Weta Workshop has returned to one of the most iconic locations in Middle-earth with the reveal of an all-new Weathertop Environment, and it is an incredible evolution of a fan-favorite collectible. While longtime collectors will remember the original Sideshow/Weta environment, this brand-new edition takes everything to the next level with a larger scale, dramatically enhanced sculpting, and an impressive level of detail that truly captures the ruined watchtower of Amon Sûl. Whether displayed on its own or paired with your favorite Weta figures, this environment is designed to bring one of The Lord of the Rings‘ most unforgettable locations to life.
When Weta Workshop unveiled the King of the Dead 1:6 Scale Statue during San Diego Comic-Con 2024, it immediately became one of the standout collectibles of the show. Priced at $599 and limited to just 700 pieces worldwide, the haunting masterpiece didn’t stay available for long. Today, the statue is completely sold out. The statue showcases the cursed ruler of the Army of the Dead as seen in The Return of the King, standing approximately 16.7 inches tall and making breathtaking use of transparent resin to capture his ghostly, otherworldly appearance.
Weta Workshop is kicking off the Summer in spectacular fashion with three brand-new Middle-earth collectibles that are sure to excite The Lord of the Rings fans and collectors alike.
Leading the charge is the long-awaited 1:6 Scale Gimli – Hunter of the Plains statue, which joins the Classic Series lineup, and finally completes the legendary Three Hunters display alongside Aragorn and Legolas. Capturing the fierce determination and indomitable spirit of the son of Glóin during the chase across Rohan, this beautifully crafted statue is a must-have for collectors who have been waiting to unite the iconic trio. Gimli is available for pre-order now for $399 and is expected to ship in Q1 of next year.
In 1978 Ralph Bakshi’s animated film based on The Lord of the Rings arrived to the masses, and many fans got a chance to see their favorite characters come to life. Not to mention all the folks that would become lifelong Tolkien fans, discovering the story for the first time through the movie. Now nearly 50 years later, the amazing folks at Dark Horse Direct and Middle-earth Enterprises are giving fans of Middle-earth a chance to own collectibles from that film.
Right now fans can order Set One, which features three characters from the film. Set One will include Aragorn, Frodo, and Samwise. The Hobbits will come in at just under 5″ tall and Aragorn will be just over 6″ tall. They are made of PVC. As you can see from these high def photos, they’re very well done and match exactly what so many saw in those films all those years ago. Set One comes in with a price tag of $89.99 with a shipping date in Q4 of 2026.
Stay tuned for news of more Dark Horse collecetibles, coming soon!
Our friend Jerry Vanderstelt has an amazing new print out – if you haven’t already added this to your collection!
This gorgeous print captures the beautiful Rivendell – but from a different viewpoint than his previous print of the same location. We see a quiet moment between Aragorn and Arwen, most likely before Aragorn sets out to help Frodo destroy the One Ring. Fans can purchase this print right now, ranging in sizes from 16×24 to 24×36, with prices between $85-170 USD depending on the size chosen. If you know Jerry’s work you already know this is another home run piece by him. Get it now, as the paper editions have an edition size of only 2000 pieces.
This was a week of special magnificence of LOTR news!
Lord of the Rings returns to cinemas
WB and Fathom Events kick of the #LOTR25 year of celebration by bringing the Extended Editions back to theaters starting today. Over the next couple weeks you have the opportunity to watch any of the Extended Editions on the big screen. Not limited to USA only, we have reports of many countries getting the cinema treatment too! Check your local theater listing or start at Fathom Events website.
The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has generated $5 million in box office presales ahead of its theatrical rerelease, with approximately 407,000 tickets sold so far.https://t.co/IKDIER8eirpic.twitter.com/aQxxO1SIRK
AMC theaters will have a special Middle-earth Map popcorn tin, and Regal Cinemas have a ring themed 25th anniversay tin. Other cinema chains may have either, so check with your local theater.
Aragorn to be recast
With new LOTR films on the way from Philippa Boyens and team, it was inevitable that some conversations around recasting characters would occur. It seems that time has come as reports surfaced of auditions currently happening in London and Wellington to cast a younger Aragorn actor, said to be around Joe Keery’s age.
In Search of… Young Smeagol
Also being cast for the new “Hunt for Gollum” film directed by Andy Serkis is a young Smeagol and Deagol. Reports from Knight Edge Media are they are looking for children around 10 years old that can pass for Stoors, which Smeagol and Deagol were.
Mithril Cut, or the Extended EXTENDED Edition
EMPIRE magazine LOTR 25 tribute issue is out (Apple News+ Link) and biographer Ian Nathan got Peter Jackson to admit the long-rumored Mithril Cut of LOTR is dead and doesn’t exist. Although, just a paragraph later, PJ mentions a more definitive documentary that we first reported 10 years ago which WB needs to fund for completion. Word from insiders say that WB marketing are closely watching the fan reaction to the Mithril Cut news, so it may be a good idea to express yourself on social media!
Look for the EMPIRE LOTR 25 issue on Newsstands or places like Barnes & Noble.
Elijah Wood is coming to YOUR house for the Superbowl
Skittles candies have a contest running right now to send Elijah Wood to your house for the big game. Details here.
Another Tolkien Scholar sails west
This week we lost another cherished family member of the Legendarium. Author Walter S. Judd worked with his son on The Flora of Middle-earth, a defining text on the plant life of Tolkien’s world. Get a copy at Amazon or your local bookstore.
Very sad to hear that Walter S. Judd, co-author of "Flora of Middle-earth" has passed away. RIP. pic.twitter.com/YuU79DuZFV
Weta Workshop has returned to one of the most iconic locations in Middle-earth with the reveal of an all-new Weathertop Environment, and it is an incredible evolution of a fan-favorite collectible. While longtime collectors will remember the original Sideshow/Weta environment, this brand-new edition takes everything to the next level with a larger scale, dramatically enhanced sculpting, and an impressive level of detail that truly captures the ruined watchtower of Amon Sûl. Whether displayed on its own or paired with your favorite Weta figures, this environment is designed to bring one of The Lord of the Rings‘ most unforgettable locations to life.
