Hopes for TTT & ROTK Anniversaries?

[FrodoEyes]

I really hope we get a new Easterling. Especially if we get Khumul from BOTFA. They’d look awfully sharp next to each other.

Nothing wrong with the Easterling we already have, it's one of my favorites. Why do we always want new, new, new? New means even more expensive!
The easterling wraith from the Hobbit would be great, but i don't see why we need an updated easterling, there's nothing to update.

[Stig]

If anything, we need a new Haradhrim. The SSW Easterling is really cool and I agree that it would look good with a Khamul wraith. I don't understand why they didn't start with that one, as it has the most unique design of the 6 Hobbit wraith designs.

[Ithildin]

Nothing wrong with the Easterling we already have, it's one of my favorites. Why do we always want new, new, new? New means even more expensive!

Well with being 20 years into this and having done a representation of just about everything already, I guess if they aren't going to make anything new Weta should just pack it up on the LOTR and move on to other licenses.

[AmberDwarf]

Well with being 20 years into this and having done a representation of just about everything already, I guess if they aren't going to make anything new Weta should just pack it up on the LOTR and move on to other licenses.

Don't think THAT is gonna happen for another 2-4 years, or more. Whether Peter Jackson is involved or not, Amazon has put around half a billion (at least) into the Middle Earth series. The hype machine hasn't even begun. IMO it would be terrible from a business standpoint to not take advantage.

Or as Bilbo put it, you have to be careful where the road takes you. The Hobbit movies alone had me looking back at LOTR as well, and learning all kinds of new things. New appreciations. I just feel bad for incoming fans, who may want things long sold out, whether replica weapons, figures, or other. I hate that feeling of "I wish I had picked that up when I had the chance" even tho there was a good reason I didn't, at the time. The trouble with Middle Earth is, it's forever, once you're hooked.

[FrodoEyes]

Well with being 20 years into this and having done a representation of just about everything already, I guess if they aren't going to make anything new Weta should just pack it up on the LOTR and move on to other licenses.

Well, you and I know that's just not true. Denethor, gondorian soldier, fountain guard... even an Ithilien ranger.

My point is the Easterling we have is pretty much what a new one would look like. They can't just make it bigger like they did the Argonath, they can't add any more detail because the one we have is perfect. Weta made a new Moria orc or two but incorporated them into a new cave troll statue, making a diorama. The Easterlings didn't have many scenes so you probably couldn't add them into a diorama.

I agree that a new Haradrim would be better as the SSW one leaves a lot to be desired, and you could base it on a character that left an impression - the Mumak rider.

[Ithildin]

Don't think THAT is gonna happen for another 2-4 years, or more. Whether Peter Jackson is involved or not, Amazon has put around half a billion (at least) into the Middle Earth series. The hype machine hasn't even begun. IMO it would be terrible from a business standpoint to not take advantage.

Or as Bilbo put it, you have to be careful where the road takes you. The Hobbit movies alone had me looking back at LOTR as well, and learning all kinds of new things. New appreciations. I just feel bad for incoming fans, who may want things long sold out, whether replica weapons, figures, or other. I hate that feeling of "I wish I had picked that up when I had the chance" even tho there was a good reason I didn't, at the time. The trouble with Middle Earth is, it's forever, once you're hooked.

Well, you and I know that's just not true. Denethor, gondorian soldier, fountain guard... even an Ithilien ranger.

My point is the Easterling we have is pretty much what a new one would look like. They can't just make it bigger like they did the Argonath, they can't add any more detail because the one we have is perfect. Weta made a new Moria orc or two but incorporated them into a new cave troll statue, making a diorama. The Easterlings didn't have many scenes so you probably couldn't add them into a diorama.

I agree that a new Haradrim would be better as the SSW one leaves a lot to be desired, and you could base it on a character that left an impression - the Mumak rider.

I know it's not true, I was just being a stinker.

There is stuff that hasn't been done before but I'm beginning to wonder if Weta will ever get around to it as they seem to really only go for characters that they think will be a home run for sales. (AKA main characters)

I think that stuff like a generic 2nd age Númenórean warrior would sell really well but does Weta? Time really hasn't shown that to be true.

