Fans of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy have a reason to rejoice as the third film, “The Return of the King,” is set to hit theatres again in an extended cut to commemorate its 20th anniversary. According to Deadline, the extended edition will experience a theatrical run next month, with the screenings preceded by a special introduction from the franchise’s star, Elijah Wood, who played Frodo Baggins in all three films. Wood will discuss the rich worlds and beloved characters that keep viewers coming back for more, highlighting the lasting impact of the universe first conjured by J.R.R. Tolkien in his epic ’50s fantasy novel.
The extended edition is set to release on April 13 and April 19 in the US, while in Canada it will be released on April 20 at 7 p.m. local time. Fans can purchase tickets for the 20th-anniversary screenings of the extended edition of “The Return of the King” through the Fathom Events website.
The screenings are a great way to remember the impact of the entire “Lord of the Rings” franchise, with the “Return of the King” grossing more than $1.1 billion worldwide. Additionally, the film won 11 Oscars, tying “Titanic” and “Ben-Hur” for the most Academy Awards ever won by a single film.
Furthermore, Wood’s introduction to the film screening will feature footage captured at LA Comic Con of the World Premiere of the brand new LOTR Roleplaying tabletop game. The event will feature a celebrity cast to raise funds for Extra Life for Kids, a program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Celebrity panels will be on hand to raise money for the Extra Life For Kids fundraising program, in conjunction with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
“The Return of the King,” along with the two other films in the trilogy, has become an iconic symbol of the fantasy genre and continues to captivate audiences all over the world. Jackson’s adaptation of Tolkien’s books kept viewers immersed in another world for over nine hours, and the extended cut is set to draw fans into the universe once again, allowing them to revisit characters and moments that have become cherished cultural touchstones.