actor Bruce Hopkins in the center
Supporting mental health
This powerful short film will be looking at the positive effect of community and shared passions on mental health, exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and hope. (The film makers are partnering with New Zealand’s Sir John Kirwan Foundation, which delivers evidence-based mental health education to New Zealand schools, ensuring that young people have the knowledge and tools they need to manage their wellbeing and face the challenges that life inevitably throws at them. Once the film is funded via Kickstarter, a share of any further funds raised will support this excellent foundation.)
Authenticity is key
Their desire to create a movie which accurately reflects the fandom has led to the film makers’ wish to cast from within that group. Director Pennie Hunt has said, ‘It’s essential for the story to cast all four fan roles from the Tolkien community – if possible. After all, this is what the film is all about – and why we want to make it.’ So they are putting out the call – and we’re boosting the signal! This is a genuine, real opportunity for you to fly to New Zealand and take part in a film – if the funding is successfully raised. Here’s what you need to know:
WORLDWIDE CASTING CALL –Tolkien Fans Wanted for New Zealand Short Film
Are you a Tolkien fan who has always dreamed of visiting New Zealand? Do you want to appear in a short film alongside Bruce Hopkins (Gamling in The Lord of the Rings)? We’re casting genuine Tolkien fans from around the world to appear in our upcoming New Zealand short film, WISE SAM GANGEES, filming in the stunning location of Deer Park Heights, Queenstown where many of the scenes with the Rohan refugees were filmed.
WISE SAM GANGEES is a heartfelt story about finding connection in unexpected places. When a grieving father joins a Lord of the Rings location tour, he discovers friendship, healing, and hope among a passionate community of fans.
As part of the film, we are casting supporting roles and are seeking passionate members of the international Tolkien fandom to apply.
Applications close on Thursday, 2 July 2026 at 11.59pm New Zealand Standard Time.
✈️ WHAT WE OFFER
These are unpaid volunteer roles. For the selected participants, we will provide:
Travel reimbursement of up to NZD $3,000 per person to help cover transport to and from Queenstown
Accommodation during filming
Meals
Local transport
FILMING DATES
29 October (arrival) – 4 November (departure)
✨ WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
People with a genuine connection to Tolkien’s stories and community. Some acting or on-camera experience is preferred, but enthusiasm and authenticity matter most.
The application form includes more details about the project and casting process. If you have any questions, please contact us on: wisesamgangees@gmail.com
Please note: The project will only go ahead if the current Kickstarter is successful and production costs are financed. If you’d like to help bring this film to life, you can support the campaign here. Please spread the word!
We can’t wait to meet fellow Tolkien fans from around the world and celebrate this incredible community together.
Disclaimer WISE SAM GANGEES is an independent original short film. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Middle-earth Enterprises, Warner Bros., or the Tolkien Estate.
What are you waiting for?? Apply now, share the campaign with your friends, and later this year you could find yourself filming at Lord of the Rings locations! Good luck!
You can find the ‘Wise Sam Gangees’ folks, and read more about the movie and the team behind it, on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok.
Every Tolkien fan knows how rich and beneficial a love for the Professor’s stories can be. Whether you enjoy escaping alone into Middle-earth through the words on the page, or your fandom has taken you to real life encounters with fellow fans, many of us would attest to the joy and comfort Tolkien’s work has brought to us. Here at TORn, where we are ‘Forged by and for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’, we’re particularly keen on bringing fans together, for moots of all shapes and sizes – be they virtual connections or ‘parties of special magnificence.’
So when we heard from film makers in New Zealand who want to create a short film celebrating friendships found through fandom, we were immediately intrigued. Add Bruce Hopkins (Gamling in The Lord of the Rings movies, and TORn’s good friend – MC of our ‘One Last Party’ back in 2015!) as the planned star of the movie, and our reaction was, ‘Tell us more!’
Writer and Director Pennie Hunt with lead actor Bruce Hopkins
Wise Sam Gangees – a film about comfort in community
To quote the producers of the film, ‘WISE SAM GANGEES [sic] is a short film about finding connection in the most unexpected places.’ The movie will be filmed in the landscapes around Queenstown, so familiar to fans of Peter Jackson’s movies. Hopkins will play the role of a grieving father, joining a Lord of the Rings location tour – where he unexpectedly finds connection and hope. The filmmakers are keen to explore ideas of outsiders finding community; of isolation, belonging, empathy, and connection through shared passion. They are also hoping that their film will speak to people who may be struggling with grief or mental health challenges.
But first – they need to raise funds! Though they have various seed funders and sponsors involved already, the producers are looking to raise the majority of the budget needed through crowdfunding. So this is YOUR chance to be part of New Zealand and Tolkien-inspired movie making! Check out the prelaunch page on Kickstarter, and sign up to be notified when their funding launches. We’re sure this is going to be a short film which will resonate, highlighting the things we all love about Tolkien fandom at its best. Add to that beautiful New Zealand scenery and a beloved Lord of the Rings actor, and you have a recipe for a fan favourite movie. Follow along and help it get made!
You can find the ‘Wise Sam Gangees’ folks, and read more about the movie and the team behind it, on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok.
For the next couple of years we’re in 25th Anniversary territory for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings movies. If you’re nostalgic for the heady days of epic fandom (and for some of us, obsession!), or if you are just curious about exactly how some of the legal wrangling went down, then you need to explore author Kristin Thompson’s The Frodo Franchise: The Lord of the Rings and Modern Hollywood. And it’s now available on Audible!
Thompson is a long-time friend of TheOneRing.net, often providing us with her expert insight into the machinations of the movie industry. Her book is a fascinating look at one of the very biggest of movie franchises/fandoms – and a wonderful trip down memory lane for those of us who remember all the excitement, build up, merchandise, etc. around the turn of the millennium and for a decade thereafter.
Thompson’s book is extremely well researched and full of facts and figures – but it’s never boring. Here’s what TORn wrote around the time that the book first came out:
Kristin Thompson interviewed seventy-six people to examine the movie’s scripting and design and the new technologies deployed to produce the films, video games, and DVDs. She demonstrates the impact Rings had on the companies that made it, on the fantasy genre, on New Zealand, and on independent cinema. In fast-paced, compulsively readable prose, she affirms Jackson’s Rings as one the most important films ever made.
Narrator ‘The Voice of Nick’ is very easy to listen to. The audiobook edition includes a new epilogue written for this release, in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring movie. There’s even a section in the book all about the origins of TORn, plus coverage of the surrounding fan and media ecosystem (video games, licensed promotions, New Zealand tourism, and more).
A must listen (or read, if you prefer!) for any fan, we have five codes for Audible (US region) for free download, to giveaway to five lucky folks! To be in with a chance to be a random winner, click here. Good luck – and if you’re not a luck winner, get your Audible copy here.
