From 2012-2014 Lego produced a total of 12 full sets based on the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, a further 14 based on the Hobbit film trilogy, as well as two critically acclaimed video games.  This theme produced many iconic sets and minifigures, that were highly praised by both fans of Lego and Tolkien, and was popular among all ages. Unfortunately, the theme was discontinued after just those few sets, but I have outlined below evidence that its return is in demand and why now is the perfect time.

Missing sets and content.

The theme finished far from complete, below are several examples.

The Lego Hobbit video game released prior to the final film of the trilogy. This content was promised to be added in a Battle of the Five Armies DLC, but this was never released.

A lot of important content from the films and books was completely left out. To name just a few the following iconic events and locations were never made into sets.

• The city of Minas Tirith (Rejected by Lego Ideas twice)
• The village of Bree / The Prancing pony Inn
• The tower of Barad-dûr
• The Argonath statues
• The forest of Lothlórien (Rejected by Lego Ideas)
• Escape from the Trolls.
• Gandalf and the Balrog

Despite all of the following having completed designs featured in the video games, none of them were produced into minifigures.

• Éowyn
• Captain Faramir
• King Thror
• Old Bilbo Baggins (as he appears in the Lord of the Rings).
• The Witch King of Angmar (in battle armour)
• Sauron (in armour as he appears in the prologue).
• Barliman Butterbur
• King Isildur
• Steward Denethor
• Gondorian, Haradrim and Easterling soldiers.

Strong appeal to adult fans of Lego (AFOLs)

In recent years Lego has been focused on creating sets that also appeal to AFOLs. With the theme having begun ten years ago, fans that were at the time in the target age range of 8-14 are now adults. Record demand for sets on the second-hand market has caused prices to increase by 120-590% of RRP as of 2022. The theme was the perfect draw to AFOLs. The builds included iconic and beautiful locations that fans of other themes like Lego architecture and castles appreciated. Additionally, the minifigures were intricately designed, and either highly collectable or great for army building.

Upcoming release of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video

In September 2022 Amazon Prime Video is releasing an exclusive series, that takes place prior to the events of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. Despite being somewhat controversial among Tolkien fans, with a record-breaking budget of over one billion dollars it will almost certainly increase the visibility of an already global fictional universe. In much the same way as the tepidly received Fantastic Beasts or Star Wars Sequel films have allowed Lego to capitalise on renewed interest in sets for the original Harry Potter/Star Wars films; this new series would be a driver for engagement in new Lord of the Rings/Hobbit sets alongside new sets based on this series.

Conclusion

Whether it be the 73 cm tall set 10237 The Tower of Orthanc (taller than the Hogwarts or Disney castles), the 9/10 Eurogamer review for Lego the Lord of the Rings videogame, or the dozens of creative new moulds for horses, beards, dragons and swords – the achievements of the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit theme have not been forgotten. Popular YouTube creators like BrotherhoodWorkshop and BrickLi have kept engagement in the theme alive despite its long absence. There is precedent for this to succeed, in response to fan petitions Lego released a 501st legion clones Lego star wars set. Fans both new and old should voice their support for the theme to return, so the sets and games can continue to be enjoyed by future generations as the Harry Potter/Star Wars themes have.