How Lord of the Rings Was Nearly Destroyed in Development

The greatest trilogy of all time was nearly turned into a garbage heap during development, here's how.
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#lotr #lord of the rings #gandalf #aragorn #middleearth #ringsofpower #gondor #rohan #dialofdestiny #indianajones #barbie #oppenheimer #spiderverse

[@mythwest]

It’s worth mentioning that Weinstein’s threat of hiring Quentin Tarantino was probably a sort of empty threat to try to get Peter to bow under his demands, as Weinstein also threatened to get John Madden to direct (Director of Shakespeare in Love), and it feels unlikely that Tarantino would be interested in a project like that. I think the real threat would’ve been Weinstein finding someone desperate enough to direct it that they would follow all his demands and make the single movie Lotr mess. Anyhow , maybe I’ll re-release it again some day and include that part haha

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

That's the sheer irony with the way Hollywon't "functions" (or rather, doesn't). It's a bloody miracle that PJ & NLC actually DID end up getting the backing, support, and free reign to make the LotR trilogy (WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN ONLY ONE FILM) into the legendary project it was. I mean, just imagine if Wine-steen *DID* get his way... as he almost always did. Liv Tyler and Miranda Otto probably would've had to watch their backs at every turn. :/ That dude would've been PREYING upon them. Sick fugg.

[@snakes3425]

I still remember the battle between Harry Potter and LOTR for the Fantasy Box Office back in 01-03. Between the two I have to say Lord of the Rings was easily the superior series

[@TheRuddster95]

Massively

[@fuferito]

Basically, we _all_ won. Both franchises are still so enjoyable to watch more than two decades later.

[@Kev_Cos]

​@fuferito 100%. Speaking for myself I had just turned 11 when LOTR - FOTR first came out and grew up with all of these movies so they will always be so nostalgic of my teenage years so I'll love them for eternity. It's a shame such heights haven't really been matched since. LOTR is proof that giving a passionate team of creative minds that repse t the psurce material, you can create utter majestic pieces of art. And that goes for absolutely every single person who worked on these movies as its a monumental take by all involved. Must have been such a privilege to look back and say you worked on it.

[@spencerskewes9370]

One was for children & one was for the sophisticated

[@diollinebranderson6553]

​@@Kev_Cos you must also realise that there are many other films created with passion freely that failed. Passion isnt everything. You must also have wisdom and intellect on what will resonate with the audience etc...

[@miketacos9034]

“And where was Grohan when Rondor needed aid?!”

[@hellegennes]

I cannot stop laughing!

[@richardonax580]

This comment wins hahahaha

[@Maarten8867]

What "Rondor" do you speak of king "Theothor". Surely there is no such place?

[@Realdrlipschitz]

QT is a phenomenal director, but we all know that the One Ring would have ended up being a toe ring

[@supamaorifella195]

Or Cock ring. One size.. too small. 😂

[@AWSVids]

Nah, only Nenya would have been, and he would have cast Uma Thurman as Galadriel.

[@captainmarvelwilson508]

Would he have wanted to make those movies? They are just not his type for directing.

[@archibaldcreep1]

It was a bluff. QT would never direct LOtR

[@jazzflute]

Tarantino would never had taken on an adaption, especially LOTR

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

It was truly lightning in a bottle. I still shudder to imagine how close we came to disaster had the Execs got their way.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Think about how many OTHER films or projects were utterly ruined because of megalomaniacal, narcissistic, tantrum-throwing executives. In fact, I often wonder if that is precisely what happened to "The Last Airbender". After all, the animated series is noteworthy. The "film" is clearly a bloody DISASTER. Gee, I wonder why. 🙄

[@rikk319]

Eh...Miramax executives were awful...New Line executives were awesome. "The execs" is just lazy thinking.

[@DutchDread]

"It's three books isn't it? Shouldn't it be three movies" The greatest decision any human being has ever made.

