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.
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.
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.
Today our friends at Weta Workshop launched another fantastic looking 1:6 statue from The Lord of the Rings. If you’re a fan of Legolas Greenleaf then today is your day, as he joins the classic series.
Fans have a chance to pre-order him two ways as of this post. The first is the first 800 orders get a 1:4 metal replica of his knives. This effectively makes the first 800 made a limited edition version. If you decide you just want the statue iteself that will go up for pre-order once these first 800 have sold.
Both versions are available for pre-order for $399, and will ship in the first quarter of next year.
If you’re a fan if the mini statue line we’ve also got two great announcements for you. Our friend Jed Brophy, who as you know has played many a Middle-earth role, has finally had a statue of one of his characters from The Lord of the Rings made. You can now pre-order the mini Sharku on Warg for $179.
If mini environments are your thing, then you will want to add the mini Zirakzigil to your collection for $99. Both of these are due to ship in the first quarter of 2026.
Middle-earth came to San Diego Comic-con once again this year.
Jed Brophy meets the Nazgûl and Eowyn
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.
Graham McTavish & Jed Brophy
Cliff Broadway, Sir Richard Taylor, Jed BrophyDavid Baxter, Jed Brophy, Kellie Rice
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.
Once again our friend Eirik Bull shares with us their exclusive interview, this time Eirik sat down to chat with Sir Richard Taylor of Weta Workshop. We think you will enjoy the journey they take, as they cover the early years of Weta, the making of the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Gollum, and much much more.
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.
