Is Lord of the Rings stuck in a time loop, forever revisiting the same stories and characters? It seems like it, and it's a problem plaguing many beloved Sci-Fi and Fantasy franchises, with no easy solution in sight.
Another Lord of the Rings movie is on its way, but it's highlighting a challenge that's been dogging not just this franchise, but also other major properties, particularly in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres. Peter Jackson's original movies were a dream come true – many consider them masterpieces and one of the greatest trilogies ever created. But, let's be honest, everything since then? It hasn't quite reached the same heights.
Despite the mixed reception of The Hobbit movies, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and the animated The War of the Rohirrim, Lord of the Rings remains a powerful brand, which means we're likely to see more movies (and possibly more TV shows). Next in line, alongside The Rings of Power Season 3, is The Hunt for Gollum, slated for release in 2027. Andy Serkis will star in and direct the movie, which is set during the timeline of The Fellowship of the Ring. The story will center on Gandalf and Aragorn's quest to find Gollum before Sauron's forces get to him.
It's not just a matter of bringing back familiar faces; it's a continuation of a trend. But here's where it gets controversial... Is relying on familiar characters and storylines the best way forward, or is it holding the franchise back?
The Lord of the Rings basically hasn’t moved beyond the original trilogy. The Hunt for Gollum is literally going back to the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as it takes place within the same timeframe, but it also reflects a wider issue: the franchise hasn't been able to break free from those movies and characters. The Hobbit movies, being a prequel, were somewhat bound to the original trilogy, but even then, the filmmakers chose to expand the story (arguably to its detriment) and force bigger roles for returning characters from the original movies. Think Legolas showing up in The Hobbit – was he really that essential to the story?
The Rings of Power has also fallen into similar territory, despite being set in the Second Age, thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The show purposefully focused on familiar characters like Galadriel and Sauron, and even found a way to bring Gandalf into the mix. And this is the part most people miss... This reliance on familiar elements isn't unique to Lord of the Rings. We've seen it in other major franchises like Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and Harry Potter. The prequels and spinoffs often lean heavily on nostalgia, trying to connect to the original, more beloved properties, instead of simply telling a great, original story. It’s like they’re afraid to take risks and explore new corners of their universes.
Sometimes, this approach can work. Star Wars: Andor is a shining example. But it stands out because it feels like an exception to the rule. Andor prioritizes its story, characters, and world; the franchise itself is secondary, creating a more organic feel. Returning to the original properties will always be a significant part of these franchises, as that's where the audience base is. However, there's a sense of being stuck in a cycle where things can't truly evolve. This leads to a question: is it possible to respect the source material while still forging a new path?
There are thousands of years of Middle-earth history that could be explored onscreen without relying on the most recognizable characters or the story of the One Ring. Imagine a series set in the First Age, delving into the conflicts with Morgoth! But, of course, rights issues make that more complicated. Instead, it seems more likely that the franchise, like others, will continue to revisit familiar territory. However, there's a risk of diminishing returns and limitations to what can be done with those characters and timelines. We've seen this happen with other franchises – the constant reboots and retcons can leave fans feeling fatigued.
Audiences also play a role. Look at the MCU, where the biggest box office hits are often the cameo-filled movies, while newer releases struggle to achieve the same level of popularity. But if a project is successful enough (perhaps with a relatively lower budget) and the characters and stories are genuinely good, it can provide a platform to build upon. This seems to be something that The Lord of the Rings and several other franchises are currently lacking. What do you think? Is fan service killing creativity?
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will be released in theaters on December 17th, 2027.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Lord of the Rings is relying too much on nostalgia? Are you excited for The Hunt for Gollum, or would you prefer to see stories set in different eras of Middle-earth? Share your opinions in the comments below!
