San Diego Comic Con is almost upon us – and we are looking forward to seeing our fellow fans there. Here are some of the things Tolkien fans can look forward to this year:
First and foremost, be sure to visit us at Booth #1934. There will be so much going on there! We’ll have our two new shirts designs for 2025 – official licensed apparel, a steal at just $30 each.
AND as if that wasn’t enough – returning to SDCC is the legend himself JED BROPHY, who will be signing all weekend at TORN’s booth #1934. Jed is the only actor to feature in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy, AND The Rings of Power. Plus he is a fabulous guy – don’t miss your chance to meet him and snag an autograph.
More booths – don’t miss them!
When you’ve had your fill at TORn’s booth, you might stroll across the aisle and visit incredible artist Jerry Vanderstelt at #1931. You’ll want to check out all his art – and in particular, he has created a new original artwork based on the Rankin/Bass animated The Hobbit. There will be FREE prints of this amazing masterpiece – but to claim them, you’ll have to go on a quest to another booth… Middle-earth Enterprises are making their first con appearance ever, inside the Dark Horse booth #2615. We’ll say no more about it, except that you will NOT WANT TO MISS IT! The Vanderstelt prints are not the only treasures to be claimed there…
Our good friends Weta Workshop return to SDCC after a five year absence, with a big new booth #3613. You’ll also find the wonderful Badali Jewelry near door A at booth #715.
Panels to share all the latest news and views!
If you can tear yourself away from such an exciting show floor, we have PANELS for you:
Friday 2.30pm, Room 5AB: The Lord of the Rings: What’s Next?
This is TORn’s own, unofficial panel; which means you’ll get all the latest gossip and grist from the rumour mill! Our ears are to the ground and we have thoughts to share on all the goodies coming up in Tolkiendom. What will we see in The Rings of Power Season 3? When will we be hunting for Gollum…? Join us to speculate!
Sunday 2.15pm, Room 6BCF: Middle-earth: The Adventure Ahead
For this panel, TORn is collaborating with Middle-earth Enterprises to bring you official news from Weta Workshop, The Brandywine Festival, Return to Moria and more – all the latest announcements from Middle-earth Enterprises and their licensees. And there may be some very special guests!
Phew! So much to keep us all busy – and this is supposedly a ‘quiet’ year!! We don’t have an official party or offsite experience happening this year; we are drawing breath before the big year with all that will be happening in 2026! BUT there is so much to see and visit on the show floor, and we hope to see you at our booth #1934, and at our panels. Hanging with our fellow fans – it doesn’t get better than this! See you in San Diego!
Oh and – if you can’t make it to San Diego, or if you just know you’re going to have the post con blues a week from now, then you should plan on going on Comic Con The Cruise! It’s next January – but right now we are giving you the chance to WIN a Cruise for Two! Don’t delay – enter today!
Feast your eyes! Here’s a first look at the new shirt designs we’ll be selling at our booth (#1934) at San Diego Comic Con this year.
First of all, if you have crazy visions of yourself in Bree, you might find yourself down at the Prancing Pony Club (complete with sparkle of course):
Next – we’re very excited to reveal that we’re partnering with Middle-earth Enterprises in bringing fan favorite the Rankin/Bass The Hobbit to SDCC first the first time. These Hobbit shirts are EXCLUSIVE and some of the first official merch ever for the animated TV special! Quantities are extremely limited.
Alas, these shirts will not be for sale online. We WILL have the Prancing Pony Club shirt for sale at DragonCon. Let us know if you’d like to see The Hobbit shirt for sale there as well!
More details of TORn’s participation in San Diego Comic Con coming soon; we hope to see you there, bright and early, to snap up these special shirts before they’re gone!
The publicly traded corporation is taking on a new name inspired by its prized subsidiary Middle-earth Enterprises.
In a recent new press release, Embracer Group has announced its intention to rename the company Fellowship Entertainment as part of a long-term overhaul of its business.
