Middle-Earth Enterprises and New Line Cinema join forces to expand the cinematic universe with new The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

Embracer Group AB has announced a new strategic agreement with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures to collaborate on multiple feature films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” series. The agreement aims to expand upon the beloved world and characters of Middle-earth.

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.”

The deal comes 20 years after the release of Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, which was a smash hit, winning 17 Oscars and tying the record for a single film with 11 awards for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures then produced a trilogy of films based on “The Hobbit,” which earned almost $6 billion in global box office revenue. Currently, New Line and Warner Bros. Animation are working on “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, said:

”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.”