[Mirrorinthemirror]

If they do a new easterling soldier, they should do with Frodo and Sam as a “rock”.

[TMcLim]

If Weta sticks to their current pre order philosophy, they might be more willing to take chances on characters like a Gondorian soldier or Numenorean soldier, as they aren't going to get burnt holding a bunch of unsold stock and having to discount it heavily just to move it.

[Mirrorinthemirror]

If Weta sticks to their current pre order philosophy, they might be more willing to take chances on characters like a Gondorian soldier or Numenorean soldier, as they aren't going to get burnt holding a bunch of unsold stock and having to discount it heavily just to move it.

If they continue the preorder system for minor characters and don’t get the number WETA want, will the prices get higher than we expect?

[TMcLim]

If they continue the preorder system for minor characters and don’t get the number WETA want, will the prices get higher than we expect?

That I couldn't tell you, idk if they make a minimum number of statues or not. The price is set before the pre order so idk how that would effect the price. It's hard to see how Weta would get in trouble regardless as every statue they make has already been pre ordered. Assuming that Weta doesn't make a minimum number.

[FrodoEyes]

Even if they don’t sell 1000, I’m sure that will be off set by edition sizes such as the Argonath where they sell more than they expect. There’s no way Weta would put an ES of over 1000 on anything if they were pre-determining the size. I bet they were rubbing their hands with glee when they saw how many people pre ordered the Argonath.

But, if they’re concerned maybe they should just get all these minor characters out of the way in one go and have Denethor, fountain guard, Gondor soldier and a Numenorean soldier all on one base together and have done with it

[Mirrorinthemirror]

Even if they don’t sell 1000, I’m sure that will be off set by edition sizes such as the Argonath where they sell more than they expect. There’s no way Weta would put an ES of over 1000 on anything if they were pre-determining the size. I bet they were rubbing their hands with glee when they saw how many people pre ordered the Argonath.

But, if they’re concerned maybe they should just get all these minor characters out of the way in one go and have Denethor, fountain guard, Gondor soldier and a Numenorean soldier all on one base together and have done with it

Haha what are they doing together?

[TMcLim]

But, if they’re concerned maybe they should just get all these minor characters out of the way in one go and have Denethor, fountain guard, Gondor soldier and a Numenorean soldier all on one base together and have done with it

Just a massive statue of them carrying Faramir off to get burnt alive while the fountain guard looks on, 9 or 10 1:6 figures and 10,000$ later haha. You know some people would actually buy it.

[hbw60]

This has probably been mentioned in other threads. But I also hope that for ROTK, we get a Frodo statue that can fit into the new Bag End study. Presumably, Bilbo and his chair will be removable. So it'd be wonderful to be able to choose between Bilbo beginning the tale, or Frodo completing it.

As I've gotten older, the vast difference between Bilbo and Frodo's journeys has become one of the most important themes for me in the trilogy. It feels more relevant every day. When Bilbo found the One Ring, it became a wonderful addition to his life. It gave him perpetual youth, wealth from Erebor, and the power to become invisible whenever he pleased. Bilbo went on a magical adventure, and lived an enviable life of peace and happiness, with just a touch of adventure.

Nearly all of the negative consequences of owning the One Ring fell to Frodo. He never benefited from owning it. He was hunted, stabbed, tortured, starved, and driven to the most bitter ends of exhaustion and torment. Galadriel was not wrong when she said that "the quest will take his life".

And that's how I see the world today. My grandparents were born around 1930. They reached adulthood right around the end of WWII, and joined the workforce just in time to experience a booming global economy. Their generation walked on the Moon, had high living standards, and could easily afford a home on any income. Their lives were enhanced by technology, without being consumed by it. They lived in a time of relatively clean air/water, and a much greater abundance of nature.

But that lifestyle came with a price, which is only now coming due. The natural world is disappearing, and mass extinction is collapsing the environment. Our air, water, and land are becoming poisoned and thick with chemicals. The economy is rigged to favor the ultra-rich, while housing and basic necessities are becoming ever more expensive. The world is becoming angrier, more misinformed, and more divided. Technology has become an ugly, terrible force for evil. The older generations unknowingly created a system that doomed their descendants. And the relationship between Bilbo and Frodo is such a perfect representation of this.