Is LOTR now a stock?
The short answer is no. Its not a memecoin or NFT either. The LOTR and Hobbit rights that J.R.R. Tolkien originally sold in 1968, long held by Saul Zaentz, are still together under Middle-earth Enterprises (MEE). MEE, in turn, has licensed out movie rights to Warner Bros, as well as rights to dozens of other licensees to produce LOTR products such as playing cards and baby carriers. Embracer Group A.B., a publicly traded Swedish corporation, bought Middle Earth Enterprises around the same time it also bought EIDOS Interactive (makers of Tomb Raider games) and Dark Horse Comics. Each of these businesses are still managed independently. Kind of like how Alphabet owns Google, Waymo, Android… or how Disney owns Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, etc.
So, is LOTR in charge?
Well, no. Fellowship Entertainment is a corporate name inspired by Tolkien, and there’s probably some trademarks that the subsidiary Middle-earth Enterprises owns which allows use. Middle-earth is not taking over a $20 billion gaming conglomerate. It’s obvious though who that company sees as its most prized division.
How big is Fellowship Entertainment?
According to the press release from Embracer Group:
Fellowship Entertainment will be uniting top creators and intellectual properties, fostering creativity to build unforgettable experiences for the fans. The strategy is to transform into one powerhouse group with game development and publishing at its core, complemented with transmedia capabilities within IP licensing, comics, merchandise, film and distribution. In total, Fellowship Entertainment will have approximately 6,000 employees across more than 30 countries.
The parent holding entity, called Fellowship Entertainment, will consist of over 40 companies (again, think like Disney owning Lucasfilm and Pixar), including Crystal Dynamics, Dark Horse, Deca Games, Eidos-Montréal, Limited Run Games, Middle-earth Enterprises, THQ Nordic, Tripwire Interactive, Vertigo Games, and Warhorse Studios. Read the full press release below.
(FRODO (Spencer Davis Mildford, at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Photograph by Liz Lauren)
Here’s what the press release tells us:
THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE CONFIRMS AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
[Thursday 15 August] The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, the stage production based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy beloved by generations of readers, will make its Australian premiere at the State Theatre Sydney from 7 January 2025.
Longtime fans and newcomers alike will journey to Middle-earthTM in the company of Hobbits, as J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy of books The Lord of the Rings is brought to life on stage by a cast of multi-skilled actor-musicians, in a theatrical event that celebrates community, courage and camaraderie. “Tolkien would have been so proud” – WhatsOnStage
Created under license from Middle-earth Enterprises (the owner of exclusive worldwide motion picture and stage rights for The Lord of the Rings), producers confirmed Australia secured the production following its highly anticipated US premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. “A MUST-SEE SHOW to put on your summer list” – Chicago Stage & Screen.
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale had its initial production at The Watermill Theatre in the United Kingdom, receiving rave reviews with The Guardian proclaiming it ‘The Greatest Show on Middle-earth’ and the Mail on Sunday calling it ‘Something rather wizard”. The production will also play in Auckland, New Zealand, at the end of 2024.
The Australian production arrives following the 70th anniversary of the publication of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy which debuted in 1954.
“The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is a celebration of storytelling at its finest, most electrifying and enigmatic; and we are so pleased to support this epic adventure as it travels to the magical continent of Australia from its origins in Middle-earth. At the risk of sounding cliché, this truly is a show you cannot miss,” Fredrica Drotos, Steward of MEE, emphatically declared.
“It is time for Australia’s actors and actor-musicians to tell their version of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale in Paul Hart’s wonderful theatrical production, and we are looking forward to their bringing Middle-earth to audiences at the State Theatre, Sydney”, said Kevin Wallace of Kevin Wallace Productions on behalf of the producers.
