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.
Posted in:
Share:
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 Vancouver: February 14–16, 2026
- MEGACON Orlando: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM
- Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo: Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM
- FAN EXPO Denver: May 28–31, 2026
- FAN EXPO Philadelphia: May 29–31, 2026
- 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.
How to get tickets
Tickets for this event will go on sale for each city on October 22 at 10AM at Fan Expo in the city links above. https://fanexpohq.com/home/the-lord-of-the-rings-25th-anniversary-tour/
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!
Posted in:
Share:
