The Lord of the Rings – History, News & Collectibles
Middle-earth returns: Rings of Power in November 2026, and the first live-action film since 2014 in 2027. Here is what is coming, what order to watch it in, and what is worth owning in Lord of the Rings collectibles.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
What is coming to Middle-earth
The Rings of Power, season 3 – 11 November 2026
Prime Video's series returns, moving into the War of the Elves and Sauron. It is set thousands of years before the events of the films.
The Hunt for Gollum – 17 December 2027
The first live-action Middle-earth film since 2014. Andy Serkis directs and stars again as Gollum, with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens producing. It is filming in New Zealand, where the original trilogy was made.
Where it sits
Between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring: after Bilbo's birthday party and before the Mines of Moria. It follows Aragorn's hunt for Gollum, under Gandalf's direction.
The cast: Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Aragorn is played by Jamie Dornan – not Viggo Mortensen. Kate Winslet, Anya Taylor-Joy and Lee Pace join them.
Studio dates move – we update this guide whenever something changes officially.
What order to watch it in
There is a fair amount now, and the confusion is understandable:
- The original trilogy (2001-2003): The Fellowship, The Two Towers, The Return of the King. Everyone starts here.
- The Hobbit (2012-2014): earlier chronologically, but made later. Watch it after the trilogy.
- The Rings of Power: thousands of years earlier, a separate story. No prior viewing needed.
- The War of the Rohirrim (2024): an animated film, self-contained.
The history: the professor who invented languages
J.R.R. Tolkien was a professor of philology at Oxford. He did not begin by writing a story – he began by inventing languages, and then built a world for someone to speak them in.
The Lord of the Rings was published in 1954-1955. Peter Jackson's trilogy (2001-2003) won seventeen Academy Awards in total, with The Return of the King sweeping all eleven categories it was nominated in.
Why this matters to collectors: very few franchises have such sacred objects. The One Ring, Aragorn's sword, Gandalf's staff – these carry weight inside the story, and their replicas sell to adults who buy no other collectibles at all.
The characters
The two hobbits carrying the weight of the entire story.
The wizard – arguably the franchise's most recognisable figure.
The creature who lost everything to the Ring – and now has his own film.
The king, the elf and the dwarf – the heart of the Fellowship.
What is worth collecting
- The One Ring: the most iconic object of all – in replicas, jewellery and collector packaging.
- Statues: detailed display pieces of characters and scenes.
- Funko POP: the whole Fellowship, including rarer editions.
- Weapon replicas: swords, Gandalf's staff, Legolas' bow.
- Maps & books: maps of Middle-earth and collector editions.
Gift guide
The One Ring – recognised by everyone, even outside the fandom.
Funko POP, t-shirts, map posters.
Statues, weapon replicas, collector book editions.
Mugs, keyrings, small figures, maps.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a new Lord of the Rings film coming?
- Yes. The Hunt for Gollum arrives on 17 December 2027 – the first live-action Middle-earth film since 2014. Andy Serkis directs and stars as Gollum, with Peter Jackson producing.
- Is Viggo Mortensen returning as Aragorn?
- No. In The Hunt for Gollum, Aragorn is played by Jamie Dornan. Ian McKellen does return as Gandalf, and Elijah Wood as Frodo.
- When is the next season of Rings of Power?
- Season three arrives on 11 November 2026 on Prime Video, moving into the War of the Elves and Sauron.
- What order should I watch everything in?
- Start with the 2001-2003 trilogy, then The Hobbit. The Rings of Power is a separate story set thousands of years earlier and can be watched independently.
- Where can I find Lord of the Rings collectibles in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