As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, he gifts his nephew Frodo his most precious belonging – a gold ring. This fateful moment launches Frodo on a legendary and perilous quest across Middle-earth to the darkest realms of Mordor, to vanquish evil with his loyal Fellowship. The dynamic folk-inspired score is performed live by the company on stage, weaving together original music with storytelling.
Auditions have already begun in Australia to find the next generation’s iconic roles from the beloved trilogy, including Hobbits Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, Gollum, Galadriel, Gandalf, Arwen and Aragorn.
On behalf of Australian co-producer GWB Entertainment, Torben Brookman said, “This is a production that will delight The Lord of the Rings fans of all ages, whether you are 8 or 80, there is something for everyone in this brilliant telling of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale. It is the perfect show for the summer in Sydney and we could not be more delighted to bring the production to Australia.”
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale features a book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna (Maddie, La Cava) and Matthew Warchus (Groundhog Day) and original music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical).
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is presented in Australia by Kevin Wallace Productions, GWB Entertainment, Middle-earth Enterprises, Tim McFarlane, KHAM Inc, People Entertainment Group, The Watermill Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE
STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON AT THE STATE THEATRE SYDNEY
FROM 7 JANUARY 2025
WAITLIST OPEN NOW AT LOTRONSTAGE.COM
As a reminder: you can read TORn staffer greendragon’s review from the production at The Watermill Theatre last year, here. Staffer Madeye Gamgee saw it – and loved it – in Chicago. Who is going to see it in New Zealand or Australia? Don’t miss it!
Breaking News: The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, which is about to have its US opening of Paul Hart’s staging (at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard), is going to be heading to New Zealand later this year.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE COMES HOME TO MIDDLE-EARTH
THIS NOVEMBER – IN A 5 WEEK BLOCKBUSTER SEASON AT THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND
WAITLIST FOR TICKETS NOW OPEN!
“THE GREATEST SHOW ON MIDDLE EARTH’ – THE GUARDIAN “AN EXTRAORDINARY RETELLING” – WHATS ON STAGE
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will play at The Civic, Auckland for a strictly limited season from November 5th, 2024. Join the waitlist NOW to secure your tickets.
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will premiere in Middle-earth when this eagerly awaited production opens for a strictly limited season at The Civic, Auckland from November 5th. Audiences are encouraged to act fast and join the waitlist for the first chance at securing tickets at www.LOTRonstage.com.
The highly anticipated production has its US premiere this July at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the prestigious theater that has launched productions such as SIX, Illinoise, and The Notebook ahead of their Broadway debuts. The Lord of the Rings – a Musical Tale had its initial production at The Watermill Theatre in the United Kingdom, receiving rave reviews with The Guardian calling it the ‘Greatest Show on Middle-earth’.
This journey to the magical realms of Middle-earth tells the story of The Lord of the Rings from the Hobbits’ perspective, as J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy of books is brought to life on the stage, performed by a stellar cast of multi-skilled actor-musicians.
Created under license from Middle-earth Enterprises (the owner of exclusive worldwide motion picture and stage rights for The Lord of the Rings), this adventure through the epic realm of Middle-earth has been beloved by generations of readers.
With book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna (Maddie, La Cava) and Matthew Warchus (Groundhog Day) and original music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical), this theatrical event celebrates community, courage and camaraderie to create an unforgettable experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike. “Tolkien would have been so proud” (WhatsOnStage).
‘The greatest show on Middle-earth comes home to Middle-earth!” proclaimed Fredrica Drotos, Middle-earth Enterprises’ Steward Brand & Licensing. “We are very much looking forward to sharing the Hobbits’ epic re-telling with all our friends there; when The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, premieres in Auckland, New Zealand this November.’
As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, he gifts his nephew Frodo his most precious belonging – a gold ring. This fateful moment launches Frodo on a legendary and perilous quest across Middle-earth to the darkest realms of Mordor, to vanquish evil with his loyal Fellowship. The dynamic folk-inspired score is performed live by the company on stage, weaving together original music with storytelling. The New Zealand premiere comes fresh off the 70th anniversary of the publication of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy which debuted in 1954.
