It’s been 14 years since The Lord of the Rings trilogy ended with The Return of the King – a film that went on to win 12 Oscars.
Since then Peter Jackson has gone on to make The Hobbit trilogy, but it’s the original three films that are wildly held as the best by fans.
With nine members of the Fellowship, it would only seem right to have nine incredible facts to celebrate a trilogy that came 23rd, 16th and 10th in Empire’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
1. The battle scene in The Fellowship of the Ring’s prologue was inspired by the action made famous in James Bond pre-credits scenes.
2. All characters wore a wig except for Billy Jackson, the son of director Peter Jackson, who apparently had perfect hobbit hair.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
3. The portraits of Bilbo’s parents on Bag End’s mantlepiece are based on Peter Jackson and his wife Fran Walsh, who was also a producer.
4. Gollum actor Andy Serkis voiced the Black Rider who asks for the location of “Baggins” on arrival in The Shire.
5. When the Fellowship are seen mourning Gandalf’s death outside the Mines of Moria, the shots were filmed before Sir Ian McKellen had even arrived on set for the first time.
6. In the early running shot of The Two Towers, Aragon actor Viggo Mortensen had broken his toe, Gimli size-double Brett Beatty had dislocated his knee and Legolas actor Orlando Bloom had cracked his rib falling off a horse.
7. When Aragorn fights at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields in The Return of the King, the first Orc he killed was played by Viggo Mortensen’s son, Henry.
8. Saruman star Sir Christopher Lee, who died in 2015, is the only cast member to have met JRR Tolkien in person. Lee was a huge fan who could speak Elvish and read The Lord of the Rings trilogy once a year.
9. Howard Shore, the films’ composer, had a cameo as an extra in the extended version of The Return of the King. He can be seen behind Legolas during the drinking game scene.
The Lord of The Rings: Return of The King is part of the ICONIC MOMENTS NUMBERED COLLECTION available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download now.