Fans of The Lord of the Rings have a reason to celebrate in 2026. The extended editions of Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy will return to theatres for two weekends in January.
The special screenings mark the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Fathom Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures announced the theatrical return on Friday.
The screenings will give fans a chance to experience J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic story on the big screen once again.
Lots of extra runtime
Peter Jackson’s films are already known for their long runtimes. The extended editions add even more scenes and story details.
The Return of the King extended edition runs for almost four and a half hours.
Meanwhile, The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers each run for just under four hours.
Fans can also enjoy special D-BOX presentations during the first weekend from January 16 to 18, where available. These screenings aim to enhance the experience with immersive sound and visuals.
Fathom Entertainment CEO Ray Nutt praised the trilogy’s impact on cinema and audiences.
He said the films combined stunning visuals, memorable performances and epic storytelling. He also described the trilogy as a major cinematic achievement that raised the standard for big-screen filmmaking.
The 2026 screenings will feature Jackson’s extended editions. Select locations will also offer 4DX presentations.
About Jackson’s famous trilogy
Peter Jackson directed The Lord of the Rings trilogy between 2001 and 2003. The films brought Tolkien’s Middle-earth to a huge global audience.
The story follows Frodo Baggins as he begins a dangerous mission to destroy the One Ring.
The trilogy became a major box-office success and earned 17 Academy Awards. It also remains one of the most celebrated film series in cinema history.
In 2021, the Library of Congress selected The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
The 25th anniversary celebration will give longtime fans another opportunity to watch the trilogy in cinemas. It also gives a new generation the chance to discover Jackson’s Middle-earth on the big screen.
The return also comes ahead of another Middle-earth adventure. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.
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