[@mythwest]

On that day the human race made God proud

[@IreneWY]

Something like LOTR will never happen again. What a time it was

[@SPQSpartacus]

I left the theater in tears after the first movie. I had hoped for the best, but it was so much better I had dared to dream.

[@mythwest]

Feels nearly impossible to come away from a movie with expectations exceeded like that nowadays

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

@@mythwest I *REALLY* wish someone with coin, connections, crews, clout, computer code, corporate cronies and more would check out "Diamond Dragons" (series). But even if they did, the chances that some studio executive would pull the whole "we do it my way and you get on your knees, or else... no money" thing. 🙄

[@rikk319]

@@Novastar.SaberCombat I've been hoping for such treatment of The Chronicles of Amber for decades.

[@TrihardGamesWorkshop]

Makes me so happy to know the Harvey Weinstein missed this opportunity of a lifetime and that Peter Jackson scored big. and that Bob Shay had the foresight to green light 3 films. Great to see how the appendices from the movies is still inspiring people too.

[@mythwest]

That appendices is an unprecedented look behind the curtain at movie magic, and undoubtably has inspired many storytellers and filmmakers, myself included

[@andrewthomas891]

best orc ever ! Brilliant jab by PJ and Crew!

[@thomaspostma1468]

I remember my father telling the story how all Hollywood studio's wanted to make max two movies but that their was one guy who wanted to greenlight three. All hail Bob Shay, what a hero🎉

[@mythwest]

Shay is the Samwise Gamgee here, def hero

[@lennyvalentin6485]

Similar coincidental magic also helped Star Wars to get made, one should point out. Lucas had essentially one ally amongst the execs of Fox, and that was what it took to carry a very difficult creation process to becoming what is today a timeless classic. These similarities feel sort of like lightning striking twice, so not purely random chance. You have the luck of the right person in the right place at the right time, who has the vision to see what the movie maker(s) want to accomplish, the competence to see the project through, and the desire to watch the final creation, like.

[@thomaspostma1468]

@@lennyvalentin6485 Yea facts, pitty to think about all the trully awesome and amazing stuff that didnt get to see the light because some random guy with no expertise decided to do it differently...

[@LukeBailey182]

Still think it's awesome that, essentially, without Freddy Krueger there would be no LOTR films.

[@mythwest]

That really is an interesting way to look at it

[@TheJosep70]

Also thank John Boorman for not getting his terrible LOTR greenlit. That way, we got Excalibur and LOTR.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Not to mention, if "Dead Alive" (a.k.a. "Braindead") hadn't been made by P.J., I wonder if he'd have used so many of the same type of shots--fisheye lenses and all--in LotR. "IS IT SECRET?! IS IT SAFE?" --purple wearing pajama priest... ... oh, wait, nvm. :D #IKickArseForTheLORD

[@TheRuddster95]

Ah yes, Théothor, my favourite character

[@viniciusvyller9458]

I'm more of a Deneden guy

[@KCjones707]

Théothor is actually a rad name.

[@RolandDeschain1]

I saw Peter Jackson on stage do a Q&A back in 2005 and he talked a bit about how insane the process was with Miramax. He said he still had a copy of the memo Harvey sent him that finally made them snap and take the movie elsewhere.

[@internethistorytrash7464]

I still cannot believe these movies were made with that amount of budget, they seem very expensive even for this day. the amazon series looks like a low budget, student attempt.

[@KBWrecker]

TBH I think they got a lot of Tolkien fans who went above and beyond to enhance the parts they were responsible for. With rings of power they hired a bunch of people who didn’t even know the source material

[@lennyvalentin6485]

@@KBWrecker That's the difference betwen when you have true fans of something working on their dream, and a corporate "spared no expense" made-to-make-money project.

[@cowboyCWOLF]

They should make a movie at this point about the making of the lord of the rings it’s a good story in itself.

[@mythwest]

For real!

[@Soniti1324]

The more I learn of the story of LOTRs creation, the more I appreciate just what a complete fluke it was. The optimism of the 90s gave rise to what was so perfectly captured in LOTR; had it been made even 5 years later (post 9/11) the tone would have been completely different, even in adapting that same source material. What a gift to the ages.

