A little more than a week after wrapping its first season, Amazon’s highly-anticipated Lord of the Rings TV series is already making big changes for season 2. According to Deadline, the show is leaving New Zealand and will set up shop in the U.K. when production resumes early next year.
The move is reportedly part of Amazon’s push to expand its studio presence across the pond. But most importantly, it allows the series’ mostly British cast to stay closer to home and be with their families. Many of the actors have been stuck because of the country’s strict COVID-19 regulations,. Amazon will also be hiring new crew members to replace those who were based down under.
“We want to thank the people and the government of New Zealand for their hospitality and dedication and for providing The Lord of the Rings series with an incredible place to begin this epic journey,” said Vernon Sanders, VP and Co-Head of TV at Amazon Studios.
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“We are grateful to the New Zealand Film Commission, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Tourism New Zealand, Auckland Unlimited, and others for their tremendous collaboration that supported the New Zealand film sector and the local economy during the production of Season One,” added Sanders.
New Zealand has been the franchise’s home ever since the late ‘90s. The country also gave Amazon’s LOTR a 20% tax credit. That was worth approximately $114 million. However, the show could have qualified for an additional 5% if the production stayed there.
The Lord of the Rings will premiere on Prime Video on September 2, 2022.
How do you feel about the series moving over to the U.K. for its second season? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
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