A Swedish video game company called Embracer Group has acquired Middle-earth Enterprises, which owns the intellectual property catalog and worldwide rights to JRR Tolkien’S The Lord of the Rings And The Hobbit.
They now own the rights to the movies, video games, board games, merchandising, theme parks and theater productions related to these two epic fantasy franchises. They also acquired corresponding rights in other Middle-earth-related literary works authorized by Tolkien Estate and HarperCollins, which are yet to be explored.
Lars Wingeforsfounder and CEO of the Embracer Group, said: “I am really excited to have it The Lord of the Rings And The Hobbit, one of the most epic fantasy franchises in the world joins the Embracer family, opening up more transmedia opportunities, including synergies within our global group. I’m excited to see what’s next for this IP with Freemode and Asmodee as a start within the group. Moving forward, we look forward to partnering with both existing and new external licensees of our increasingly strong IP portfolio. “
In a statement, Marty GlickCOO of the Saul Zaentz Company, said: “We at the Zaentz Company have had the honor for the past half century to manage Tolkien’s rights so that Lord of the Rings And Hobbit Fans around the world can enjoy award-winning epic movies, thrilling video games, world-class theater and merchandise of every variety. We couldn’t be more excited that Embracer is now taking responsibility and we are confident that their group will take it to new heights and dimensions, while keeping homage to the spirit of these great literary works. “
Some of the upcoming projects for Middle-earth that were previously created by Middle-earth Enterprises before Embaracer Group acquired it are those of AmazonThe Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Warner Bros. animated film The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrimand the EA mobile game The Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth.
This is a big deal and it will be interesting to see what the Embracer Group will end up doing with Tolkien’s creations in the future. I mean, they have the power to do all kinds of things, including makeovers The Lord of the Rings And The Hobbit movies if they wanted it.
Middle-earth firms “will continue to operate independently under the existing […] management team, “but Embracer hopes to expand the franchise as they are looking for” included opportunities[ing] explore additional films based on iconic characters such as Gandalf, Aragorn, Gollum, Galadriel, Eowyn and other characters from JRR Tolkein’s literary works. “
I don’t know, this acquisition makes me a little nervous about what will be done with Tolkien’s work. Maybe some interesting things will come out of it, maybe some bad things. We just have to wait and see. What do you think?
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
