Amazon Studios has tapped THE ORPHANAGE and JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM helmer J.A. Bayona to direct two episodes of their upcoming series based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Bayona will be the first to tackle Tolkien's prolific high-fantasy epic after Peter Jackson delivered six films set in the author's world of wizards, elves, and Hobbits who venture far beyond the comfort of their Shire to protect the one ring that rules them all. Set in Middle Earth, the TV series will explore new stories and characters from before the events of Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring.
Bayona expressed his excitement to Deadline about being a part of Amazon's ambitious new project when he told the outlet “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,” said Bayona. “I can’t wait to take audiences around the world to Middle-earth and have them discover the wonders of the Second Age, with a never before seen story.”
In addition to directing two episodes for the highly-anticipated series that boasts a screenplay written by JD Payne and Patrick McKay, Bayona will also executive produce with the aid of his producing partner Belén Atienza.
Casting news for the series has been rather quiet since the project was announced, though we hear that stars such as Gennifer Hutchinson (BREAKING BAD, BETTER CALL SAUL) and GAME OF THRONES alum Bryan Cogman are expected to star.
“We are thrilled to have J.A. and Belen joining the fellowship as we continue to develop this epic series,” said Payne and McKay of Bayona's involvement. “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.”
With the atmospheric horror film THE ORPHANAGE and the emotional fantasy drama A MONSTER CALLS to his good name, Bayona helped Universal's Jurassic franchise roar with even more millions after helming 2018's JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM. With a reputation for bringing larger than life ideas to the big screen with style, it's easy to see why Amazon would be eager to place Bayona behind their Lord of the Rings cameras.
Additional details about Amazon's THE LORD OF THE RINGS TV series are scarce at this time, though with the announcement of Bayona's involvement, I wouldn't be surprised if more news begins to make the journey online sooner rather than later.