[@mythwest]

Truly. Like the biggest startups and innovators, they truly reached for the stars because they simply didn’t know it couldn’t be done

[@LordBurgerofFriesland]

I had no idea we came so close to disaster. And to think, if not for these movies, there would be nowhere near the amount of interest in the fantasy genre as there is now. Other studios saw the success of LOTR and tried to catch that same lightning in the bottle, but in that pursuit to become the "next big fantasy trilogy", what came of it? - Narnia started well enough but petered out with the sequels - Percy Jackson stumbled and fell on it's face - Golden Compass was dead on arrival - Eragon was mangled beyond recognition Even today, we still have this derivative trend chasing, only now with the success of Game of Thrones. - Wheel of Time genuinely angered me with how badly it was vandalized by the scriptwriters at Amazon - And speaking of Amazon - Rings of Power I avoid like the plague

[@ohifonlyx33]

The first big hint that these are not good men was when they wanted to kill off one of the hobbits. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF MERRY OR PIP HAD DIED?

[@baundoman]

Or Sam 😔

[@ericstoverink6579]

In an early draft Pippin died at the Battle of the Morannon; but, C.S. Lewis talked him out of it.

[@Limubi1]

This is a great piece of film essay writing, congratulations.

[@mythwest]

Thanks so much!

[@Grivian]

"Is there any hope Peter, for Lord of the Rings?" "There never was much hope. Just a fools hope"

[@vincesergi7339]

This was a fantastic tribute to a world class movie trilogy. Well done. This needs so many more views and likes.

[@mythwest]

Thanks so much!

[@Finn_MacCool]

There's no way in Hades I would ever believe Quintin Tarantino would agree to direct a Lord of the Rings film. It is just not his style. When Weinstein said that to Peter Jackson he must have been bluffing.

[@mythwest]

He probably was bluffing. But who knows what director he would’ve ended up with, he later also threatened to get John Madden from Shakespeare In Love to direct it

[@kevinroche3334]

There were actually tears in my eyes during the 1812 overture - nice!

[@mythwest]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@dennislogan6781]

Still the greatest movie trilogy, even better than Star Wars episode 4-6. The Amazon show doesn't even come close in quality.

[@davidjhileman5334]

As a Star Wars fans. I 100% agree with you.

[@mythwest]

This video is a re-upload, as there were some things I wanted to fix from the original. As always hope you enjoy! Do you have any core memories surrounding Lord of the Rings? Also: I should do my due diligence, even though I despise everything Weinstein stood for, by saying that he did get Peter the rights to the trilogy, and he did give Peter a clear budget. Peter probably should've been more realistic with his budget expectations before agreeing to it. Nonetheless, I'm glad things turned out the way they did.

[@lollolson]

all those views lost :(

[@mythwest]

@@lollolson Yeah unfortunately, (maybe wasn't the best idea lol) but hoping that commitment to excellence will win in the end and get more views!

[@malvo2496]

@@mythwest I used to watch Lord of the Rings when I was sick. Not gonna lie, probably the best medicine haha.

[@mythwest]

Any house can be Elrond's "house of healing" if you're watching Lotr haha

[@George_M_]

God i wish more projects were allowed to be shopped around. Also I wish more companies *committed* to marketing great films well.

[@GollumFromMordor]

Is there any footage of the 30min LOTR what Jackson showed? Im curious to see it

[@mythwest]

Man that would be amazing, haven’t heard of it being available but hopefully some day

[@ChristopherCopeland]

“Arreirvederchi” echoing over Mordor was 👌🏻✨😂

[@mythwest]

Thanks😂

[@Bobbybillybillbob]

In an alternate reality, a version of you is watching a video of "How the cancelled LOTR film could have been"

[@Person-wz6iy]

Well Miramax was under Disney at the time, and Tolkien hated Disney. So it would've broken his golden rule of not letting disney adapt his work.

