Lord of the Rings has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity lately. Why? Perhaps the better question would be why hasn't it always been this popular? Whatever the case, it might have something to do with the first film celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. But do Elijah Wood and the other stars have any plans to make a whole big thing out of it?
Well, according to Frodo himself, chances are rather slim, at least for now. Wood recently spoke about the possibility of bringing the cast back together for a 20-year Lord of the Rings reunion. It's a momentous occasion, after all. So the idea of having such an event almost seems like a no-brainer. However, this is no normal year, and it would take more than putting on the One Ring to escape these circumstances.
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In an interview with Looper, Wood explained that there have been conversations about a reunion, but added that nothing has come together yet for a few reasons. "It's also difficult because of COVID. I don't know that we could even get to New Zealand," Wood said. "In fact, I'm almost sure we couldn't get to New Zealand unless there were some major permits and some sort of way in there, which I suppose is possible, but that country's shut down." Naturally, any proper Lord of the Rings reunion would have to take place in New Zealand. Anything less would be like having a business meeting at Chuck E. Cheese.
That's right, December 2021 will mark 20 years since The Fellowship of the Ring moseyed its way into theaters. It became a hit pretty quickly and introduced the moviegoing public to what many now consider the definitive take on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy masterpiece. That's not even to mention the eventual release of the Lord of the Rings extended editions, which sparked 12-hour movie marathons around the world to the bane of poor unsuspecting couch cushions everywhere.
Wood's comments are completely understandable. It makes perfect sense that, while the cast members may have been discussing such a reunion, they wouldn't want to risk a large gathering while a deadly pandemic continues to rage on. Unfortunately, the real-world equivalent of orcs in this case is just people who refuse to get vaccinated for the safety of everyone. So fixing the problem that is preventing the reunion isn't quite as easy as, say, toppling an all-seeing overlord bent on world domination. Don't worry, though. Wood still seems optimistic. "I think there will absolutely be a gathering," he continued. "I know we all want to celebrate together, and I think we want to be able to find a space that works for everybody. There are a lot of people who would love to sit down at a giant table and raise a glass to our experience, collectively, share stories and just hang out."
Luckily, there will be at least 2 more chances for a proper Lord of the Rings reunion, thanks to the still upcoming anniversaries of The Two Towers and the record-breaking The Return of the King, respectively. Maybe a big event 20 years after the 3rd film's release would even be more appropriate. After all, a party is never late, nor is it early. It arrives precisely when it means to.
The Lord of the Rings films are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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Source: Looper