‘Lord of the Rings’ on Amazon finally arriving in 2022; see first look

Amazon has proved that with its long gestating series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels, a fantasy epic that will take place thousands of years before the events of the classic trilogy and “Hobbit” novel. But between the time it takes to put a series of this magnitude together, coupled with COVID-19 pandemic delays, it seems like Amazon’s “Rings” might never premiere. But the streaming service announced Monday that, at long last, Middle-earth will be returning to our screens on September 2, 2022 in the yet-to-be-titled series. 

Amazon revealed the premiere date to celebrate the completion of filming in New Zealand, where the original three Peter Jackson-directed films, as well as “Hobbit” prequel trilogy, were also shot (Jackson is not involved in the new project). The streamer also released a first look image from the first episode of the new series.  However, Amazon did not reveal the name of the character, or even which actor, is pictured from behind. 

The series will take on new material that hasn’t been seen in the theatrical films. According to Amazon’s announcement, the new series “brings to screens for the very first time J.R.R. Tolkien’s fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. Beginning in a time of relative peace … the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.”