Since Peter Jackson’s iconic New Lord of the Rings TV Series trilogy concluded in 2003, it has been hailed as a cinematic masterpiece. Loved by fans and praised by critics, the trilogy culminated in a record-setting 11 Oscars for The Return of the King, with a total of 17 Oscars across the series—an unmatched feat in the film industry. For nearly two decades, Jackson’s adaptation has been considered the definitive portrayal of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary saga.

Now, Amazon, the retail giant turned entertainment powerhouse, has taken up the mantle to expand upon this legacy. With an astounding $1 billion investment, Amazon has acquired the rights to produce a sprawling, multi-season Lord of the Rings TV series. It’s a fitting endeavor for a company that began by selling books, now tasked with bringing one of the greatest works of fiction to life on the small screen in what promises to be the most ambitious and expensive television series ever created.

So, what do we know about this new series, and what can fans expect? Let’s dive into the details.

What We Know So Far

1. Production Timeline: The series is still in its early stages, with production expected to start within the next two years. Fans will likely have to wait until after 2020 for the series premiere, but anticipation is already building.
2. Storyline and Setting: The series will explore the 76-year period between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. While it’s still unclear how closely the series will adhere to the original source material, it is expected to provide new stories that supplement rather than remake the beloved trilogy.
3. Returning Cast: There’s a possibility that some of the original cast members might reprise their roles. Sir Ian McKellen, who famously portrayed Gandalf, has expressed interest in returning, much to the delight of fans. The involvement of other actors will depend on their interest and availability, along with the legal intricacies of such arrangements.
4. Series Length and Potential Spin-offs: Amazon has planned for at least five seasons of the series, with discussions already underway for potential spin-offs. This raises the tantalizing question of whether we might eventually see a full adaptation of The Silmarillion, Tolkien’s detailed mythological backstory to Middle-Earth.

What Will the New Lord of the Rings TV Series Focus On?

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the prevailing theory is that the series will delve into the life of Aragorn, the Dúnedain Ranger known as Strider. With his Numenorean heritage, Aragorn enjoys a lifespan far longer than that of ordinary men; he is 86 years old at the start of The Fellowship of the Ring, making him just 10 years old at the end of The Hobbit. This timeframe provides ample material for exploring Aragorn’s formative years, his rise to leadership, and his many adventures across Middle-Earth.

During this period, Aragorn comes of age under the care of Elrond in Rivendell, learns of his true heritage, and begins his journey as a leader of the Dúnedain. His story is rich with potential, featuring encounters with key characters such as Gandalf the Grey, and battles alongside King Thengel of Rohan. If the series chooses to focus on Aragorn’s exploits, it will have no shortage of thrilling narratives to explore.

Of course, there are countless other possibilities—perhaps a deep dive into the histories of other notable characters, or an exploration of lesser-known tales from Tolkien’s extensive lore. Whatever the focus, fans are hopeful that the series will do justice to the rich tapestry of Middle-Earth’s history.

Impact on Sword Collectors and Enthusiasts

For sword collectors and enthusiasts, Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series promises to reignite interest in the blades of Middle-Earth. Just as Peter Jackson’s trilogy and other fantasy series like Game of Thrones spurred a surge in demand for fantasy weaponry, this new series is expected to inspire a new generation of collectors.

At Fortress Forges, we anticipate that the show will showcase a variety of iconic swords and weapons, fueling the imagination of collectors. Our own collection includes pieces inspired by Tolkien’s world, such as:

• The Ranger Sword: Modeled after the sword carried by Aragorn in the first two films, representing the resilience of the Dúnedain rangers.
• The Anduril Sword: Inspired by the reforged Narsil, wielded by Aragorn in The Return of the King—a symbol of his rightful claim to the throne of Gondor.
• The Sage Sword: A tribute to Glamdring, Gandalf’s sword, known for its ancient Elven craftsmanship.
• The Sword of Feanor: Inspired by the Silmarillion, reflecting the might of the Elven warrior Feanor, who was renowned for his unmatched skills in forging weapons.

These swords have been among the most popular in our collection, and we expect that new designs inspired by Amazon’s series will captivate both new and seasoned collectors alike.

A New Era for Middle-Earth

As we await Amazon’s vision of Tolkien’s world, the anticipation grows not only for the stories that will unfold but also for the craftsmanship that will bring these legendary weapons to life once more. At Fortress Forges, we are ready to celebrate this new chapter in Middle-Earth’s storied history by continuing to offer high-quality, hand-forged replicas that honor the legacy of the original works.

Stay tuned to Fortress Forges for more updates, and prepare to embark on a journey through Middle-Earth like never before. Whether it’s a sword, shield, or any other piece of the Viking, Norse, or medieval lore, we are committed to bringing the spirit of these epic tales to your collection.