[@TheImaginator972]

Good thing Disney will NEVER own an epic fantasy franchise like The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit.

[@HansWurst1569]

@@TheImaginator972 thats why they raped starwars. Its the only one they could actually get. People praise george but ultimately it was him who sold out. As soon as christopher tolkien died his son sold out to amazon, hence the travesty that is rings of power

[@Mammothsaber-4457]

@@TheImaginator972 Disney had a Narnia film series in the 2000s and they also currently have Percy Jackson on Disney +

[@Allmightyimortal]

​@Mammothsaber-4457 that was sarcasm mate.

[@mevb]

I knew they show the scenes from Moria at Cannes as in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug documentaries, it was revealed that the music from Moria was recorded in Wellington, New Zealand, rather than in London where rest of The Lord of the Rings score were done. I didn't knew about the other scenes though, except for one behind the scene footage where Peter Jackson rides with Gandalf in his cart while they talk to the audience as a tease for the movie.

[@mythwest]

Ooh I’ll have to find that clip from the golf cart, that sounds so cool

[@jasonhaiflich8967]

Amazing content! A lot better than those that get tons of views, like a LOT better. It’s well written, easy to follow, the sound design is soothing and well chosen, etc.

[@mythwest]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed

[@textandtelescope8199]

Two more movies to be made - Tom Bombadil (from crossing the Brandiwine to the entrance to Bree0 and the Cleansing of the Shire. Done by Jackson or someone closely associated.

[@mythwest]

Imagine if Peter Jackson just made those as short films 👁

[@darthmadeus]

Here's how you answer your question at 10:19. It's bc Peter Jackson respected the source material, stuck to the source material, and only made slight changes that made sense on print but not visually. He didn't input today's politics, he respected the fans, he respected Tolkien, he wasn't trying to convey a message, and most importantly he delivered what he and the people wanted: a faithful film adaptation of a trilogy. These movies are the reason why I got into Tolkien's world and if they were poorly made, I doubt I would have in the first place. This is why people hate modern adaptations bc the director's input their own beliefs instead of just simply sticking to the established lore.

[@sasforex5917]

Beautifully said

[@sadiyarabia2496]

When they said one of the hobbits had to be killed off, my eyes literally POPPED!

[@mythwest]

Right?? Tolkien actually considered having Merry or Pippin die at the Black Gates, but his friend CS Lewis (author of narnia) talked him out of it. So glad for that!

[@sigursmith9332]

Well put together video. Good work.

[@mythwest]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@malelemonade5979]

Its amazing that these films were created. Im very thankful for experiencing them. They have inspired me to tell my own story!

[@nomad9584]

A great tribute to the most profoundly epic trilogy of all time. The experience of watching these films at the cinema for the first time was out of this world. I don't think anything else will ever come close.

[@mythwest]

Not much I wouldn’t give to be able to experience these for the first time again

[@gabethedinosaur95]

Peter Jackson really beat Harvey Weinstein to the punch . I have to say lord of the rings is by far one of the best films ever made l I remember watching lord of the rings on vhs with my dad and we were amazed of the story and the characters. All hail Peter Jackson

[@wolfmerc11]

This magnificent trilogy was made at the right time. How blessed we all are to be able to experience it to this day!

[@jeremybeau8334]

New Line Cinema, the house that Freddy Krueger build.

[@rahzoriel2103]

I couldn't be more blessed to have Lord of the Rings released in cinemas worldwide at my teenage years. It made such a huge impact on my life to seek out Tolkien's work and even see how much he inspired culture as a whole in the earlier decades of the movie that twenty years later, its almost my mission to lay it out for the next generation. The Hobbit trilogy was also very good, and although not as clean, also provided with an extension of the Middle-Earth universe. Let's just not talk about the modern Netflix series now. Every family has a black sheep.