So I'd love to have a matching set for the writing desk at Bag End. We now have a cheerful Bilbo, happily remembering his exciting life. I'd love to contrast that with a broken, nine-fingered Frodo, wearily recording his history. It'd be a stark reminder of how the Ring changed their lives in such dramatically different ways.

[N2Darkness]

This has probably been mentioned in other threads. But I also hope that for ROTK, we get a Frodo statue that can fit into the new Bag End study. Presumably, Bilbo and his chair will be removable. So it'd be wonderful to be able to choose between Bilbo beginning the tale, or Frodo completing it.

So I'd love to have a matching set for the writing desk at Bag End. We now have a cheerful Bilbo, happily remembering his exciting life. I'd love to contrast that with a broken, nine-fingered Frodo, wearily recording his history. It'd be a stark reminder of how the Ring changed their lives in such dramatically different ways.

This is an awesome idea and one I completely get behind! It would be a perfect addition or bookend if you will to the entire trilogy.

ROTK3.png ROTK4.png

[Ragadaz]

Hello. That sounds like a great idea and I think Weta will do it. Only problem if Bag end inside has many changes— I’m not an expert on this. It might be nice to see the Hobbit Bilbo in there as an option.

Also with the new Bag End- a few mini Bilbos
I’d be up for an Easterling. Maybe battling Rohirrim as described by Tolkien.

[Mitheithel]

This has probably been mentioned in other threads. But I also hope that for ROTK, we get a Frodo statue that can fit into the new Bag End study. Presumably, Bilbo and his chair will be removable. So it'd be wonderful to be able to choose between Bilbo beginning the tale, or Frodo completing it.

As I've gotten older, the vast difference between Bilbo and Frodo's journeys has become one of the most important themes for me in the trilogy. It feels more relevant every day. When Bilbo found the One Ring, it became a wonderful addition to his life. It gave him perpetual youth, wealth from Erebor, and the power to become invisible whenever he pleased. Bilbo went on a magical adventure, and lived an enviable life of peace and happiness, with just a touch of adventure.

Nearly all of the negative consequences of owning the One Ring fell to Frodo. He never benefited from owning it. He was hunted, stabbed, tortured, starved, and driven to the most bitter ends of exhaustion and torment. Galadriel was not wrong when she said that "the quest will take his life".

And that's how I see the world today. My grandparents were born around 1930. They reached adulthood right around the end of WWII, and joined the workforce just in time to experience a booming global economy. Their generation walked on the Moon, had high living standards, and could easily afford a home on any income. Their lives were enhanced by technology, without being consumed by it. They lived in a time of relatively clean air/water, and a much greater abundance of nature.

But that lifestyle came with a price, which is only now coming due. The natural world is disappearing, and mass extinction is collapsing the environment. Our air, water, and land are becoming poisoned and thick with chemicals. The economy is rigged to favor the ultra-rich, while housing and basic necessities are becoming ever more expensive. The world is becoming angrier, more misinformed, and more divided. Technology has become an ugly, terrible force for evil. The older generations unknowingly created a system that doomed their descendants. And the relationship between Bilbo and Frodo is such a perfect representation of this.

So I'd love to have a matching set for the writing desk at Bag End. We now have a cheerful Bilbo, happily remembering his exciting life. I'd love to contrast that with a broken, nine-fingered Frodo, wearily recording his history. It'd be a stark reminder of how the Ring changed their lives in such dramatically different ways.

Now there is a fantastic idea! Weta please read this.....

[Levidas]

As I've gotten older, the vast difference between Bilbo and Frodo's journeys has become one of the most important themes for me in the trilogy. It feels more relevant every day. When Bilbo found the One Ring, it became a wonderful addition to his life. It gave him perpetual youth, wealth from Erebor, and the power to become invisible whenever he pleased. Bilbo went on a magical adventure, and lived an enviable life of peace and happiness, with just a touch of adventure.

