Film Rights to First & Second Age

[Lalwendë]

If they tried contesting the estate and used some sneaky way of making films out of the material then it would be no better than stealing.

Would it be worth it? Many Tolkien fans would be upset by something like that and wouldn't go to see the film. And bearing in mind that the material in the Sil is worlds away from the clear-cut narrative of Lord of the Rings (the plot is a gift to a scriptwriter, it's so finely crafted), there's no guarantee it would turn up a good story. Nor is there any guarantee that fantasy films will even be popular in a few years, they're already beginning to die back, that's the nature of fashion. Oh yes, and the impending Credit Crunch - not that many studios will be too keen on risky, expensive films if that hits.