[@mythwest]

What I wouldn’t give to have been a teenager when those were released. The massive impact of Tolkien’s work will never be calculable

[@lisazoria2709]

Yes, yes. The Hobbit trilogy was... "Very good". 🙃

[@rahzoriel2103]

@@lisazoria2709 You have to give credit where its due. It was good but unpolished.

[@sehu1291]

This trilogy is really a miracle

[@StuCheeks]

I'd like to see this 11 minute documentary expanded into a 2 hour narrative film.

[@mythwest]

Honestly there’s so much potential, paramount just did a mini series on the creation of the Godfather and I think this story has so much potential. I had to leave SO much out from the book to make this Video and keep it cohesive

[@annihull6373]

Great video. I love your artwork thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of us. Blessings.

[@mythwest]

Thanks so glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrGalRoz]

most directors can turn gold into some more gold, or copper, or liquid shit. Peter Jackson(and his entire production) turned gold into a river of diamonds.

[@captainmarvelwilson508]

Learning this story just disgusts me. I am glad Peter Jackson cut ties with Mirmax.

[@woufff_]

Watched it with great pleasure again ❤- very well done, thank you !

[@mythwest]

Thanks for watching!

[@someinteresting]

"Island somewhere around Australia" for New Zealand is some of the most stereotypically 'Murican thing to say.

[@vaughanie23]

said for ironic effect by the video's author, but yes MAGA people would say something like that

[@Alouises]

You're talking about Tasmania, right?

[@FlyingFocs]

​@@vaughanie23or even super out of touch, possibly (probably) coked-out film executives who never leave the country

[@Cory99918]

that's not representative bro lol he's one person - he was just trying to be quirky and cute and creative and fun - literally everyone knows about new zealand, all over the world, probably directly first time you heard about it was in relation to lord of the rings, as well.... if it wasn't "edmund hilary", it was lord of the rings..... and you know it and I know it so shut up lol peace, bless x

[@jacktoma21]

Using Tarantino, seems like such an empty threat. At this point I don’t think Harvey could have forced QT to do it and I don’t believe Tarantino would be interested in making this, especially with all the notes and interference

[@mythwest]

True. It doesn’t seem like a project QT would be interested in, so I suppose the real threat was if Harvey Weinstein would’ve gotten someone that would be desperate enough to be the director that they would cow to all his demands. Maybe I’ll make a new version and add that part lol

[@mj101inf9]

It boggles the mind that all of these movie studios passed on LOTR when they should have been fighting to be the ones to make the films.

[@mythwest]

I’m sure they all kicked themselves after seeing how much money it made

[@user-ci7ls5wt5q]

The best movie ever done.

[@Dare_To_Game]

I shudder to think how close we came to never getting an acceptable LOTR adaptation. Hollywood execs should never be allowed to meddle like that.

[@mythwest]

It’s hard to find an example of corporate meddling in film actually helping, and unfortunately really easy to find examples of it destroying movies

[@volkhen0]

I remember downloading LotR FSotR trailer for few hours… how times have changed. These were better days, the anticipation was giving more value to everything. Now we are all spoiled kids.

[@VinnieVirus]

Really cool documentary. I had no idea about this history.

[@mythwest]

Thanks! Shocked me too when I first heard of it

[@jayb-wickorsnow5956]

Awesome video dude.

[@mythwest]

Thanks! If you like this one there’s a bunch more on the channel I think you’ll love!

[@volkhen0]

If only Hobbit was that good. Missed opportunity

[@northernlines2652]

Oh yes. 1 movie instead of 3, less stupidity, less disappointment, less dead and maimed animals 😢

[@heatherholland1051]

Its was this trilogy that has inspired me to write my own set of three books. Will they be as good? Most likely not but I have poured my heart and soul into them.

[@mythwest]

Good on ya, that’s what matters. No matter the end result, you made your vision a reality instead of letting it stay a dream or wish, and that’s an achievement. Anyone can get inspired, few actually follow through.

[@ch.ch186]

This project could have gone sideways in so many ways…the battles Peter Jackson had to fight. What story of success.

