The Lord Of The Rings had found its helmer. J.A. Bayona (The Orphanage, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, The Impossible) has been tapped to direct the opening block of episodes of Amazon Prime Video’s TV series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels.
Few plot details have been released about the series, other than the fact that it will explore new storylines preceding The Fellowship Of The Ring. Amazon landed the series with a multi-season commitment back in 2017, which included the option for a spin-off series.
The TV series is being produced for Amazon Prime Video by Amazon Studios in cooperation with the Tolkien Estate and Trust, HarperCollins and New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment. JD Payne and Patrick McKay are developing the series for Amazon and will serve as executive producers. Game Of Thrones‘ Bryan Cogman is the consultin producer. No word on projected production start or premiere dates.
“J.R.R. Tolkien created one of the most extraordinary and inspiring stories of all time, and as a lifelong fan it is an honor and a joy to join this amazing team”, director J.A. Bayona said in a statement. “I can’t wait to take audiences around the world back to Middle-earth and have them discover the wonders of the Second Age, with a never-before-seen story.”
“The scope and breadth of J.A.’s world-building is exactly the right fit for our ambitions for The Lord of the Rings. He’s a passionate and collaborative director who has brought new stories to life with his multitalented producing partner, Belén”, commented Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “We are all excited for them to join our writers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, and we can’t think of a better way to begin this journey to Middle-earth.”
While series writers and executive producers JD Payne and Patrick McKay added: “We are thrilled to have J.A. and Belen joining the fellowship as we continue to develop this epic series. We have been great admirers of J.A.’s work for years, and know that his epic, cinematic, and deeply heartfelt aesthetic is the perfect sensibility to bring Middle-earth to life anew.”
