The Rings of Power: Petition launched to stop latest ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ covers sale - here’s why

The showrunners of The Rings of Power broadcasted the latest trailer at the San Diego Comic-Con International in July and the video has almost 11 million views already.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Fans of The Lord of the Rings launched a petition to stop Harper Collins, Amazon, and The Tolkien Estate from selling the book series with the latest covers.

They are disappointed that the publishing company, online streaming service, and The Tolkien Estate have updated the book covers with images from the latest spin-off show - The Rings of Power.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The showrunners of The Rings of Power broadcasted the latest trailer at the San Diego Comic-Con International in July and the video has almost 11 million views already.

However, fans of the series objected use of the spin-off to sell the books since the new show is not a creation of the famed Birmingham-based author - J.R.R Tolkein.

Actor Sir Ian McKellen autographs “The Lord of the Rings” official movie guide at Book Soup January 19, 2002.Actor Sir Ian McKellen autographs “The Lord of the Rings” official movie guide at Book Soup January 19, 2002.
Actor Sir Ian McKellen autographs “The Lord of the Rings” official movie guide at Book Soup January 19, 2002.

The petition accused Harper Collins, Amazon, and The Tolkien Estate of “unjustly” co-opting the latest covers for improving sales.

“This show is not an adaptation, rather, Amazon is making something new within a pre-established framework designed by Tolkien which Amazon is using creative license with. Mostly, this show contains vastly more content from modern showrunners, writers, producers, and corporate executives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“For example, many of the show’s characters, Disa, Halbrand, Arondir, Bronwyn, Theo, Eleanor Brandyfoot, Sadoc Burrows, Poppy Proudfellow, Adar, and more, are entirely original Amazon creations involved in their own originally embellished stories,” according to the petition.

“The Rings of Power” panel during Comic-Con International on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California.“The Rings of Power” panel during Comic-Con International on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California.
“The Rings of Power” panel during Comic-Con International on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California.

The fans want the Amazon series to not be included in the universe created by Tolkein. The author and scholar has left a vast legacy that includes The Hobbit and The Silmarillion.

“It would be a tragedy to have his works scrubbed and colored over like a palimpsest, conflating and confusing them with Amazon’s upcoming original series,” the fans added in the petition.

One Twitter user said: “Reasonable request they are trying to ride the coattails of successful work to help promote there fan fiction.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, the show has created a real buzz online and some fans are looking forward to the new addition to The Lord of the Rings universe.

Tolkein moved to the West Midlands from South Africa in the 1890s with his mother and brother after his father died, according to The Tolkein Society.

The Birmingham he knew was a dark and industrial one and yet he was inspired by the architecture and the natural beauty spots. For instance, the Moseley bog inspired him to create the Old Forest through which some of his characters travel in the fantasy series. His First World War experience shaped the fantasy series he went on to write later.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.