[@Bobbybillybillbob]

Well Bob, one of the Hobbits was technically killed off. When Frodo leaves at the end, thats basically him dying and transcending to a greater plain with Bilbo

[@user-ow1jb7wg8u]

You still age and die in the undying lands if you are mortal. So Frodo and Bilbo (and Sam) all died there. It's really only a haven for the Elves because things change very slowly there which goes well with the Elves immortality.

[@margaritawelch1838]

I love this tribute. Simply inspiring. Talk about beating the odds!

[@mythwest]

For real! Glad you enjoyed

[@doghouse6413]

For some reason, i am sad after watching this (video is great, btw). Because I realize something like this is most likely not to be made again

[@macwade2755]

Great video Mythwest!

[@mythwest]

Thanks!

[@hiattgrey9161]

Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are my favorite film series'.

[@mythwest]

It’s sad that their success sort of dooms them to endless sequels but at least we’ll always have the originals!

[@hiattgrey9161]

@@mythwest Although I do have a soft spot for the prequels and Rogue One, I agree 100%

[@mythwest]

@@hiattgrey9161 Certainly, and who knows with some of these upcoming Lotr Warner Brothers movies, could possibly be pretty good? At least they have a number of OG's from the original trilly back to work on it so we'll have to see

[@DelkorYT]

New Line are geniuses just as much as the regular crew behind LotR

[@mythwest]

For sure, they took a big risk and gave the project what it needed to succeed, they gotta get some props!

[@Bobbybillybillbob]

They literally won every oscar except the best actors and actress!

[@mythwest]

Which honestly Samwise should’ve been at least nominated for best supporting actor!!

[@Bobbybillybillbob]

@@mythwest Sam Elliot and Andy Serkis were both worthy of nominations

[@Romino94]

Ian as Gandalf was nominated in fotr

[@Bobbybillybillbob]

@@Romino94 Gandalf the Grey GOAT

[@TallisKeeton]

Oh, those bells of glory :)

[@Zed-fq3lj]

A great video man, for the greatest trilogy of all times! thank you!😍

[@mythwest]

Glad you enjoyed it man!

[@robh7800]

It may never be beat

[@bfkc111]

Combining Rohan and Gondor into one kingdom and consequently cutting Helm's Deep seems relatively sane, if one has to bow to inevitable constraints. However cutting the Balrog, wtf. And I'm sure there would have been many more "issues".

[@mythwest]

Yeah If it’s just one movie I can see that, but yeah I mean would Gandalf fall off screen or something? Kind of an important plot point

[@horsemumbler1]

It only seems that way if you have no understanding nor respect for the story.

[@larrysmith5413]

Weinstein was a (insert expletive here) I’m re reading the books. I got sucked back in reading the Tom Bombadil section. Gotta say the extended editions of the films really complement the books. Yes the screen plays deviate but not to the detriment of the overall story. In some cases, they improve on it. Really great job. Withholding judgement on Dune, but so far not bad except for the Chani character arc.

[@yeahiprotest]

I just want to flex that Peter Jackson was my favorite director before LOTR because of Heavenly Creatures - I knew he was special

[@benjaminbjrklund743]

read imagine anything - the book behind the production, if you want all the details. wonderful book!

[@mythwest]

Yes! This video only scrapes the surface, there was so much I had to leave out for time but the details are wild

[@tomflaushe]

Up yours Harvey

[@colindunnigan8621]

"You! Nazgul! Validate my parking pass!"

[@mythwest]

*speed limit enforced by aircra… by Nazgul

[@Rad-ok6xr]

I'm SURE I saw actual footage of this party (or a similar event if not the same) somewhere right here on KZbin

[@mythwest]

What no way! Definitely comment where to find it if you do find it!!

[@wladyslawderstreiter9078]

why was the thumbnail changes multiple times. I liked to old one and btw this video deserves 100x its views.

