Lord of the Rings, The: Extended Versions Back to Big Screen, January 2026

‘Lord of the Rings’ Extended Editions Return to Theaters as ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ Turns 25

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, 2001
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett C

In honor of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring turning 25, Fathom Entertainment and Warner are bringing all 3 extended edition films from Peter Jackson’s trilogy back to theaters next year.

The films will screen in DBOX presentation from Jan. 16-19 and then in standard formats from Jan. 23-25.

In addition to bringing the extended films back to the big screen, limited-edition “Lord of the Rings”- themed concession items will be available at select participating theaters. AMC moviegoers can look out for limited-edition popcorn buckets featuring maps of Middle Earth, while Regal and local cinema patrons can get buckets with a “One Ring” design.

New Line Cinema first released the 3 “Lord of the Rings” movies in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Based on the epic fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, the three films were shot back-to-back in New Zealand. Peter Jackson directed the films and wrote the screenplays with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.

Cumulatively, the series grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide and won 17 Oscar Awards.

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The third film, “The Return of the King” earned 11 Oscar Awards: the highest number of any film, tied with “Ben-Hur” and “Titanic.” Peter Jackson returned to Middle Earth to direct “The Hobbit” trilogy in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

While the original theatrical cuts of the “Lord of the Rings” movies come in at a little over nine hours in total, the extended editions are cumulatively 11 and a half hours long. Each extended edition was released on home video a year after its respective theatrical cut hit cinemas.

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