Embracer Group AB’s subsidiary Middle-earth-Enterprises and New Line Cinema have signed a multi-year strategic agreement with Warner Bros. Pictures to collaborate on several feature films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s acclaimed works, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The agreement aims to expand the much-loved world and characters of Middle-earth, with a focus on bringing the cinematic universe of the two iconic franchises to new and exciting heights.
This collaboration marks 20 years since New Line Cinema released the epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which has won numerous awards, including seventeen Oscars. The trilogy remains among the most successful and highly acclaimed films ever. New Line Cinema re-teamed with Peter Jackson for a trilogy of movies based on The Hobbit, which earned almost $6 billion at the box office worldwide. In addition, New Line and Warner Bros. Animation are currently producing The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an original anime set 183 years before the events in The Lord of the Rings.
Lee Guinchard, CEO of Freemode, stated:
“Following our recent acquisition of Middle-earth Enterprises, we’re thrilled to embark on this new collaborative journey with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, bringing the incomparable world of J.R.R. Tolkien back to the big screen in new and exciting ways. We understand how cherished these works are, and working together with our partners at New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, we plan to honor the past, look to the future, and adhere to the strongest level of quality and production values.”
Warner Bros. Pictures Group Co-Chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy said:
” Twenty years ago, New Line took an unprecedented leap of faith to realize the incredible stories, characters, and world of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ on the big screen. The result was a landmark series of films that have been embraced by generations of fans. But for all the scope and detail lovingly packed into the two trilogies, the vast, complex, and dazzling universe dreamed up by J.R.R. Tolkien remains largely unexplored on film. The opportunity to invite fans deeper into the cinematic world of Middle-earth is an honor, and we are excited to partner with Middle-earth Enterprises and Embracer on this adventure.”
This agreement is expected to create long-term value for Embracer Group, a global group of creative and entrepreneurial businesses in PC, console, mobile, board games, and other related media. The group has an extensive catalog of over 850 owned or controlled franchises. It has a global presence through its twelve operative groups, with 134 internal game development studios and more than 16,200 workers in more than 40 countries. New Line Cinema is a unit of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, known for producing critically acclaimed hit films that resonate with audiences worldwide.