[@mythwest]

I re-uploaded the video so I could fix some things, and it didn’t garner views so I tried changing the thumbnail to see if it would help

[@josh2011miller80]

This video brought me to tears 😭 😵

[@rtothec1234]

Masterpiece

[@aidanmagill6769]

A few years later they successfully ruined a Tolkien novel - The Hobbit. A few years after that, they redeemed The Hobbit by making The Rings Of Power.

[@jakedunbar4063]

as we didn't need another reason to hate HW

[@neilcarder4893]

The lord of the rings will always be novels with neat moving picture illustrations.

[@karenhall4645]

Scary to think how terrible this movie could have been. Perhaps even worse than Rings of Power?

[@mythwest]

Honestly yeah, it would’ve ranked as one of the worst adaptations in history. To condense and cut so many details as they wanted, I’m convinced would’ve left it as a more formulaic and pretty confusing movie

[@faw6103]

I need to see a Planet of the Apea film with Arnold in it 😂

[@user-yg2gw4je8d]

I agree 😂 Charlton Heston would have been much better if he'd had an Austrian accent.

[@VieneLea]

Wait, it's a reupload? Why?

[@mythwest]

lol I got a lil perfectionist and fixed some things from the first upload. Also found something that was factually inaccurate i wanted to fix

[@VieneLea]

@@mythwest huh, that confused me a ton! I wanted to share this video with people who didn't see it yet, and as a result it took me a while to find it!

[@mythwest]

Thanks so much for sharing with people! Glad you enjoy the vid

[@VieneLea]

@@mythwest thanks, but I didn't actually share it! Before I found it figured it's the video I'm looking for the conversation shifted and I didn't want to backtrack it!

[@TheRealMycanthrope]

Tolkien giganerds can complain about the movies all they want, but.... we could have got the Weinstein approved version. Mull that one over, and appreciate the wonderful thing that we got.

[@mythwest]

Exactly!

[@wesleymyers589]

It's a lot easier to defeat a balrog when there is no balrog

[@mythwest]

Hollywood big brain energy, you should be an executive

[@TheGreatUnwashedThing]

"...it was clear right away that most of the executives didn't understand Lord of the Rings..." - I mean do they understand anything, ever? I don't think I've seen any other group of people in positions of real power being so consistently ignorant and plain wrong on just about the entire industry they work in.

[@jimbeaux89]

Best movies ever made

[@HTehnique]

A very interesting backstory to what is, without a doubt, the best fantasy movie trilogy --- so glad that in this Universe things unfolded the way they did, imagine having a *single* 2h long LOTR movie with Stuart Townsend as Aragon >.

[@TheRuddster95]

#aragorn #oppenheimer 😂

[@TinMan445]

Easily the greatest movie trilogy of all time.

[@sleepyleaps8954]

Watching LOTR now is pretty insufferable almost entirely because of Gollum. This is why the 1st movie was the best and the 2nd was the worst

[@andrewthomas891]

Weinstein should get life in Balrog Moria.

[@mikewazowski350]

Q How Lord of the Rings Was Nearly Destroyed in Development? A Harvey Weinstein

[@vitobergeman]

Yet Jackson ruined his Hobbit movies and disgraced not only the book but Tolkien himself. The Hobbit movies were a desecration of the book and Jackson failed miserably.

[@porcine83]

The LotR triology is sublime film-making for certain....and still falls well short of the source material. Such is the brilliance of JRR Tolkien and the world he created.

[@waderoberts3701]

This Harvey Weinstein character sounds like a real jerk!

[@krishnarjunar2724]

Back when movies were about art and storytelling and not some woke crap. Thank God lotr came out in 2000s

[@merickful]

Now we have people like you using the term "woke" as ammunition to prove flawed, irrelevant, and out of context opinions.

[@sunrisesparkle6363]

>How Lord of the Rings Was Nearly Destroyed in Development It should have be, Hackson will never be a good director and his adaptation is horrible in every regard. And he butchered all the best scenes, and still lost to the japanese: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q33aq6Brodt3fqs