Amazon Studios' venture into the world of Middle-earth just took another major step forward with the announcement that Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom director J.A. Bayona will helm the first two episodes of the upcoming Lord of the Rings series.
"J.R.R. Tolkien created one of the most extraordinary and inspiring stories of all time, and as a lifelong fan it is an honor and a joy to join this amazing team," Bayona said in a statement. "I can’t wait to take audiences around the world back to Middle-earth and have them discover the wonders of the Second Age, with a never-before-seen story."
In addition to directing the first two episodes of the series, Bayona will executive produce alongside Belén Atienza.
"The scope and breadth of J.A.’s world-building is exactly the right fit for our ambitions for The Lord of the Rings," Head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke said. "He’s a passionate and collaborative director who has brought new stories to life with his multitalented producing partner, Belén. We are all excited for them to join our writers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, and we can’t think of a better way to begin this journey to Middle-earth."
Little is known about the Lord of the Rings series at this time, as security on the project remains airtight. However, we do know it will be set in the Second Age, which is the time period in which Sauron rose to power and forged the all-powerful One Ring that served as the driving force behind both the J.R.R. Tolkien novels and the film trilogy.