“We are delighted to share Director Paul Hart’s imagining of The Lord of the Rings on stage with New Zealand audiences before it embarks on its journey to entertain audiences around the world.” said Kevin Wallace on behalf of the producers. “This production that originated in the English Shires, before its US Premiere in Chicago, comes to Auckland where we invite New Zealand to join us for Bilbo Baggins’ Long- expected Party.”
Annie Dundas, Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited adds “We are thrilled to welcome The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This production not only celebrates our unique connection to Middle-earth but also showcases Auckland as a vibrant hub for world-class theatre. We look forward to sharing this extraordinary experience with locals and visitors alike.”
Glen Crighton, Acting Director Performing Arts at Auckland Live continues. “I’m excited that The Civic will be hosting the Australasian premiere of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale. The iconic status of Tolkien’s epic tale can’t be understated, and we look forward to welcoming local and international audiences alike into Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s own iconic venue to embark on what promises to be a remarkable theatrical experience.”
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is presented in Auckland by Kevin Wallace Productions, GWB Entertainment and Middle-earth Enterprises, in association with Tim McFarlane and People Entertainment Group. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is produced in partnership with The Watermill Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Auckland season of the production is made possible by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate, and with support from Auckland Live.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON AT THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND FROM NOVEMBER 5TH.
WAITLIST OPEN NOW AT LOTRONSTAGE.COM Based upon the Books by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Written and produced under license from Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC (MEE).
You can read TORn staffer greendragon’s review from the production at The Watermill Theatre last year, here. If you’re going to see it in Chicago, let us know what you think; or maybe you can make a trip to New Zealand to experience the magic there?
It’s Friday 17 May 2024 – and a seismic shift in The Lord of the Rings adaptations has been felt around the world. Here’s all the news you may have missed:
Rings of Power S2 gets a trailer, a date, and a BTS video
Prime Video unveiled season 2 of The Rings of Power at their UPFRONTS, an advertising industry event designed to lure more advertisers to buying commercials during shows. Prime also updated the show’s social media handles from LOTRonPrime to @TheRingsOfPower and released a 3 minute Behind-the-scenes look at S2.
Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power debuts Thursday August 29, 2024 with a 3-episode premiere, then settles into weekly episodes for the remaining 5 weeks.
LEGO Barad-Dur tower date and price
The 5,471 piece set is available June 1 for $459.99.
We see you. You can't hide your passion for the new Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr™ set ☄️ pic.twitter.com/wx7ANVApcS
The first movie in the new WB LOTR license is The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Andy Serkis, who also will play the character again. Produced by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, with a screenplay by The War of the Rohirrim writers Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. Read more about how they landed on this particular story in the Legendarium.
In a technical slip up, the automated YouTube and WB copyright system temporarily took down the 15-year-old fan film The Hunt for Gollum, which was back up within hours and is still free to watch.
Rohirrim preview in June while scoring continues remotely
Exec Producer Jason Demarco announced a “big chunk of the film” will be screened at Annecy animation festival in June, and shared a new logo for the movie.
Composer Stephen Gallagher continues to post updates on the scoring of the new Anime LOTR movie coming this December.
Middle-earth Enterprises owner Embracer Freemode shared an in-depth interview with CEO Lee Guinchard, where he lays out the strategy going forward to build The Lord of the Rings into a premium, high quality brand that is collaborative and fan-first.
LOTR Executive Producer Mark Ordesky has teamed up with the Blair Witch creators to launch a new fantasy project: an omni-channel disc-world universe with a dice game on Kickstarter.
Black Milk Clothing has finally restocked its official LOTR apparel, including this Arwen dress.
Christopher Lee feature-length documentary, featuring a brand new interview with Peter Jackson, enters its final Blu-ray pre-order days with a Dracula inspired premium box set.
