Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is the latest series expanding J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth universe. Designed as a five-season epic, the show has already delivered two visually stunning seasons, with the third season currently in production. From the beginning, Amazon made it clear that this wasn’t just another fantasy show. It’s a full-scale return to one of the most beloved fictional worlds created.
Drawing from many of Tolkien’s Middle-earth stories, the series creates unique plotlines that explore the forging of the Rings of Power and the rise of Sauron. The show takes place during the Second Age of Middle-earth, roughly 3,000 years before the original movies take place. This era is known for its grand battles, political intrigue and the creation of the iconic rings. For longtime fans, it’s a rare opportunity to see a part of the lore that has mostly lived on the page.
The series has filmed in multiple locations across New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom. In addition, the big budget show filmed specific scenes in massive studio sets. Since so much of the Second Age has never been visually established before, Amazon had to build entire environments from scratch. This is why the show is set to be one of the most expensive series ever filmed. Adapting Tolkien’s work for the show was costly; however, Amazon Studios clearly believes those costs will pay off. For huge fans of the books, they will not be disappointed by the world the crew created on the screen.
How much did Amazon pay for ‘Rings of Power’?
Rings of Power is a beautiful masterpiece, with detailed sets, characters and plotlines throughout. According to ScreenRant, the total cost of the show exceeded $1 billion, making it the most expensive TV show. Amazon Executive Jennifer Salke said in a roundtable discussion facilitated by The Hollywood Reporter that a large portion of the funds goes toward “building the infrastructure” for this “huge world-building show.”
Salke also said Amazon Studios felt confident investing the bug dollar amount into the show because of viewership predications. She told the outlet that they anticipate a “giant, global audience” showing up weekly, helping the company recoup the money. It’s also worth noting that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is said to be a big fan of the LOTR series. The Washington Post reported that Bezos even worked with executives on the pitch to acquire the rights. The action represented an unusual degree of involvement from the then-CEO.
Adapting the rights for Tolkien’s work alone cost Amazon around $250 million in 2017. The first season reportedly cost $462 million to produce, and that’s only the beginning for the five-season plan.
Where is ‘Rings of Power’ filmed?
Similar to the other movies and spin-offs, the crew filmed the first season of Rings of Power in New Zealand. They filmed the second season in Spain and the United Kingdom, according to Atlas of Wonders.
The first season leaned heavily on New Zealand’s iconic landscapes, like Kahurangi National Park and Fiordland National Park. The hobbits in the first episode of season one were on-location at the Denize Bluffs in Mangaotaki valley. It’s an area that’s been seen before as the Trollshaw Forest in The Hobbit trilogy. Kahurangi National Park was the film location for Rhovanian as well as the Harfoots’ homeland.
The top of Mount Kidd, located in Fiordland National Park, was the location of the Northern Waste and was difficult to access for filming. In an interview with People, producer Callum Greene noted that the area was treacherous and only accessible by helicopter. Only a handful of cast and crew members could be transported to the 11,000-foot peak at a time.
For the second season, production moved to the United Kingdom and Spain for filming. According to Time Out Worldwide, Windsor Great Park in England provided several lush forest settings. Tenerife’s Mount Teide and Teide National Park in Spain stood in for the mysterious Land of Rhûn. Surrey’s Frensham Common rounded out the location list with sweeping views perfect for long travel sequences.
Is Gandalf in ‘Rings of Power’?
Technically, Gandalf is present in Rings of Power. However, he is in a different form than how fans meet him in the original movies. In the show, which takes place in the Second Age, Gandalf appears in his Maia form. The iconic character is introduced as “The Stranger” and is considered to be one of the Istari. The Istari, the order of wizards Gandalf belongs to, were sent to guide the peoples of Middle-earth.
It’s not until Season 2 that it’s confirmed that the Stranger is indeed Gandalf the Grey. This is the first time the origin story of Gandalf is shown on screen.
Is ‘Rings of Power’ season three confirmed?
Yes, Amazon Studios has confirmed the third season of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. It is currently in production, according to Prime Video. They have not announced a premiere date for the third season just yet. However, the cast and crew is expected to wrap filming by the end of 2025. According to Amazon, Season 3 will take place years after Season 2 and will focus on the peak of the war between the Elves and Sauron.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gandalf’s true name?
Gandalf’s real name is Olorin, according to Comic Book Resources.
Who is the strongest Lord of the Rings character?
The Dark Lord Sauron and Gandalf the Grey are two of the most powerful LOTR characters, but some believe the strongest character is actually Tom Bombadil. Though he is not included in the movies, Tom is “the oldest in existence” and the “master of wood, water and hill” in the books, according to Comic Book Resources.
Which LOTR movie made the most money?
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King grossed $377, 037, 325, making it the highest grossing LOTR film. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was the second highest grossing film in the series, according to Box Office Mojo.