Nearly all of the negative consequences of owning the One Ring fell to Frodo. He never benefited from owning it. He was hunted, stabbed, tortured, starved, and driven to the most bitter ends of exhaustion and torment. Galadriel was not wrong when she said that "the quest will take his life".

And that's how I see the world today. My grandparents were born around 1930. They reached adulthood right around the end of WWII, and joined the workforce just in time to experience a booming global economy. Their generation walked on the Moon, had high living standards, and could easily afford a home on any income. Their lives were enhanced by technology, without being consumed by it. They lived in a time of relatively clean air/water, and a much greater abundance of nature.

But that lifestyle came with a price, which is only now coming due. The natural world is disappearing, and mass extinction is collapsing the environment. Our air, water, and land are becoming poisoned and thick with chemicals. The economy is rigged to favor the ultra-rich, while housing and basic necessities are becoming ever more expensive. The world is becoming angrier, more misinformed, and more divided. Technology has become an ugly, terrible force for evil. The older generations unknowingly created a system that doomed their descendants. And the relationship between Bilbo and Frodo is such a perfect representation of this.

This is such a deep reflection of the applicability of their journeys. I never realized it that way, but it makes perfect sense. I feel the same too; perhaps I would just change the adverb 'unknowingly' because, despite perhaps not encompassing the general population, I believe that the biggest polluters - and ultimately the most responsible for this current suffering - knew already at the time the effects they would cause. They unfortunately lacked a Gandalf, to 'forcefully' advise them to safely leave the 'One Ring' behind for those who came after them...
Can we now continue in history and extrapolate what will happen in the future? Frodo did succeed, but at what cost? Will we succeed too? I believe so

Anyway, with your permission I'll save this text to later display it with these statues, if/when they are made, as a deep and critical analysis of their meaning. Thanks hbw60!

[Tugra]

This has probably been mentioned in other threads. But I also hope that for ROTK, we get a Frodo statue that can fit into the new Bag End study. Presumably, Bilbo and his chair will be removable. So it'd be wonderful to be able to choose between Bilbo beginning the tale, or Frodo completing it.

As I've gotten older, the vast difference between Bilbo and Frodo's journeys has become one of the most important themes for me in the trilogy. It feels more relevant every day. When Bilbo found the One Ring, it became a wonderful addition to his life. It gave him perpetual youth, wealth from Erebor, and the power to become invisible whenever he pleased. Bilbo went on a magical adventure, and lived an enviable life of peace and happiness, with just a touch of adventure.

Nearly all of the negative consequences of owning the One Ring fell to Frodo. He never benefited from owning it. He was hunted, stabbed, tortured, starved, and driven to the most bitter ends of exhaustion and torment. Galadriel was not wrong when she said that "the quest will take his life".

And that's how I see the world today. My grandparents were born around 1930. They reached adulthood right around the end of WWII, and joined the workforce just in time to experience a booming global economy. Their generation walked on the Moon, had high living standards, and could easily afford a home on any income. Their lives were enhanced by technology, without being consumed by it. They lived in a time of relatively clean air/water, and a much greater abundance of nature.

But that lifestyle came with a price, which is only now coming due. The natural world is disappearing, and mass extinction is collapsing the environment. Our air, water, and land are becoming poisoned and thick with chemicals. The economy is rigged to favor the ultra-rich, while housing and basic necessities are becoming ever more expensive. The world is becoming angrier, more misinformed, and more divided. Technology has become an ugly, terrible force for evil. The older generations unknowingly created a system that doomed their descendants. And the relationship between Bilbo and Frodo is such a perfect representation of this.

So I'd love to have a matching set for the writing desk at Bag End. We now have a cheerful Bilbo, happily remembering his exciting life. I'd love to contrast that with a broken, nine-fingered Frodo, wearily recording his history. It'd be a stark reminder of how the Ring changed their lives in such dramatically different ways.

Thank you for this extremely valuable contribution. I love the vision you put forward. (also helps me justify the price I paid for BB in Bag End )

[pocketreef]

hbw60 - mind-blowing parallels. A Frodo closing his chapter with 9.5 fingers would be an awesome piece. And don't worry, we live in an ancestor simulation so everything worked out just fine.