Introduction:
The rights and licensing for The Lord of the Rings and all things Middle-earth are intricate and have evolved over time. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of these rights, shedding light on the different parties involved and the potential for future exploration within the Tolkien universe.
The Birth of Middle-earth:
It all began with a single line written by J.R.R. Tolkien, a professor at Oxford University: “In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit.” Tolkien initially set this idea aside but eventually turned it into bedtime stories for his children. These stories eventually evolved into a manuscript, which was published in 1937 as The Hobbit. The book became an instant hit, prompting the publishers to ask Tolkien for more stories set in Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy:
In response to the publishers’ request, Tolkien delivered a massive manuscript comprising 9,250 pages. Knowing that such a lengthy work would be difficult to sell, the publishers split it into three books: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Together, these books became known as The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The Rise of Middle-earth’s Popularity:
In the 1960s, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit experienced a surge in popularity. The themes of struggle between good and evil, addiction to power, war horrors, and environmental destruction resonated with younger generations. These books went on to sell 265 million copies, making Middle-earth the fourth largest entertainment franchise in history, with revenues exceeding $5.8 billion.
The Journey to the Big Screen:
In 1969, Tolkien made a groundbreaking deal with United Artists, granting them all the film rights, merchandising rights, stage rights, and options for other rights related to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that Peter Jackson directed a highly successful film trilogy based on The Lord of the Rings. These films, produced by Warner Bros. under New Line Cinema, generated nearly $6 billion in revenues.
The Bakshi Film and Nostalgia Craze:
Before Peter Jackson’s films, Ralph Bakshi attempted to create an animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings in the 1970s. Although the film didn’t perform as expected at the time, it has gained a nostalgic following in recent years. The Bakshi film has become a heritage piece, generating more revenue today than during its initial release.
The Emergence of Amazon’s TV Series:
In 2017, the TV series option for The Lord of the Rings became significant. The rights had reverted back to the Tolkien Estate in 1983, and they struck a deal with Amazon Studios to create The Rings of Power multi-season streaming show. Middle-earth Enterprises retained ownership of trademark and service mark rights for this TV series, along with related merchandise, video games, and other licensed products.
Embracer Freemode’s Acquisition:
In 2022, Embracer Group’s Freemode acquired Middle-earth Enterprises for $395 million. Their focus is on reinvigorating the brand and nurturing community and fellowship in the Tolkien world. While Embracer Freemode has control over games and movies set in the Third Age and Second Age of Middle-earth, ownership of The Silmarillion and The Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-earth remains with the Tolkien Estate.
Exploring the Untapped Potential:
The First Age and stories found in The Silmarillion hold immense creative potential for further exploration in films, TV shows, merchandising, and games. Currently, the Tolkien Estate retains ownership of these rights and will ultimately decide if and when they want to delve into these stories. The potential for licensing The Silmarillion and The Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-earth could open up new avenues for creative endeavors.
The Future of Middle-earth:
Embracer Freemode is eager to explore the wider world of Middle-earth, but they must align with their partners on this front. The company recently announced its split into three entities, with Middle-earth & Friends housing the rights to the Tomb Raider IP and Embracer Freemode. Asmodee, another division, will assume the debt load while Middle-earth & Friends will be debt-free. This restructuring reflects Embracer Group’s commitment to expanding the brand and fostering creativity within the Tolkien universe.
Conclusion:
The rights and licensing of The Lord of the Rings and Middle-earth have undergone a complex journey since Tolkien first penned his famous line about a hobbit in a hole. From the initial publication of The Hobbit to the blockbuster film trilogy and the upcoming Amazon TV series, the franchise has captivated audiences worldwide. With Embracer Freemode now at the helm, there is renewed enthusiasm for further exploration of Tolkien’s rich mythology, particularly in untapped areas such as The Silmarillion. The future holds immense potential for new stories and adventures within Middle-earth.
